There’s truly nothing I love more than summer. The iced coffees, the garden lounging, the beach days in bikinis—it all just hits differently. But one of my favorite parts of the season? The wardrobe switch. This week, I officially packed away my winter layers and made room for breezy dresses, strappy sandals and linen everything. And as I did, I felt that familiar urge to reset.
Lately, I’ve been trying to steer clear of quick-fix trends and instead focus on building a wardrobe with longevity. That means investing in pieces I know I’ll reach for year after year. To help narrow things down, I’ve been using colour as a guiding principle—pinpointing chic, seasonal shades that still feel versatile enough to wear beyond a single summer.
Shopping this way has completely shifted my approach. I’ve found myself considering pieces I wouldn’t normally gravitate toward, but that end up working surprisingly well within my existing wardrobe. With that in mind—and wanting to refresh my wardrobe without going overboard—I headed to my go-to: H&M. As I scrolled the new-in page, four standout colours kept popping up again and again. Translation? These hues are about to be everywhere.
From effortless dresses to chic sunglasses, statement sandals to wear-on-repeat shorts, H&M is making a strong case for the ultimate summer capsule, at a pretty affordable price. Scroll on to see the pretty colour trends the brand has nailed for summer 2025, and the pieces I’m considering for each.
4 Summer Colour Trends H&M Has Mastered:
1. CHOCOLATE BROWN
Style Notes: My wardrobe completely consists of blacks, whites and neutrals-I’m not much of a colour person. When it comes to summer I sometimes want something softer than black. Enter: chocolate brown. Its rich hue looks makes any outfit look so much more expensive than it is.
Tailored shorts are a great alternative to denim.
A versatile bag to go from work to drinks in the park.
H&M
Tie-Strap Beach Dress
I can imagine wearing this on holiday.
Oval sunnies are so stylish.
H&M
Fringed Knitted Dress
H&M
Padded-Cup High-Leg Swimsuit
The asymmetric one shoulder and cut out detailing is so flattering.
2. LIGHT YELLOW
Style Notes: I am very wary when it comes to colour, as previously mentioned I tend to stick to neutral tones. However, one that keeps catching my eye that I would invest in is a light yellow. It’s pastel toned hue allows it to be styled as a neutral and paired easily with whites, browns and blacks.
H&M
Perforated Leather Ballet Pumps
Mesh ballet flats are everywhere right now.
H&M
Padded One-Shoulder Bikini Top
There’s no such thing as owning too many bikinis.
H&M
Tie-Detail Maxi Dress
This will quickly become a throw on summer staple.
H&M
Linen-Blend Rib-Knit Cardigan
Perfect for those chilly evenings.
H&M
Broderie Anglaise Cotton Blouse
This will look so cute styled with denim.
Wear with a boxy white tee or slinky cami depending on your occasion.
Style with the matching shorts or linen trousers for a fresh finish.
3. WHITE
Style Notes: It wouldn’t be a summer wardrobe without a crisp white, would it? There’s nothing I love more than strappy white dresses, white floaty skirts and white linen trousers. It gives such a fresh feel to any ensemble, just perhaps tread on the careful side if you’re clumsy.
H&M
Embroidered Strappy Top
A staple for summer with its floral embroidered detailing.
H&M
Ring-Detail Flip-Flops
These will go with so many different outfits.
H&M
Drawstring-Detail Poplin Dress
This looks so much more expensive than it is.
H&M
Wide Drawstring Trousers
A staple for a steal of a price.
H&M
Embroidered Neck Scarf
Neck scarves have been everywhere and I think they’re so cute.
H&M
Embroidery-Detail Dress
Perfect to throw on over a bikini on holiday.
H&M
Embroidered Tunic Dress
Just add sandals and a raffia bag for the ultimate summer feel.
4. KHAKI
Style Notes: Khaki is an age old firm favourite in the fashion world. In the winter it favours trench coats, and now as we descend into summer, expect to see linen trousers and shirt and short sets. Its muted tone gives an elegant feel that looks so much more expensive than it is.
A basic wardrobe essential.
I love it styled with the matching shirt.
H&M
Tailored Suit Waistcoat
A waistcoat instantly elevates any outfit.
H&M
Cropped Pull-On Trousers
These will look so flattering on anyone.
Essential for the heatwave.
A sleek alternative to a neutral tone.
