As the temperature rises and the scent of pine trees hang in the air, my wardrobe goes through a seasonal shift — not just in layers, but in attitude. Gone are the heavy, dark colors I don through winter. In their place? A vibrant color story that mirrors the wild landscapes we wander in the summer.
The mountains are in bloom — and so is your wardrobe. Summer colors mimic the same carefree spirit in more saturated hues that evoke happiness. Long days climbing mountain peaks, dipping your toes into high alpine lakes and meandering through wildflower-strewn meadows call for clothes that make us feel just as alive. And this year, outdoor gear is leaning into that vibe with playful palettes that capture the essence of summer in the mountains.
Of course, not every trending tone deserves a place in your closet. The key is finding colors that feel adventurous and authentic to you.
Let’s take a lap around the color wheel and explore the newest athletic apparel in the shades of the season.
Butter Yellow: The Softer Side of Sunshine
Butter Yellow is the mellow mood-booster of summer. Think golden hour bottled up and stitched into your favorite trail-ready layer. It’s warm without being loud, soft without fading into the background. It’s like your first cup of morning coffee: comforting, energizing and just the right amount of perk.
Sure, summer is known for its bold splashes of color, but not everyone wants to blaze trails in highlighter yellow like we do to stand out in the dark days of winter. Butter Yellow is a laid-back alternative that’s still here for the fun. It’s bright enough to break up your black and gray gear, but calm enough to play nicely with nature’s neutrals like olive, navy, brown and all shades of denim.
Whether you’re hiking, hammocking or just vibing, this pale, happy hue is your go-to for bringing the brightness with a buzz.
Shop the Shade:
Whispy Pink: Soft Power in Full Bloom
Float like a petal, shred like a pro. Whispy Pink is the quiet standout of summer’s colors. An airy, blush-toned hue that whispers sweet nothings while bagging summits and biking switchbacks. But don’t mistake this pastel for passive. It’s pink with purpose, a softness with strength.
Gone are the days of “shrink it and pink it” with flaming fuchsia. It’s not hot pink Barbiecore or sticky sweet bubblegum either. It’s more like a backcountry ballerina: skilled, strong and nimble. Whispy Pink strikes the perfect balance of grace and grit — think tough girl attitude with pretty style. It’s more of a wearable nod to femininity that isn’t fragile. Think of it as your love letter to wild places and a reminder that style and strength go hand in hand.
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Lavender: Trailside Tranquility
Don’t let this delicate vibe fool you — lavender is taking over the outdoor apparel world. This breezy, blue-tinged purple strikes the perfect balance: soft enough to be serene, but bold enough to make a statement in a sea of neutrals.
Lavender brings a sense of calm to the chaos of summer adventures. It’s the color of alpine blooms, twilight skies and that post-hike exhale. Want to keep things subtle? Pair it with go-to basics like black, gray or cream. Want to crank up the color? Match it with deep greens, navy or chocolate brown for an earthy contrast. Or go full summer sorbet and mix it with juicy tones like spring green, orange sherbet or lemon yellow.
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Pistachio Green: Fashionable in the Forest
Softer than moss, sunnier than sage, Pistachio Green feels like a deep breath of mountain air. It’s the kind of color you’d find on the underside of a leaf or in the sun-dappled shimmer of aspen groves. This mellow, yellow-hued green is what happens when alpine freshness meets fashion finesse.
Gone are the days of highlighter hues and retina-searing neons (we’re looking at you, Brat Green). This summer is about adopting more organic hues that feel effortless. Pistachio Green hits the sweet spot between feeling grounded and stylish. It’s as if olive green took a spa day and came back lighter and brighter. It’s earthy enough to blend in, but distinct enough to stand out.
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Marigold: For the Bold and the Bright
Marigold isn’t a color — it’s a whole mood. This vibrant tone shouts optimism and adventure. Think spontaneous road trips, afternoons spent basking in the sunshine, dancing outside in the golden glow of the setting sun and the happiness of eating ice cream.
What is marigold? Richer than yellow, bolder than orange, marigold is unapologetically joyful. And really, isn’t that what summer is all about? So why not let your gear match summer’s state of mind: bold, bright and a little wild.
Shop the Shade:
Color Story
Summer’s trending tones are more than a pretty palette — they’re an invitation to play, move and express yourself in every color of adventure. Embrace the full spectrum of style and let your outdoor gear reflect the way that summer feels: vibrant, light and full of possibility. No matter your style, there’s a shade for every trailblazer this season.
Read the first column of the Outdoorista series here.