Ice cream shades are popular in the summer because they evoke a sense of playfulness, lightness, and relaxation, all of which are ideal for the season
This summer, refresh your wardrobe with colours inspired by colourful gelatos, popsicles, and ice creams. They can be worn with any outfit, from casual to formal, and are sure to make a statement in your Instagram photo gallery.
Yummy ideas:
The colours we choose are a reflection of our mood and this year the mood is one of discovery, playfulness, and self-expression. It comes as no surprise that the dominating ice cream shades this season are bolder, brighter, and yummier. Divya Agarwal, creative director of fashion label Qua, shares some fun ways to wear it for this season. She says, “Think juicy orange pops, rich raspberry sorbets, and electric blue moons. On the other end of the spectrum, the comforting pastels still have a firm grasp on fashion collections since their peak during the pandemic indicating the consumer’s continued desire for comfort, simplicity, and closeness to nature. Here we have hues ranging from soothing sage greens to cool lavenders and lilacs. The monochrome pastel look reigns supreme this season. And matching sets are the easiest way to embody this trend. Style yours with neutral accessories, ranging from taupe to eggshell for an elegant look. Or take the experimental route by pairing your pastel outfit with a contrasting color from the other end of the spectrum. Think of a banana-hued bag with a cool lavender outfit. Keep the heels neutral to avoid going overboard.”
Fruity, floral and flirty:
The ice cream mood board features soft, pastel colours such as pink, peach, lavender, mint, lemon, and ivory. They create a refreshing and calming effect and are perfect for holidays and sunny, breezy days. Designer Jayesh Shah’s Spring-Summer 2023 collection ‘Jaro’ showcases some interesting ways to incorporate ice cream shades into your summer wardrobe. He mentions, “Firstly, you can choose to wear an ice cream shade as a statement piece, such as a blazer or a pair of pants, and pair it with neutral tones to balance the look. Alternatively, you can create a monochromatic look by wearing different shades of ice cream colours from head to toe. For a more casual look, opt for relaxed, unstructured pieces made from breathable fabrics like linen and cotton. My favorite ice cream shade is a tie between the soft lavender and the delicate peach. Both shades are incredibly versatile and can be styled in many ways. The lavender gives a touch of sophistication to any outfit, while the peach is playful and feminine.”
Barbiecore inspired:
Everything with a tinge of colour, from candy pastels to vibrant sorbet hues, is what the summer palette looks like. Bright pops of colours are making a huge comeback, thanks to the Barbiecore trend that the GenZs are crushing on. According to designer Martina Jaiswal of the fashion label Marty Co, “If you believe in wearing your hearts on your sleeves, choose the right textures, fabrics, and prints to express your emotions. We have our hearts set on the limes of the lemon sorbet, the pastel pink of the bubblegum ice cream, and the berry tones of the blueberry gelato. Co-ord sets and mono-tone dressing seem to be a crowd favourite. You can either play with the same colour or neutralise it with accessories depending on your personal style. Mono-tone dressing with cool shades, a micro-bag, and stacked jewellery is the best way to create an eye-catchy look.”
Make it pop:
Inspired by the fresh, fruity, and earthy shades, there are multiple ways to wear ice cream shades for daytime events, brunches, and even weddings. Designer Shilpi Gupta compares them to bold candy colours, and says, “The ice cream colours are essential for summer and one can wear them tone on tone or mix it with contrast colours to create some outstanding looks. One can also wear them as pop shades on a basic or neutral colour outfit. They don’t require much effort to style and with minimal layering and accessories, the ensembles in these colours can add sophistication and fun to any occasion.”
Trend alert:
Overall, the key to wearing ice cream shades this season is to keep it light, airy, and effortless. Pastel shades inspired by ice creams and gelatos are versatile and can be styled in many ways. From monochromatic looks to neutral pairings and bold statements, there are endless possibilities to experiment with these colours. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different shades or experiment with different styles and textures to create a unique look that reflects your personality, recommends designer Jayesh Shah, and adds, “Pair these shades with metallic tones like silver or gold to add some shine to your outfit. Alternatively, you can opt for neutral accessories like white or beige bags and shoes to keep the focus on the ice cream shades. And, don’t be afraid to experiment with different textures like lace, chiffon, or silk to add some depth to your look.”
