Color Therapy: How to Use Summer Shades to Boost Your Mood
Ever wonder why sitting by the ocean just feels... better? Or why slipping into a butter yellow sundress instantly lifts your vibe? It’s not just your imagination.
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| Color Therapy How to Use Summer Shades to Boost Your Mood |
Color psychology is a real thing, and this summer’s trending shades aren’t just about looking cute—they can actually help you feel good too.
Let’s break down the psychology behind some of this season’s most talked-about colors—like butter yellow, ocean blue, and coral—and how to incorporate them into your life for a mood boost that feels as effortless as it looks.
1. Butter Yellow: The Energy Booster You Didn’t Know You Needed
You know that soft, pale yellow shade that’s been everywhere lately? From Instagram interiors to linen shirts and bucket bags? That’s butter yellow, and it’s not just trendy—it’s scientifically proven to be uplifting.
Why It Works:
Yellow is linked to optimism, clarity, and warmth. Lighter tones like butter yellow keep things mellow and calm, avoiding the intensity of bright lemon shades while still bringing sunshine energy into your space and wardrobe.
How to Style It:
Linen button-down shirts
Ceramic mugs or kitchen accessories
Throw pillows or bed sheets
Pro Tip: Butter yellow looks incredible when paired with white or soft sage green. It’s the kind of color you’ll keep reaching for without even realizing it.
2. Ocean Blue: Your Summer Calm Reset
Whether you’re near the coast or living in a city far from water, adding ocean-inspired blues into your life instantly gives you that cool, fresh feeling. Ocean blue isn’t as intense as navy, but it’s deeper than baby blue—kind of like denim meets sea spray.
Why It Works:
Blues are universally calming. Studies have shown that blue tones help slow heart rate and reduce anxiety. It’s no coincidence spas and meditation apps lean into this color family.
Where to Add It:
Oversized button-down shirts or beach cover-ups
Home decor: think bedding, wall art, or towels
Nail polish or eyeliner accents
Mood Tip: Try an ocean blue water bottle or journal cover. That subtle daily exposure helps keep the calming vibes rolling without overthinking it.
3. Coral: The Happy Hour Hue
Coral hits the perfect balance between pink and orange, making it both energizing and approachable. It’s been showing up in everything from summer lipstick shades to poolside decor this year—and for good reason.
Why It Works:
Coral evokes warmth, sociability, and creativity. It stimulates without overwhelming, unlike neon oranges or hot pinks. Plus, it flatters most skin tones, which makes it a go-to for beauty and fashion.
How to Rock Coral This Summer:
Swimsuits or sarongs
Blush or lip tints
Accent home items: candles, vases, or statement chairs
Bonus Idea: A coral manicure might sound small, but seeing that pop of color throughout the day definitely lifts your energy—like your own personal mood booster.
4. How to Blend Summer Shades Without Overdoing It
Mixing colors for mood and style is kind of like making a summer salad. It’s about balance. Too much of one thing can feel overwhelming, but layering different shades thoughtfully creates a whole new energy.
Try This Combo:
Butter Yellow Dress + Coral Earrings
Ocean Blue Shirt + White Jeans + Straw Accessories
Coral Throw Pillows + Butter Yellow Bedding + Ocean Blue Accent Wall
Pro Styling Tip: If bold colors aren’t your usual thing, try starting small—nail polish, sunglasses, or a reusable shopping tote in one of these shades can introduce the mood without feeling like a full-on color commitment.
5. Color Therapy Beyond Fashion: Spaces, Food, and More
This isn't just about clothes or decor. Color can affect how you experience daily life in smaller, less obvious ways too.
In Your Kitchen:
Butter yellow bowls for your morning cereal
Coral water bottles or reusable straws
Ocean blue plates or linen napkins
In Your Beauty Routine:
Coral lip gloss or eyeshadow
Butter yellow or sky blue hair clips
Ocean blue nail polish
In Self-Care:
Light a coral or butter yellow candle while journaling
Use a blue-tinted facial mist (or just keep a blue spray bottle of water in the fridge for hot days)
Why It Matters
When you surround yourself with colors that align with how you want to feel, it can really change your daily vibe. Summer is naturally a time when we crave brightness, lightness, and energy—so why not lean into that with colors that work for both your aesthetic and your mood?
It doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Swapping out a pillowcase, changing your phone wallpaper, or adding a new coral gloss to your makeup bag can make a subtle but real difference in how you feel day-to-day.
Final Thought:
At the end of the day, color therapy isn’t about following trends. It’s about finding shades that make you feel like your best self. And if that means painting a whole room ocean blue or just adding a butter yellow scrunchie to your ponytail, both are equally valid.
Now excuse me while I go hunt down the perfect coral sundress.