After spending most of 2020 in sweatpants, the color trends from the Spring/Summer 2021 runways offered a much-needed escape from the everyday. Though some designers chose to fill their spring collections with somber black looks that reflect our pandemic-stricken world, many chose happier hues that expressed a greater sense of optimism for the future.

This season's eye-catching colors are thanks in part to the digital formats influential fashion designers used to highlight their spring 2021 fashion trends. When viewed through a computer screen, vivid colors, voluminous silhouettes, and striking prints were far more impactful than minimalist neutrals.

Though the coronavirus made face masks a must-have accessory for the season to come, these 7 color trends in fashion will add an uplifting splash of color to your 2021 wardrobe.

Liven up your spring looks with these 7 color trends from the Spring/Summer 2021 runways

Marigold Yellow

When asked about the inspiration for their spring collections, designers optimistically looked ahead. The marigold yellow popular on the spring runways not only reflected designers' hope for the future but reminded loungewear-laded viewers of the joy of getting dressed. In fact, a sunny yellow color, Illuminating, is one of Pantone's Color of the Year for 2021.

The friendly yellow hue brightened the runways of Etro, Marques'Almeida, Prada, Richard Malone, and Tory Burch. At Miu Miu, the golden shade was paired with warm colors like red, orange, and caramel brown. Flowing marigold yellow dresses at Alberta Ferretti and Altuzarra left us dreaming of sunny days to come. The bold shade was also a popular color choice for spring's hottest jewelry, footwear, and accessories.

Sky Blue

After months of being stuck inside due to coronavirus restrictions in hard-hit cities like New York and Milan, designers drew renewed inspiration from the outdoors. A sky blue reminiscent of a cloudless summer day brought a breath of fresh air to streetwear and casual tailoring. At Boss, Fendi, and Ferragamo, monochrome blue looks marched the runways, accented with bright pops of pink, yellow, and orange footwear and handbags.

The sky blue hue was also seen at Acne Studios, Batsheva, Hermes, JW Anderson, Loewe, and Tom Ford. Other designers like Burberry, Marine Serre, Rokh, and Versace opted for a richer medium blue or teal instead. Shades of light blue also made their way into tie-dye prints at Dior and scarf prints at Rodarte.

Pumpkin Orange

Perhaps the most surprising color trend of the spring 2021 fashion season was an earthy pumpkin orange. Amongst a palette of predominantly floral hues, the autumny color felt uncharacteristically chic for spring. Unlike the unnatural fluorescent orange of seasons past, this spring's shade felt elegant and a tad earthy thanks to amber brown undertones. And as Pantone accurately predicted, it’s already panning out to be a popular color choice for New York Fashion Week’s fall runways.

The gingery color made an appearance at Altuzarra, Roksanda, and Tod's. At minimalist designers like The Row, rust-colored basics reflected a growing shift towards seasonless dressing. Their effortless button-ups, trousers, and midi skirts could be worn any time of year. The terracotta was also popular for maxi dresses, as seen at Dior, Tory Burch, Mara Hoffman, and Valentino.

Mint Green

While there's nothing groundbreaking about pastels for spring, the mint green color on the spring 2021 runways felt fresh as ever. After seasons saturated with neon colors, the muted green was a welcome sight.

Mint green made an appearance at Alberta Ferretti, Armani, Boss, Coperti, Ferragamo, Miu Miu, and more. At Ulla Johnson, Max Mara, and Tibi, cool menthol green was used for puff sleeve jackets and dresses. When worn in voluminous monochrome looks, the soothing shade made a major impact.

Mint. Aquamarine. Avocado. Pistachio. Seafoam. Moss. Laurel. Call it what you will; this fashion color trend will be everywhere come spring.

Buttercream

In a season filled with bold splashes of color, time-tested neutrals like cream and khaki required an equally colorful update. This season, yellow-tinted buttercream has earned its rightful place in our spring and summer wardrobes.

The buttery cream color brought an added layer of elegance to crystal-embellished evening wear at Lanvin and Simone Rocha. At designers like Fendi, Jacquemus, Michael Kors, and Nanushka, classic khaki items were reimagined in yellow-tinged tan. At designers like Dion Lee and Prada, bright orange and marigold yellow brought a pop of color to flaxen 'fits.

Cherry Red

Cherry red returned to the Spring/Summer 2021 runways after being a major color trend for Fall/Winter 2019. During the previous season, designers energized the runway with monochrome red looks, and this spring, David Koma, Fendi, Givenchy, Mara Hoffman, Sacai, and Wales Bonner did just the same.

The scarlet hue was also seen at Chanel, Hermès, Maison Margiela, Miu Miu, and Versace. For a romantic spring update, fiery red was paired with pale pink in streetwear at Rick Owens and Stella McCartney. It was also used in vibrant prints and color blocking at Etro.

Hot Pink

Much to the delight of fictional fashion icons like Elle Woods, Regina George, and Sharpay Evens, pink was one of the most prominent color trends for spring 2021. While the color has long been associated with femininity, it's taken on a timely new identity, offering a much-needed mood-boost instead. This spring, swap your medium wash jeans for trendy colored acid wash jeans like the fun fuschia pair shown at Chanel.

Looks at Isabel Marant, Miu Miu, Rick Owens, and Rodarte ranged from pale peach to rich raspberry. After seasons of neon-filled runways, it was no surprise that an eye-catching hot pink remained a favorite shade for designers like Tom Ford and Versace. Similarly, Balmain and Valentino let the bold shade speak for itself with stand-alone shirtdresses and powersuits.

Thanks to Zeitgeist's curated selection of vintage clothing and sustainable streetwear, you can wear spring 2021's biggest color trends while saving the planet.

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Runway images c/o Vogue Runway.

Fashion's Top 7 Color Trends from the Spring/Summer 2021 Runways