Sky Blue

Few colors are as tranquil as the pale, wispy expanse of sky blue. Think the brilliant robin’s egg shade of a cloud-free summer afternoon. Although this color name was first recorded in English in 1704, it may have been used as early as the 1500s. Several high-end fashion magazines tagged this soft, powdery shade as one of the most on-trend colors for summer. Try pairing light pastels like this one with equally weightless fabrics like cotton and linen. Another tactic? Trade your favorite dark-wash jeans for a new pair in a shade of sky. For men, a light blue suit can look dashing for a daytime event when properly fitted and paired with a crisp white shirt. The ability of sky blue to evoke serenity and calm makes it a popular choice for home design. You can incorporate this shade into almost any palette, although it looks especially amazing layered with pale creamy white, sand and any darker shade of blue you fancy. Light blue also works well with other nature-inspired hues such as earthy browns and greens. Paler shades of sky blue create an airy effect when used on the walls, while deeper tones keep the room cozy. A monochromatic blue scheme in the bedroom creates restfulness without sacrificing depth. For a modern, dynamic effect, pair this blue with pops of pure orange, its complementary hue.