As we look forward to the summer months and the warm weather that follows, we can’t wait to share new trends. Future seasonal trends are important to look out for when creating the next best packaging piece. The summer 2021 season inspires us with a wide selection of materials and treatments. From sorbet pastel tones to folk inspired prints, there is a trend for every brand identity. Incorporating these upcoming trends into your packaging collections will give them a refreshing and updated look for summer 2021.
Whatever your brand’s style may be, there is a summer 2021 trend that can fit into your seasonal packaging pieces. Each trend can speak to your target audience in its own unique way. According to the trend report created by: The Trend Spotter and Harper’s Bazaar, the top popular trends for this upcoming summer season are:
SORBET PASTELS: SUMMER 2021’S COLOR TREND
Sorbet pastels are transition effortlessly from spring to summer. From mint greens to lilacs and soft yellows, pastels are everywhere this season. From runways to your favorite store’s packaging, there is a pop of sorbet. Incorporate this soft trend into your packaging as a gradient or custom print alone for a soft statement.
However, if you are looking for a complete on trend look, incorporate neutral shades of Ultimate Grey: Pantone’s Color of the year. Ultimate grey is a neutral shade pairs well with subtle colors like pastels or bright bold colors. The neutral hue adds a perfect balance of brights and neutrals.
Featuring colors from this trend onto your packaging collection can add some extra vitality to your brand. Hues like these are bold enough to use on their own for a monochromatic look. You can even pair them together or with other seasonal prints for a look that is unique to your brand.
To make these colors pop even further, pair them with white or tan neutrals on an assortment of unique materials. Reusable materials like PVC, pp woven, pp non-woven, or cotton can serve as a great start. Sorbet colors like these pair well with other trends like boho folk prints. Prints like these will help keep your collection on trend. Design combinations are great to consider when creating your trendy summer 2021 packaging.
BOHO FOLK PRINTS
Every year, boho prints for summer are always assumed. But giving them a retro twist will bring both major color and pattern to all of the on-trend brands. Warm earthy tones and floral patterns like paisley and ornate prints are a staple of this season’s fashion and are perfect for transitioning from spring to summer.
Incorporating folk prints on light and airy materials like cotton, jute, kraft paper, and muslin are great ways to incorporate more bohemian flair. Your folk print bags can also be eco-friendly and versatile. Folk shopping bags made from reusable and recyclable materials can double as a fashion piece. With a current desire for eco-friendly packaging, combining folk prints and reusable materials are two perfect trends that go hand in hand. It is also the perfect way to continue the boho trend this season.
POPS OF YELLOW
Yellow is a trend that never seems to go out of style in the warmer months. In recent years, pops of sunshine-y yellow became one of the most popular hues. This year, yellow was chosen to be Pantone’s 2021 Color of the Year alongside Ultimate Grey. Pair Yellow, aka “Illuminating” on any reusable tote bag for a chic and on-trend look. On the other hand, if your style is more bohemian, add this bright hue to any boho or folk print. Add pops of yellow to light and airy materials like cotton or muslin for an on-trend summer look. Even a little bit can go a long way.
Pair pops of yellow with custom printing or use alone for an “Illuminating” look. Yellow can also be added to accessories like zipper pulls, tassels and a variety of different materials. Think pp non–woven, nylon or cotton and muslin. Having that little extra flair on your tote bags and pouches will add a summery touch to your packaging while making it practical for every day use. This hue will leave a lasting impression on your current and future customers.
BITS OF BLUE
For brands who are all about adding the hottest hues to their packaging collections, pops of blue is another trend to look out for. Whether it’s a dark denim or a bright teal, blue is making its way onto color palettes everywhere this season. No matter your brand identity, there are so many trends and treatments that can easily accommodate bits of blue into your packaging collection.
For example, a great way to achieve a chic packaging style is to pair shades of blue with spot uv. This treatment is a great option to add onto any type of shopping bag or gift box. Pairing spot uv with pops of blue can take any packaging collection from simple to modern and trendy. Other treatments like embossing, debossing or matte or gloss laminations can provide a multi-textured and monochromatic effect. Finally, pairing one-color materials like vinyl or pvc along with treatments like these will create a modern and upscale look for your updated packaging pieces.
Much like the treatments listed above, adding foil hot stamping onto your packaging can make your items stand out. The pop of metallics along with the contrast of blue will add a unique feel to your packaging. The foil itself will add that little bit of shine to your items, creating eye-catching pieces. Pairing bits of blue with other metallics will create a sleek and sophisticated look on your materials of choice.
2021 TRENDS
Finally, to keep your brand fresh and up to date, pair these styles and colors with an assortment of different treatments and materials. No matter your brand identity, there is a summer 2021 trend for your company. The combination of these trends, treatments and materials will create a design that is unique to your brand. Your customers will love one of a kind pieces like tote bags and drawstring backpacks to take to the beach, park or on vacation.
