When we think of summer, we see bright, bold colors both in our emails and off our screens. Cold drinks, grilled burgers and hot dogs, hanging out by the pool, straw hats, shades, and tropical prints. Even if we’re kicking it at home during the summer, we’re searching for creative staycation ideas.

Summer emails can give us a fresh perspective on the design and content that makes readers want to click and learn more during the hottest months of the year. So, kick back with your favorite cold drink and get some inspiration from these sunsational summer emails.

1. Warby Parker

We see what they did here…Warby Parker includes a nice mix of images, animation, and text in this summer email.

Pros

• Use of GIF
• Interesting layout
• Optimized for mobile

Cons

• All images

2. Trunk Club

Trunk Club’s email gives us summer inspiration “without the perspiration.” 

Pros

• Interesting layout
• Crisp header image full of office must-haves
• Clever CTA

Cons

• Making the email more accessible

3. J. Crew

This email is short and sweet, and we’re here for the scroll. Plus, this layout reminds us of this tasty email from Olive Garden.

Pros

• Interesting layout
• Clear CTA

Cons

• All images
• Making the email more accessible

4. Leesa Sleep

Pros

• Interesting layout
• Clear CTA
• Fun lyric reference

Cons

• All images
• Making the email more accessible

5. Harry's

Harry’s includes some great visuals, showing the face wash in its natural state of being.

Pros

• Interesting layout with product photos
• Clear CTA

Cons

• Mostly images

6. Penguin Random House  

Penguin does a nice job advertising the joy of books while helping the reader picture where they’re going to read these books. They even give you an alternative way to enjoy their products if it’s raining: enjoying a calming cup of tea in one of their mugs. 

Pros

• Interesting layout
• Something for everyone
• Good CTAs
• Author quote about summer

Cons

• Mostly images
• Making the email more accessible

7. AO

We love the split “vacation and staycation,” giving readers options for their summer relaxation.

Pros

• Interesting layout with product photos
• “Vacation or Staycation” includes all readers
• Good CTAs
• Optimized for mobile

Cons

• Making the email more accessible
• Busy layout with the kitchen appliances and TV image blocks at the bottom

8. Brit + Co

This summery Independence Day email includes all the fun holiday things you might find at a DIY party. Patriotic jello shots, ombre funfetti cake, and tie-dye placemats. 

Pros

• Interesting layout
• Clear CTA

Cons

• Making the email more accessible
• Mostly images

9. Airbnb

We’re already hooked with the luchador smackdown. This email does a great job giving readers an idea of what they can do and what they’ll find in Mexico City with engaging photos.

Pros

• Interesting layout
• Good CTAs

Cons

• Making the email more accessible
• Mostly images

10. Thumbtack

We love how Thumbtack highlights a block party with...blocky graphics.

Pros

• Interesting layout
• Email series

Cons

• Making the email more accessible
• Needs one clear CTA
• Move the “Start a summer project” button below the last image and remove the blue “Start a project” text

11. Friendly's

The centerpiece banana split sundae in this email really is the cherry on top!

Pros

• Interesting layout
• Bright colors
• CTA

Cons

• Mostly images
• Increase the size of the “50% off” text
• Remove the blue line in the header image just below the “s” in the Friendly’s header logo

12. terrain

View email on Pinterest

Terrain draws readers in with a fun mix of creative illustrations and product photos.

Pros

• “Vacation or Staycation” includes all readers
• Interesting layout with product photography and illustrations

Cons

• Keep the “shop” individual collections text, but remove the italics
• All images

Know of any summer emails you love that didn’t make the cut?

While these are just 12 really good summer emails, we know there are a TON of other email designs out there that capture the essence of summer in our inboxes. 

Got a good summer email? Submit your email to RGE.