As summer arrives, it’s the perfect opportunity to infuse your wardrobe with vibrant colors, and this year, butter yellow is taking center stage. If you’re someone who typically gravitates toward neutrals, the idea of wearing a bright shade like yellow might feel daunting. However, butter yellow is surprisingly easy to incorporate into your wardrobe.
This delightful hue has been showcased by celebrities, featured on runways, and embraced by style influencers, making it one of the season’s most sought-after colors. We spoke to fashion experts to explore why butter yellow is so appealing and how to seamlessly integrate it into your outfits, along with their top styling tips.
What Is the Butter Yellow Trend?
“Butter yellow is a fresh, wearable tone that sits comfortably between beige and bright yellow,” explains Jonathan Marc Stein, stylist and founder of Jonathan Marc Stein Atelier. Kenzie Welch, a fashion stylist and wardrobe consultant, adds, “It’s a modern twist on classic pastels. While pastels always trend in summer, this particular shade feels inviting, calm, and sophisticated.”
Its timeless quality makes butter yellow a fantastic option for individuals of all ages and personal styles. As a semi-neutral shade, it’s accessible even for those hesitant to try bold colors. “It opens up layering possibilities and pairs well with various colors for a cohesive look,” Stein notes. Welch also highlights its versatility, stating it can easily transition from casual to professional settings, making it a staple that extends beyond a single season.
How to Wear Butter Yellow
The options for incorporating butter yellow into your wardrobe are virtually limitless. From airy sundresses to relaxed linen pieces, there’s an abundance of stylish staples available in this creamy hue. Here are some expert-approved ways to wear butter yellow this summer, along with 22 standout pieces to inspire your wardrobe choices.
Whether you’re looking to make a statement or add a subtle pop of color, butter yellow is a trend that promises both style and comfort.
Wilfred New Dreamweaver Dress in Wheat
Described by stylist and creative director Danyul Brown as “a staple piece for anybody’s day-to-evening wardrobe this season,” a simple tank dress like this option from Aritzia “can be styled up or down to suit the occasion,” he says.
$78 at Aritzia
Vince Ribbed Pima Cotton Long-Sleeve Crew-Neck T-Shirt in Citrines
Stylist Ali Kornhauser loves this “very ’90s and minimal” shirt that she says “can be paired super easily with other neutrals to bring life and freshness to capsule pieces you already own.” It also has the added benefit of being a year-round staple. “I think butter yellow is here to stay for more than one season,” she says, “so it can be layered under a blazer for the fall or paired with a gorgeous skirt or shorts for the summer.”
$145 at Vince
Everlane The Luxe Micro-Rib Funnel-Neck Tank in Parsnip
A sleeveless funnel-neck tank like this option from Everlane is this year’s must-have top, and it’s so simple to pair with basically anything you already have in your wardrobe. It’s made from the brand’s extra-fine ribbed Supima cotton, which is super comfortable, lightweight and curve hugging in all the right ways.
$40 at Everlane
Dokotoo Lace Crochet Short-Sleeve Summer Top in Yellow
This crochet-trimmed butter-yellow top ticks all the boxes for summer style. It’s breezy and sunny, and it has cute design details like decorative trim and buttons down the back.
$50 $28 at Amazon
Melie Bianco Willow Shoulder Bag in Yellow
You can’t go wrong with a sleek shoulder bag, and this asymmetrical option from Melie Bianco looks super similar to far more expensive bags on the market. The shade of yellow is absolute perfection, and the zipper closure is a welcome practical touch for keeping valuables safe and secure.
$98 at Anthropologie
J.Crew Quinn Square-Toe Mary Jane Flats in Pale Corn
J.Crew has a whole assortment of butter-yellow options to shop this season, including this minimalist pair of smooth leather flats. The style combines the pastel color with one of this year’s biggest shoe trends, Mary Janes.
$148 at J.Crew
ASTR The Label Nori Top in Yellow
Kornhauser loves this top for a feminine take on the butter yellow trend, which boasts an elegant, classic silhouette and a flattering fitted waist. “It’s gorgeous with a pleated short, a miniskirt or a full-length trouser to turn it into a nighttime look,” she says.
$118 at Revolve
Abercrombie & Fitch Linen-Blend Tailored Straight Pants in Sunny Yellow
According to Stein, high-waisted pants are a great wardrobe piece that are pretty universally flattering. This linen-blend option, available in three different lengths, is perfect for any and all warm weather activities, whether you’re lounging by the pool or running errands.
$90 $72 at Abercrombie & Fitch
Love, Bonito Cotton Toga Fit & Flare Midaxi Dress in Daffodil
Singapore-based fashion brand Love, Bonito knows a thing about creating stylish, affordable pieces that keep you comfortable even in the summer heat. This dreamy cotton toga-style dress is a showstopper that’s just as practical as it is chic, thanks to a smocked waist and side pockets.
$69 at Love, Bonito
Reformation Clara Cashmere Crew Cardigan in Parmesan
“Cardigans are the perfect staple for your wardrobe,” Welch says. She loves this one for its versatility. “You can style it with linen pieces in the summer and easily transition it to wear with jeans and boots in the fall.”
$198 at Reformation
Jeffrey Campbell Fluxx Sandals in Light Yellow
“If bold hues aren’t your thing, another way you can add color to your look is with a statement shoe,” Welch says. “The butter yellow shade is great for adding a pop of color, especially if you like neutrals.”
$130 $97 at Nordstrom
Lioness Leo Pants in Butter
These chic trousers, which you can purchase alongside a matching vest top from the same brand, are a gorgeous and super-easy piece for summer styling, Kornhauser says. “Simple to dress up or down, it can be transformed and layered to suit all occasions.”
$89 at Revolve
Madewell Belted Trench Coat in Candlelight
“If you want to elevate a simple look, I recommend adding a statement piece to your outfit like this butter-yellow trench coat,” Welch says. “This jacket would pair well with a T-shirt and jeans, but it would also look great over a white suit, linen dress or even a black leather skirt.”
$218 $90 at Madewell
Reformation Breslyn Linen Dress in Parmesan
Reformation’s linen pieces are some of the best, and this butter-yellow minidress is like an homage to the color itself. It’s fun and playful while still elegant and classic. And the ruffle detailing? Irresistible.
$248 at Reformation
J.Crew Pima Cotton Scoopneck Tank Top in Buttermilk
A tank top is an essential layering piece for summer, and this one comes with a flattering scoop neckline and relaxed fit.
$40 at J.Crew
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