Butter me up and call me a biscuit — there’s one thing all the “it girls” seem to agree on this summer.
It’s the shade butter yellow.
As soon as a new season rolls around, all the fashion girlies rush to pick out a brand-new hue. Call it the color of the moment. While we’re no experts at knicking the formula, it seems that this shade tends to be something that compliments the weather, mood, and designer trends of the time. So, channel warm sunshine, soft-girl cottagecore, and a taste for delicacies. Butter yellow is happening, and it’s happening now.
The numbers don’t lie. Asos recently shared data indicating that searches for “butter yellow” have skyrocketed 98% on-site over the past month. Most of us have already seen the trendy color all over TikTok’s #foryoupage. And over the last few months, butter yellow has been featured on some of the biggest names in fashion — Hailey Beiber, Emily Ratajawkowski, and this summer’s singer-sweetheart Sabrina Carpenter.
In order to better understand the butter yellow trend, The Post consulted Personal Stylist and founder of Dapper Dangerous styling services, Kin Moy. Moy’s provided some expert color analyses and styling guidance for anyone looking to shop this on-trend shade.
Old money is out, soft yellow is in.
“Yellow is a typical spring-summer color, but I think the reason we’re seeing so much of it right now is that we’ve been primed by all of the mustard yellow fall-winter pieces we’ve seen the last year or so,” said Moy.
Moy has explained that butter yellow has probably been on all of our minds for a while now — but as with any trend — it can take some time for it to show its true colors and come to the surface. In other words, not everyone was ready to branch out and step into the next unexpected seasonal color.
“From the designer end, with the beginning of a new season, there’s a need to differentiate the palette,” he added. “So, moving from mustard to a softer yellow makes these pieces feel fresh. But since they’re softer, they also feel more accessible for the stylistically shy.”
The Old Money obsession certainly had a thriving moment, but Moy said it’s beginning to “dwindle.” People are turning for a softer, more refined pallet that is a touch more relaxed but still echoes the past with an equal level of sophistication.
“All that said, I don’t expect the hype to live beyond this season,” noted Moy. “It’s never been a bad color and it’ll always be around, but the stars really aligned for butter yellow this year. A thing is not beautiful because it lasts.”
While muted tones could be a no, mix-matching is almost always a go.
Those in need of inspiration can head to TikTok and find loads of trending butter yellow looks. Shoppers are incorporating the shade into a variety of fashion staples, from wedding guest dresses and accessories to swimwear and even luggage.
But when it comes to brands, there are certainly a few frontrunners who have really buttered themselves up just in time for Summer. Abercrombie, Reformation, Artizia, and even Sezane have put butter yellow styles in the limelight. With so many single pieces to select from, pulling together a complete look can be more challenging.
“My biggest advice for styling these pieces is to know your skin tone and know your style, cliche as that is,” encouraged Moy. “Any color, butter yellow included, can be a more or less saturated version of that color.”
Moy has suggested people with very dark or very pale skin should opt for more saturated shades since muted tones could have a wash-out effect. “Whatever your skin tone, make sure that there’s enough contrast in your butter yellow top from your skin so that it makes you look vibrant and lively,” he explained.
Fortunately, butter yellow is friendly enough to make for some unique layering and color-combining opportunities.
“In terms of style, if you prefer your looks understated then pairing your yellows with off-white, cream, and pale blues are a safe bet. If you’re a bit bolder, you may want to consider high contrast pairings with a stronger blue, purple, or black.”
Artizia Wilfred Fey Cardigan
Moy adores this cardigan from Aritzia. “It embodies ‘the now’ in so many ways. Sweater as a shirt? Check! Crochet? Check! Boxy and cropped? Check… when paired with high-rise pants, this piece will be very complimentary on most body types.”
He indicated that some people may be turned off by the fact that it’s made with wool, which seems counterintuitive for warm-weather wear. “But merino wool is nature’s tech fabric,” Moy explained.”It regulates temperature based on need, insulating when you’re cold but also moisture-wicking when it’s hot. Breathability is a benefit of the fabric, but also the crocheted design,” he explained.
Reformation Percy Linen Dress
Reformation has a sea of gorgeous midi and maxi dresses, but this Percy linen piece may just be the star of the season. It fits the bill for Moy. “Classy, understated, but full of life! I’m very into the silhouette. A fitted bodice and A-line pleated skirt look great on many people.”
He offered one warning to someone considering the dress — though not a dealbreaker with the right strapless bra. “But, one thing for bustier folks to be wary of is that the top looks pretty thin and unstructured.”
A&F Sloane Tailored Pant
For something flattering on a range of body types, Moy has recommended the A&F Sloane Tailored Pant. “Awesome trousers and a great way to get into butter yellow!” he exclaimed. “Pleated high rise is on trend, great for all shapes and sizes, and works with almost any footwear.”
He also suggested that there are a variety of ways to style these pants for any occasion. “I think this is styled perfectly in the pic for a safe look, but if you want a bit more pop, choose a printed top with some yellow in the pattern to coordinate with the pants while adding vibrant contrast.”
Lele Sadoughi Large Dome Teardrop Earrings
As Moy pointed out, breaking into a new trend can be daunting. Butter yellow may not seem like your color, but there are still plenty of ways to work it into an outfit. These on-trend teardrop earrings are made with gold-plated brass that’s yellow enough, but still easily paired with a variety of outfits.
“‘When in doubt, start small’ is always my advice for clients wanting to try an unfamiliar color,” said Moy. “These earrings let you get a taste of this trending color with very little commitment.”
Reformation Mayve Knit Dress
Ref’s calling the tint on this simple knit dress parmesan, but we say it’s close enough to pass as butter. The fitted bodice has been designed with a sophisticated boat neckline and an A-lined skirt that smoothes and hugs curves. It’s not a complicated number, but Moy loves the shape of it.
“This dress has an awesome shape, compelling contours, and super fun details. Ironically, I’d say it looks best in patterns, prints, and darker colors,” explained Moy. “But if you’re gonna wear it in yellow, make sure to accessorize heavily.”
Lovers and Friends By The Poolside Top
Contrary to what you might think — butter and bikinis do belong together. This Lovers and Freinds swimsuit proves the point. The jersey fabric holds you in, without feeling overly contrictive, and adjustable straps allow for a more tailored fit. Shop the matching bikini bottoms for the complete look.
“Power move. If you feel confident in how you look in this bikini, then you are guaranteed to steal the show!” One more piece of advice from Moy: “Right now ‘everything is better as a sweater’ from tees to polos, to button-downs, to even bikinis! The cable knit texture is playfully bizarre as a bathing suit.”
Anthropologie The Tommie Cap-Sleeve Smocked Front-Zip Shirt Dress
Anthropologie describes this dress as “your ticket to around-the-clock compliments,” and we have to agree it fits the part. The crisp cotton build features a plunging neckline, elongating zip-front detail, and a swingy middy skirt adorned with pockets for added practicality.
Moy has explained that this smocked suit would be best worn for a more casual event or leisure time spent out and about. “Great for a chill weekend outing on a sunny day!” he suggested. “I really appreciate the layers of details and contours. Great shape for a myriad of body types.”
Béis Carry-on roller
While not technically a piece of clothing, luggage is becoming an increasingly popular supplement to an outfit — especially for anyone who travels frequently. Béis arguably has some of the best rolling suitcases in the market. Do we even call them an accessory?
Moy sure loves it and has even pointed out an unexpected perk of the rare color. “This roller is NOT to be underestimated,” he said. “It’s chic, it’s practical, and most importantly, it’ll be oh-so-easy to spot at baggage claim!”
J. Crew Clio dress in textured gauze
There is plenty to love about this item from J. Crew; waist-smocking, a textured ruffle hem, and ties at the shoulders. Some reviewers who admit they aren’t ‘yellow people,’ say this is the dress that changed their minds.
Moy has explained that this dress is a great option for someone looking to communicate a specific style — be that garden fairy or coastal grandma. “Dynamic contours, fun details… but definitely not everyone’s style. I’ll put it this way, if you are drawn to this one, you probably already have an outfit in mind,” Moy noted.
Open Edit Ruffle Sleeveless Crop Top
Open Edit is conquering two trends with this playful top — ruffles and butter yellow. This style leans a little more youthful and has all the crisp details for a romantic date night: a deep V-neck, sweet side drape, and feathery, luscious chiffon.
Moy added that this creamy top would specifically suit some complexions. “I’m a fan of this one! Fun contours and details with a vibrant pattern and color. This one will look especially good on darker skin tones,” he shared.
Rhinestone Bannana Hobo
Did hobo bags ever go away? Everyone was seriously bananas for them last year, and it seems they could be sticking around this summer. This creative, crescent-shaped, rhinestone-topped piece typically retails for $595, but you can score it for $300 off — which seems like a reasonable deal for anything that could be subjected to a fashion fad.
Moy left it at a few words. “Cute, but also novelty. If it’s you, it’s you.”
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