How to Style Butter Yellow—The Shade We’re Melting for This Spring

When looking to the recent runways for inspiration, not every spring fashion trend is easy to steal. Alaïa’s barely-there bra tops may be hard to wear to the office, for example. And Jonathan Anderson’s hoop dresses might take up one too many seats on your morning subway commute. But, color is quick to incorporate. Fashion designers often offer an It shade, or two, each season. For spring, they’re serving a generous slab of butter yellow.

Vogue’s Favorite Butter Yellow Pieces:

• The Denim Shorts: Slvrlake Mica frayed denim shorts, $239
• The Silk Maxi: Tove Erin gathered silk-crepe maxi dress, $1,365
• The Spring Layer: Zara cotton jacket, $129
• The Designer Tee: The Row Nadina oversized cotton-jersey T-shirt, $550
• The Luxe Tank: Khaite Renato ribbed wool-blend jersey tank, $940
• The Runway Trouser: Alaïa pleated georgette peplum tapered pants, $3,100
• The Sleek Column Skirt: Posse Emma high-waisted linen midi skirt, $250
• The Event-Ready Midi: Proenza Schouler White Label Kendall dress, $595

Like other straight-from-the-plate color trends (who can forget avocado green and mocha mousse?), butter yellow is a deliciously chic proposition that was likely not inspired by the world of food. For spring, we saw it on runways at Chanel, Loewe, Tod’s, Miu Miu, and the aforementioned Alaïa. The easy-to-wear color offers a soft twist on your typical neutral, like khaki or cream, adding interest to your look while avoiding the blunt brightness of a primary hue like, say, red or green.

However you take it, butter yellow is the perfect shade for spring—smoothly bridging the gap between elegant minimalism and sunny exuberance. It’s a color that brings a pop of energy, while still feeling subtle and luxe. And, it’s a hue that’s seamless to mix with the staples you already own. It pairs especially well with neutrals like ivory, tan, and black. If you want to style it alongside other trending hues, we love it paired with chocolate brown, wispy pink, and icy blue.

For all of our favorite ways to wear it, check out our styling guide below.

Room Temperature, Only!

For cooler mornings but balmier afternoons, it’s all about easy layers you can add (or remove). Balance butter yellow shorts and a matching button-down shirt by adding a light trench coat, khaki socks, and brown boat shoes.

Python-Infused

A butter yellow maxi dress from Tove pairs well with minimalist extras for evening—try a cord necklace, clutch, and Khaite’s python print sandals for a punchy finish.

Cacio e Pepe

Butter yellow and black is a deliciously satisfying combination. We love Zara’s high-neck jacket paired with a black flared skirt for a soft touch.

I Can’t Believe It’s Not…

Another all-butter ensemble, this time silk pants and a blouse, pairs unexpectedly well with burgundy ballet flats.

Browned Butter

Take a cue from the Tod’s runway and pair butter yellow with baby blue. Ivory trousers and a dark brown coat keep the look from feeling too cute.

Lemon Meringue

Try Alaïa’s butter yellow balloon trousers with a barely-pink tee. Heavier accessories in black anchor the look.

A Splash of Vanilla

Pair Jil Sander’s twisted knit top with a butter yellow maxi and contrasting silver and black accessories.

Cream-Filled

Nike sneakers, ruffle socks, and a black cardigan toughen up the mood of Proenza Schouler’s butter yellow dress.

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