Once a shade linked to mid-century kitchens and vintage cards, butter yellow is now firmly embedded in fashion’s modern palette - and it’s not going anywhere.
Dubbed the 2025 Colour of the Year by KitchenAid, even home appliances have adopted this soft, sophisticated hue that has made a confident return to wardrobes, runways and red carpets alike.
It began with a subtle nod to the hue at Paris Fashion Week last year, when Chloé debuted flowing silhouettes in pale lemon chiffon, setting the tone for what would become a season-defining shade in SS25. From there, butter yellow spread across collections from Chanel to Miu Miu, Zimmermann to Jacquemus, with Ralph Lauren and Toteme offering structured takes on the trend.
Unsurprisingly, it didn’t take long for the celebrity circuit to follow suit.
Timothée Chalamet’s buttery Givenchy ensemble at the 2025 Oscars, the first major red carpet under Sarah Burton’s new creative direction, lit up fashion headlines. Hailey Bieber opted for a sleek lemon blazer shortly after, while Kate Moss proved the colour’s versatility in a minimalist Self-Portrait mini, channelling just the right balance of nostalgia and chic.
If anyone has always understood the shade’s appeal, it’s the royals. The late Princess Diana famously wore a butter yellow Chanel skirt suit to Wimbledon in 1995, injecting warmth and effortless charm into the royal dress code. The look still resonates today, echoed by the Princess of Wales in 2022, who chose a similar tone for the tournament, a nod both to Diana and to the timeless appeal of soft yellow on summer days.
So, what is it about butter yellow that is so popular now? In an era of pared-back wardrobes, neutral palettes and seasonless dressing, this colour offers a welcome shift. It’s subtle but uplifting. Light, without being saccharine. An appealing middle ground between beige minimalism and bolder brights.
Whether you’re hunting for a midi skirt or a tailored sundress, we’ve curated the best pieces to spread the sunshine shade into all corners of your summer wardrobe.
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Reformation Briony Dress
Got a summer packed with weddings? Look no further for a dress laced with elegance and fun. This dainty reformation number is exactly the vibe for the warm weather and the essential golden hour photoshoot.
Accentuate the look with some gold heels and a clutch bag and you’re set for any RSVP.
Buy now £278.00, Reformation
Tala Sculpt Seamless Ultrasculpt Shorts - Butter Yellow
Grace Beverly’s brand is also jumping on the trend. Comfortable, flattering and perfectly cut, these seamless shorts are the gym girl must have.
Whether you’re strolling to your local coffee shop or powering through a Barry’s class. Stylish and sporty all in one, they are a faultless balance between flair and function.
Complete the look with the matching butter yellow sports bra.
Buy now £40.00, Tala
HAY Outline Contrast-Trim Cotton Pyjama Shirt
Who said butter yellow was just for the great outdoors? A blend of comfort and colour, HAY’s pyjama shirt turns bedtime into a comfortable catwalk.
Cut in a relaxed silhouette and made from 100 per cent cotton, HAY’s shirt brings Scandinavian simplicity to your nightwear. We’ll wear it on slow weekend mornings or quiet evenings in - just add slippers and a good book.
Buy now £89.00, Selfridges
Zimmermann Cascadian Cutout Ruched Striped Linen Midi Dress
A whisper of sunshine, this asymmetric linen dress is your invitation to a summer of ease.
With subtle striping, a flirtatious side cut-out and just the right amount of shoulder, it’s a breath of fresh air, whether you’re poolside in Palma or heading to a city brunch.
Pair with low-heeled sandals and let the dress do all the talking.
Buy now £725.00, Net-A-Porter
Free People Lowen Midi Skirt
A boho lover's dream, this midi skirt that frames so effortlessly. Stylish and practical (hello, side pockets) it’s versatile enough to dress up for a garden party or down for after-work drinks at the pub.
Couple with a strappy silk top and ballet pumps to float through summer with ease.
Buy now £60.00, Free People
Free People Faded Gardens Tank
If you weren't aware, summer is the season for a spontaneous date or a flirtatious evening drink.
This effortless number feels like something rediscovered at the back of the wardrobe, but looks undeniably current.
Wear with a mini skirt and slim belt. It is an unmatched first date look: impressive with a “girl next door’ feel.
Buy now £78.00, Free People
Damson Madder Simone Slip Midi Dress - Butter Yellow
Soft, sunlit tones meet romantic detailing in this season’s must-have slip. The Simone dress is cut on the bias from fluid, recycled fabric and features intricate rose-inspired embroidery throughout.
Ruffle accents frame the neckline, while adjustable straps ensure the perfect fit. Ideal for summer soirées or dressed-up dinners, especially if paired with the coordinating Simone satin scrunchie bag.
£125.00, Damson Madder
FARM Rio Buttermilk Ruffled Flat Sandal
Whimsical yet wearable, FARM Rio’s Sandals are the finishing touch for sun-soaked days and balmy nights. With cascading fabric ruffles in a soft pastel hue, they make an instant statement, no heels required.
Pair them with a floaty midi dress or tailored shorts and let your accessories do the talking.
Buy now £288.00, Farm Rio
Commando Butter Luxe stretch-Micro Modal bodysuit
Commando’s ‘Butter Luxe’ bodysuit is an elevated wardrobe staple, understated in design but luxurious against the skin. Crafted from ultra-soft stretch Micro Modal, it offers a second-skin fit that moves with you.
Whether worn beneath a tailored blazer or styled solo for evening drinks, it delivers effortless polish with minimal fuss.
Buy now £167.00, Net-A-Porter
Free People Adalee Romper
An easy look you’d throw on after a morning swim in Ibiza, this free people romper nails that beach to bar energy. The breezy fit and soft cotton blend are ideal for a relaxed and romantic evening on your holiday.
Wear with lace-up espadrilles and a slicked back bun for that effortless ‘Oh me? I woke up like this’ vibe.
Buy now £60.00, Free People
ASOS Reclaimed Vintage bikini set with frills in cream
Like something you’d spot in a grainy 90’s beach day photo, this butter yellow bikini channels old school cool with a modern twist. The off the shoulder bandeau top flatters in all the right places.
Throw on a sheer sarong and gold hoops, and you are ready for any hot day in the sun, no passport required.
Buy now £15.99, ASOS
Pull&Bear straight leg tailored trouser in butter yellow
Inspired by the laid-back vibe of Palm Springs, these high-rise trousers bring soft tailoring to everyday wear. Swap out your usual monochromes and let this warm yellow tone brighten your summer wardrobe. Comfortable for long days, and chic enough for the office.
Pair with a blouse or fitted T-shirt for easy polish.
Buy now £19.50, ASOS
COS Chunky Curved Bangle
Sculptural yet subtle, this marbled resin bangle in soft butter yellow adds a refined feel to any look. Its undulating silhouette curves gently around the wrist, catching the light without demanding attention.
Slip it over a crisp shirt cuff or pair with gold tones to elevate your stack.
Buy now £35.00, COS
COS Mini Cavatelli Clutch Bag - Leather
A signature piece from COS, the Cavatelli is effortlessly sleek and surprisingly versatile. Crafted from buttery, chrome-free leather, its ruched silhouette is cinched with delicate knotted ties for a sculptural finish.
Scaled down to mini proportions, it will work tucked under your arm with denim by day, and with an LBD by night.
Buy now £95.00, COS
Reis Limoncello Hoop
Slip on these hoops and you’re instantly transported to a sun-drenched Italian cafe, espresso in hand.
Bold yet refined, these 14K yellow gold earrings bring a bright, fresh energy, the perfect touch to lift any look, day or night.
Buy now £380.00, Reis
