Indian actor Tamannaah Bhatia recently wore a butter yellow sheer tube dress with curtain pleats layered over an oversized blazer. American actor Joey King shone in a butter yellow dress with keyhole detail and black bow at the closing ceremony of this year’s Cannes Film Festival. British actor and model Jodie Turner-Smith made a striking appearance at the 2024 Met Gala in a butter yellow ensemble teamed with a brown fur jacket.
Sunshine, turmeric, mango, marigold… various shades of yellow have reigned supreme forever. Butter yellow sits at the top of this season’s color palette, creeping into elegant and delicate outfits.
“Butter yellow is the perfect colour for this season. Yellow lifts your mood and reminds you of sunshine and positivity. It’s refreshing and easy on the eyes, so you can’t go wrong wearing it on rainy days,” says Pallavi Singhi, Kolkata-based fashion designer and founder of Verb. The muted butter yellow is a good option, sitting halfway between boring beige and eye-catching lemon yellow.
The soft appeal of pastel hues makes them a wardrobe favourite. “The colour evokes sunshine, blooming flowers and brighter days, which lifts the spirits,” says Ruchika Agrawal, Goa-based design head at No Nasties. “It also suits Indian skin tones well,” says Likita Sarja, the creative mind behind clothing designs at The Dramehbaaz, Kolkata.
“Sherbet colours like butter yellow go well with Indian skin tones and also work well with summery fabrics like organic cotton,” says Ruchika.
Jaipur-based fashion designer and founder of Studio Surbhi, Surbhi Rawat, says butter yellow is a cool choice as it combines the warmth and brightness of the season with a sophisticated vibe. Butter yellow is a muted yet statement colour. “This is why we took inspiration from traditional Rajasthani drapes to create our butter yellow designs.”
Pallavi believes in bringing out the colour’s bright character through contrast with other colours: “When creating the print, I paired butter yellow with other pastel tones (like chalk yellow and ivory) and contrasting colours to give it depth and versatility,” she explains. She adds that the colour’s versatility means it pairs well with wardrobe staples such as denim, as well as off-whites and creams.
“Pairing butter yellow with a brighter yellow can dilute its delicate elegance and create a chaotic ensemble,” warns Surbhi. To create a cohesive look, you need to be careful with your colour choices. Likita agrees, adding that different shades of yellow should play together to create a dynamic look.
“Pair a butter yellow top with mustard trousers for a harmonious gradient effect, or try more subtle yellow accents like a pale yellow scarf and bright yellow shoes,” she says. A monochromatic butter yellow ensemble can make you appear taller.
The colour works well with every silhouette, from jumpsuits to shorts. “The soft tone acts as a neutral base and can be teamed with a bold printed skirt during the day or a stylish blazer for an evening out. Dress it up and jazz it up with metallic accessories or pair it with jeans for an everyday ensemble,” says Likita.
For a casual, relaxed look, corduroy and shorts are perfect. “For a corporatecore vibe, pair a butter yellow blazer with a white shirt and trousers. A skirt or dress is ideal for an evening look,” she adds.
Tone-on-tone (using different shades of the same colour) is a style statement, says Ruchika, who used the colour in this azure gold kaftan made from feather-light organic muslin.
Pallavi has designed a skirt, jacket and off-the-shoulder top to celebrate the colour’s charm. “A jacket in this colour can be paired with denim for a chic and casual look, while a skirt and off-the-shoulder top in the same colour looks fresh,” she explains, reminiscing on sunny childhood memories.
“The embellishments and prints used in the ensemble are designed to bring out the softness of the colour,” adds Pallavi. Butter yellow is a colour that flatters everyone as it suits all body types, ages, skin tones and genders. “Anyone who wears this colour will look good,” says Surbhi.
Designer Pallavi Singhi shares her tips on how to achieve the perfect yellow glow for both Indian and Western styles.
A butter yellow silk saree is suitable for traditional occasions, while a yellow cotton kurta is perfect for casual outings. “Go for floral or geometric prints.
“Butter yellow designs go well with traditional Indian wear. Team your butter yellow Indian outfit with gold necklaces and earrings. You can contrast it with bright colours like pink and orange,” she adds. Add a metallic touch with silver or bronze clutch bags, sandals and belts.
Pair your butter yellow shirt with white, black, or grey pants or skirts.
“Yes, a jacket or blazer can make your look stylish and casual,” she says.
Brown belts, shoes and bags go well with yellow outfits, so choose mustard or sunflower colored accessories for these.
Published June 22, 2024 01:18 IST
