Yellow is the colour of sunshine and optimism, but many people avoid it, worried it will clash with their skin or feel too loud. In reality, there is a shade of yellow for everyone. The trick is choosing the right tone and pairing it well. This guide shows you how.
Key takeaways
- There is a flattering yellow for every skin tone
- Start with accessories or one piece if you are unsure
- Neutrals make yellow feel wearable
- Blue, grey and white are the easiest pairings
- Keep the rest of the outfit simple
Find your shade of yellow
| Skin tone / undertone | Most flattering yellows |
|---|---|
| Fair, cool | Pale lemon, butter yellow |
| Fair to light, warm | Buttercup, soft marigold |
| Medium, warm or olive | Mustard, saffron, honey |
| Deep | Bright sunflower, golden yellow, mustard |
| Neutral | Most shades, especially buttery and golden tones |
If a yellow makes your skin look sallow or tired near your face, wear it below the waist instead: a skirt, trousers or shoes.
The best colour combinations
Yellow + white
Fresh, bright and summery. Perfect for holidays and weekends.
Yellow + denim
The easiest everyday combination. A yellow top with jeans feels relaxed and cheerful.
Yellow + grey
Modern and office-friendly. Grey calms yellow down.
Yellow + navy
A classic, preppy pairing that feels polished.
Yellow + camel or brown
Warm and elegant, especially in autumn with mustard tones.
Yellow + blue
Bold and joyful, and very in line with the colourful mood of the latest runways. See our NYFW SS27 trend report.
Yellow + pink or purple
For confident dressers: a colour-blocking look that feels fashion-forward.
Use the 60-30-10 rule
Stylists often use a simple ratio: 60% main colour, 30% secondary colour and 10% accent. For example, 60% navy, 30% white, 10% yellow (a bag or shoes). As you get more confident, make yellow the 30% or even the 60%.
Outfit ideas
- Work: mustard knit + grey tailored trousers + black loafers
- Weekend: butter-yellow T-shirt + straight jeans + white sneakers
- Summer: yellow sundress + tan sandals + straw bag
- Evening: yellow satin skirt + black top + gold jewellery
- Autumn: mustard scarf + camel coat + brown boots
Start small with yellow accessories
- A yellow bag or clutch
- A silk scarf with yellow tones
- Yellow flats or sandals
- Gold jewellery with a yellow stone
More ideas in the accessories edit.
Makeup with yellow
Keep makeup warm and fresh: peach or coral blush, bronzed eyes and a nude, coral or red lip. Find your shade in our guide to lipstick for your skin tone.
FAQ
Does yellow suit everyone?
Yes, if you choose the right shade. Cool undertones suit paler yellows; warm undertones suit golden and mustard shades.
What colour shoes go with a yellow dress?
White, tan, nude, gold and denim-blue shoes all work well.
Is yellow in fashion right now?
Bright, joyful colours are strongly back on the runways, making yellow a very current choice.
