The New “It” Color of SS25: Butter Yellow

Black sling-back heels, dark-washed jeans, and a sheer yellow, silk dress. This was the look that made heads turn at the SS25 Prabal Gurung show during New York Fashion Week. As I observed the outfits of the show attendees, I noticed that this light silky yellow kept appearing in various forms such as Adidas Gazelles on a press staff or MM6 Margielas on a front-row observer.

Bright enough to fulfill the tastes of maximalists but neutral enough for beige lovers, butter yellow is the new “It” color of spring and summer 2025. Emerging from the 2024 FW runways, this sunny hue was first spotted in Sandy Liang’s Fall/Winter 2024 show, and echoed by appearances in Louis Vuitton, Burberry, and LOEWE. The sparse sightings of this rich hue have evolved into a full-blown takeover of the Spring/Summer 2025 runways, with looks like the LUAR SS25 Butter Yellow Knit Dress making waves in the press, and renowned labels like Eckhaus Latta, Who Decides War, and Tanner Fletcher jumping on the bandwagon to feature this hue in their shows.

Coming out of last year with the trending color red, this contrasting color may be a breath of fresh air for summer enthusiasts who want to rock the sunny look year-round. Furthermore, there hasn’t been a lack of butter yellow appearances in the hottest celebrity style. From Rhianna’s Jacquemus look in London to Aubrey Plaza’s Loewe pin dress at the 2024 Emmy Awards, it seems like we can’t get enough of this rich but refreshing shade. 

Going into winter, how can this runway trend be replicated in everyday looks? Look no further than chunky butter yellow sweaters, pin-striped dress shirts, and wide-legged trousers. This happy color extends beyond sundresses and camis, just swap in your khaki and cream pieces to get this pastel look.

Tops

Courtesy of Ralph Lauren

Courtesy of Ralph Lauren

Courtesy of Vyvacious

Bottoms

Courtesy of ThredUp

Courtesy of Guizio

Courtesy of Anthropologie

When pairing outfits, a pop of butter yellow can be added with a pair of sling back heels or a shoulder bag, lightening up a black or burgundy outfit.

Shoes

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Courtesy of Bottega Veneta

Courtesy of Adidas

Accessories

Courtesy of Ssense

Courtesy of Benho

Courtesy of MIINTO

As we gear up for gloomy weather, be ready to add a pop of sunshine to your closet.

Featured Photo Courtesy of The Philadelphia Inquirer