How to Wear Buttermilk/ Butter yellow, Light Blue and Brown - the colours of Summer 2025

IF YOU’VE been keeping up with fashion and colour trends, you’ve probably noticed that some of the colours taking centre stage this Spring/Summer season are: Butter Yellow, Brown, and Light Blue. These colours are pretty, calming, and in tune with the changing seasons. And, they also all go together quite nicely, which is great for us.

As a colour stylist, I get a lot of questions about how to incorporate trending shades into the right season for you. Yellow and brown tend to be colours people get stuck on A LOT, and tend to therefore avoid - just because if you get brown and yellow wrong, the results won’t be favourable, and sadly it can put you off for life. But there are versions of each of these colours that suit each skin tone type within the four colour analysis seasons. Here’s a little dive into how you can make these spring / summer 2025 colours work perfectly with your seasonal colour palette.

Butter yellow, Light Blue, and Brown - the colours of 2025

1. Butter Yellow: The Colour That’s Easier Than You Think

Butter Yellow - a soft, creamy yellow that basically feels like sunshine. It’s been an on-trend colour since last year, but I know a lot of people hesitate to wear yellow. Why? Because they don’t know which shade to choose. Yellow can be tricky. The wrong shade, and you could end up looking like you’re too sallow, a little sick, or even dull. And wearing a yellow you don’t connect to could make you feel very disconnected, and uncomfortable from a psychological point of view (like those hospital walls). A good yellow on the other hand, makes you feel open, connected, happy to communicate, vibrant.

So, to break it down:

Spring (Warm and Light): If you’re a Spring type, you’re in luck. Butter Yellow is very kind to you. This warm, light colour complements your peachy undertones and fresh complexion. It’s soft enough to be flattering but still brings in a cheerful pop of colour, plus it’s not try-too-hard. Try it in a blouse, a sundress, or even a scarf. It pairs beautifully with other Spring hues like light greens or peachy corals.

Autumn (Warm and Earthy): Autumn types, Butter Yellow is also your friend, but you might want to go a bit deeper, like a golden butter. Think of the warm shades of autumn leaves that have turned! Pair it with rich oranges, browns, and olive greens for a beautifully earthy look.

Winter (Cool and Bold): Now, Winter types, the Butter Yellows described above might not be your first pick. This season’s cooler undertones don’t mesh so naturally with yellow’s warm vibes. However, there are Winter yellows that will look brilliant on you. Think about the very coolest, icy-ist yellows, or yellows with a bit more of an acid feel to them. The yellow I’ve picked in this visual is a pretty cool yellow (if you can imagine some grey in it, you’re on the right lines), to give you a good idea, whereas my page’s yellow? That’s warm. Keep the rest of your outfit in cooler tones too (so, navy, charcoal, or icy blue).

Summer (Cool and Muted): For Summer types, yellow can be tricky since it’s not typically in your cool, muted colour palette. However, you could try a very soft, pastel yellow (again, the yellow I’ve picked here is cool as it has a slightly grey tinge) rather than a bold, bright yellow. Just make sure the tone is cool enough not to clash with your complexion. Pair it with soft blues or pinks for a gentle, soothing look.

2. Brown: Warm, Earthy, and Timeless

Brown never really goes out of style, but this season, it’s making a strong comeback. Many overlook brown in favour of black, but it’s for most of us a more flattering, softer choice, and one you can keep in your wardrobe long-term. It also looks great head to toe, in, for example, a long knitted summer dress with Greek sandals. From deep chocolates to lighter caramels, brown adds a grounded, earthy aspect to any look. And in fact, wearing or looking at brown should make you feel grounded and comfortable. But which shade of brown is best for your season?

Autumn (Warm and Earthy): Autumn types—brown is basically your signature colour. Whether you’re rocking a rich chocolate or a lighter caramel, brown will always work beautifully with your warm, earthy undertones. Mix it with deep oranges, warm rusts, or mustard yellows for that ultimate autumnal look.

Winter (Cool and Bold): For Winter types, brown seem a little tricky. The warm, rich browns like tan or chocolate don’t pair well with your cool undertones. But don’t fret—cooler shades of brown, like taupe or espresso and coffee (and any brown nearing black), will work great. Try pairing them with icy blues, jewel tones, or even a pop of red for a striking contrast.

Spring (Warm and Light): If you’re a Spring type, you can wear brown, but keep it light and fresh. Soft caramel, tan, or camel tones work wonders for your complexion. Pair them with light blues and greens, or even clear pinks for a light, airy feel.

Summer (Cool and Muted): Summer types, you can absolutely wear brown, but stick to cooler, muted shades like taupe or soft mocha (pictured here). You’ll want to steer clear of anything too dark or warm, as it might overpower your delicate colouring. Pair brown with soft, muted blues, lavender, or even pale rose.

3. Light Blue: Fresh, Calming, and Versatile

Light Blue is another colour that’s been popping up everywhere. It’s fresh, calm, and versatile, and pairs well with a darker neutral like brown, but speaks of summer skies and beaches. Lighter denim, denim-style cotton shirts, and denim shorts are a great summer staple. The good news is, no matter your season, there’s a shade of Light Blue that will work for you. Here’s how to style it:

Summer (Cool and Muted): For Summer types, Light Blue is like a match made in heaven. The soft, pastel blue fits perfectly with your cool, muted undertones. Think of a dreamy light blue blouse or a soft, airy dress. Pair it with other muted tones like lavender, soft pinks, or cool greys to create a serene, understated look.

Spring (Warm and Light): Spring types, Light Blue can be a fantastic addition to your wardrobe too. Just be sure to keep it on the lighter, warmer side. A clear blue (with a hint of green or yellow in it) or a bright sky blue will work wonders with your warm undertones. Pair it with peaches, corals, or even, yes, a butter yellow for a springtime-perfect combination.

Autumn (Warm and Earthy): Autumn types, you can wear Light Blue, particularly in denim, for example but it’s best to mix it with richer, earthy tones, and keep it away from your face unless you’re heading towards the turquoise end of the palette. Pair a turquoise / teal sea blue paired with browns, rusts, and warm greens. It adds a fresh element to your wardrobe without clashing with your earthy palette.

Winter (Cool and Bold): For Winter types, Light Blue works really well—especially the cooler, icy tones. It pairs beautifully with the bold and cool colours of Winter. Try a crisp, icy blue top with a sleek black jacket, or pair it with jewel tones like emerald or ruby for a striking, high-fashion look.

Yes, it is much easier to make Butter Yellow, Brown, and Light Blue work for you this Spring/Summer season if you know your personal colour palette, and understand how to enhance your natural colouring, which will make you feel more confident, stylish, and a lot more you. But if you don’t know your season, and if you’re hesitant about a colour like yellow, start small with accessories like a small bag, a cheery tote, or even sandals.

Colourfully,

Jenny