Mellow in Yellow : How to Wear Yellow and Not Feel Overwhelmed
It’s been a gloomy winter, so I’m excited to see Yellow starting to pop up in stores in spring. Designers have gone crazy for this happy hue that has the power to making you as the wearer and others around you feel enthusiastic, confident, and optimistic.
Yet despite all the joy it brings, yellow can also be an intense color. The key to feeling mellow in yellow, and not overwhelmed is to:
1. Choose the Right Shade
There are hundreds of shades of yellow, from Marigold to Sunny Yellow, Pastel Yellow, and Chartreuse. It’s all about getting the right shade for your skin, hair, and eye color.
If you have warm ivory skin and gold-based hair, like me, go for a sunnier yellow. If you have cool pink skin and ash hair, try a soft pastel yellow.
2. Balance Yellow with a Darker Color
If wearing mostly yellow feels too bright for you, balance yellow with a darker color like navy or black, or wear it as part of a pattern. This black outfit is a grounding and slimming color, while the high-contrast yellow gives it a shot of life.
3. Pair Yellow with Light Neutrals
Some yellows are as bright as lemons; in this case, you can lessen the effect by pairing yellow with light neutrals like cream, white, light tan, or light gray.
4. Wear Yellow as an Accessory
Yellow is a cheerful color. Even a small dash of it up near your face will give you life. This pretty yellow woven bag is the perfect accent to this chic crochet cover-up.
5. Team Yellow Up with Chambray or Light Wash Denim
Soft blue always looks great with yellow, which is why chambray is a natural fit. It tones down yellow and gives it a softness that makes your outfit look relaxed and easygoing.
6. Wear a Yellow Floral Print
A yellow floral print dress is stunning in summer and will make you look like you stepped out of a beautiful garden. It’s another way to soften the boldness of yellow.
7. Wear a Yellow coat or Jacket
April showers bring May Flowers! March, April, or May is the perfect time to pick up a cute yellow jacket and wear it with jeans. I love this bold pop of color on a rainy spring day.
8. Try a Yellow Linen Summer Skirt
This pretty yellow wrap skirt in Daffodil yellow makes a relaxed summer statement and would be great to take on holidays. Yellow is also a great match for anything nautical piece, like this cute striped knit tee with the gold shoulder buttons.
Yellow is fresh and youthful. It will warm up your skin and bring a youthful glow to your face. There’s a shade for everyone, so don’t be afraid to say Hello to Yellow this spring.
Do you want to look younger, more vibrant, and wow? Not only will the right colors make you look fresh, modern, and youthful, but they also make you feel happier and more confident. Discover the incredible power of color in my eBook, Color Me Fabulous: The Colors You Need to Wear to Look Age-Amazing!™
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Oh, I love the color yellow! Beautiful looks in spring! ????
I have a bright yellow cardigan that is so cute with a jean skirt. I love yellow!
I wear a lot of yellows, and whenever I do, someone says, ” What a cheery color” or “you look like spring.” Then they say they should start wearing more yellow. So funny. It happens every time. Love your site. Cheers, from Sudbury, Ontario
Hi Lynda, Thanks for dropping by and leaving that exciting comment. A little yellow is excellent, especially this time of year in Sudbury! Canadian winters can be so drab. I always wear bright colors when I’m a little tired of the weather. It perks me right up! Yellow is so happy and cheerful.
Cheers, Deborah
Yellow near my face makes me look sickly. I am thinking about a yellow handbag, handbag accessory, or bracelet.
Hi Melanie,
Looking at the four seasons, everybody has a shade of yellow. It depends on the yellow’s warmth or coolness, clarity, and intenseness.
If you prefer to keep it away from your face, it is a good idea to wear it as an accessory. That way, you add some cheeriness to your outfit more subtly.
Cheers, Deborah
I’ve never found a shade of yellow that looks “good” on me. I’ll keep my eyes open for the right shade of yellow or combo of co,lors, but I’m not too optimistic. Maybe a yellow handbag will look good?