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Butter yellow had a good run, but these are the colours taking over now
Butter yellow has had a genuinely long run. For over a year now it's shown up in nearly every new-in section, the slip dress, the tote bag, the oversized blazer, all in that same soft, buttery shade half our closets have absorbed at this point.
Rhea Kapoor
August 1, 2026 • 2 MIN READ
It earned the love, it was easy to wear and flattering on almost everyone, but the runways have clearly moved past it this season. Spring and fall 2026 collections have brought in a palette that’s greener, punchier and considerably more grown up. If your wardrobe has been sitting in butter yellow for two seasons straight, here’s what’s actually replacing it.
Sister Says
Matcha green is the shade fashion insiders keep buying right now. It falls somewhere between yellow and green, and that’s part of why it works, it flatters warm and cool skin tones equally, which most trend colours don’t manage. A matcha green top is the easiest way to try it, worn with denim it carries the whole outfit without needing much else. Lime and chartreuse are a bigger swing, both colours showed up strongly at Prada and Versace this season. Wearing either head to toe takes some nerve, so most people are better off using them in small doses. A pair of lime green heels with an otherwise neutral outfit brings the colour in without taking over the whole look.
Cobalt blue might be the most useful of the four. It showed up on coats, dresses and tailored trousers this year, and it has a way of looking expensive no matter what you paid for it. A cobalt blue dress works as a straightforward swap for the black dress you’d normally wear on a night out, same job, more personality. For those not ready to retire yellow entirely, lemon yellow is the natural successor. It’s more citrus-toned than butter yellow, less pastel and more assertive. A lemon yellow top or a lemon yellow bag keeps the yellow habit alive while feeling current rather than dated.
Sister Rules
Pick one colour per outfit, not two. Matcha green and cobalt blue are both strong enough on their own, pairing them just competes for attention and neither wins.
Lime and chartreuse work best as the loudest thing in the outfit, not one of many loud things. Save the statement earrings and the printed bag for a different day.
Cobalt blue pairs well with black, white, and beige, but skip navy with it, the two blues fight each other instead of complementing.
Lemon yellow needs a neutral bottom to stay wearable, a lemon yellow top with lemon yellow pants reads more costume than outfit.
If you’re nervous about committing to any of these as clothing, start with the accessory version, a bag or a pair of heels, before you buy the top or the dress.
TL,DR: Butter yellow is finally on its way out, and matcha green, lime, cobalt blue and lemon yellow are the shades taking over. Reach for matcha as an easy everyday switch, lime as an accent piece only, cobalt blue whenever you want to look instantly put together, and lemon yellow if you’re not quite ready to give up your yellow phase.
Sister shops:
Auraya Fashion – Matcha Green Twist Bandeau Corset Top
Kandee – Lime Crystal Silk Mules
Pankaj & Nidhi – Cobalt Mini Dress
Bershka – Knit Boat Neck Top
MIRAGGIO – Sprinkles Shoulder Bag
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