5 Colours That Go With Pale Yellow and Look Especially Chic

published 10 February 2024

I don't know about you, but from where I'm standing, spring cannot come sooner. Met with relentless winds and persistent rain on the daily, just the thought of swapping my sopping raincoat for something a little more spring-worthy is enough to get me through the remaining days of winter. In preparation for the most optimistic of seasons, I'm setting my sights on rejuvenating my spring wardrobe. First thing on the agenda: a fresh colour trend. Spotted everywhere during Copenhagen Fashion Week, the style set is already swapping their beloved creams and greys for a less traditional but incredibly sleek buttery pale yellow tone.

Personally, I've been unsure of exactly how to work this shade into my wardrobe, but the more I look at it, the more it seems to blend as any other neutral would, whilst offering outfits a little more personality in the process. I turned my attention towards those who have been blending the shade into their capsules with ease, further encouraging me to do the same. So, if pale yellow has struck you as too tricky a shade to style, I can report that my research has proven the contrary.

Read on to discover the five colours that go best with pale yellow.

5 COLOURS THAT GO WITH PALE YELLOW

1. BLACK

deborabrosa styles a yellow top with black trousers

Style Notes: Ordinarily, black would be a cop-out—doesn't it go with everything? But I've never worn black with yellow before for fear of looking like I'm wearing a bumblebee costume. But pale yellow? I'm a convert. Jet black will work hard to balance the sweetness of pale yellow, bringing depth and warmth to the light and airy shade and creating a very chic combination in the process.

SHOP THE LOOK:

Posse

Emma Linen Sleeveless Top

I'm banking this ahead of summer.

COS

Wide-Leg Tailored Wool Trousers in Black

Black, wide-leg trousers are one of the most versatile items of clothing you can own.

2. BLUE DENIM

Taffy styles a yellow blazer from Aligne

Style Notes: The easiest way to perfect your spring-ready wardrobe and welcome in some lighter tones? Your trusty blue jeans. Naturally, you might be thinking, "What does butter yellow look like with blue?". Well, you'll be pleased to hear it looks great. In fact, pale yellow pairs with any lighter shade of blue, as well as ultra-deep tones like navy. The one shade I'd avoid is cobalt, mainly because it could come off as too vibrant against subtle yellow.

SHOP THE LOOK:

Aligne

Daphne Long Waisted Blazer

This blazer sold out in record time, and we're hoping for a re-stock soon.

Aligne

Leo Long Waistcoat in Soft Yellow

I love the waistcoat, too. Wear with denim or style with a sweeping maxi skirt.

AGOLDE

'90s Distressed Mid-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans in Light Denim

I'm a denim enthusiast, and trust me: Agolde does it best.

3. WHITE

giasinatra wears a pale yellow dress white boots

Style Notes: As with any colour you're not used to styling, pairing pale yellow with white is a great place to start. Creating a fresh and vibrant look, this combination is one I'll come back to time and again.

SHOP THE LOOK:

Reformation

Odelia Cashmere Midi Dress

Wear with pointed-toe kitten heels or Mary Janes to tick off a colour trend and a shoe trend in one look.

Miu Miu

Leather Boots

Invigorate your footwear collection with some fresh spring boots.

4. KHAKI

francescasaffari styles pale yellow with khaki

Style Notes: A deep khaki pairing will juxtapose the pretty nature of pastel yellow, creating contrast in your outfit for an easy but elevated pairing.

SHOP THE LOOK:

H&M

Oversized Mohair-Blend Jumper in Light Yellow

A chic cosy layer.

Ghost

Luna Satin Slip Skirt in Thyme

In my opinion, khaki is a neutral and can thus be paired with just about anything.

5. BEIGE

Style Notes: If you live in neutrals then adding pale yellow into your repertoire will help pep up even your oldest and most-worn pieces. This light, tonal pairing of butter yellow and beige creates a cohesive base that you can layer up with plenty of jewels and accessories.

SHOP THE LOOK:

With Nothing Underneath

The Boyfriend: Linen in Lemon Yellow

Spring calls for light cotton and breezy button-downs.

Superdry

Mid Length Faux Fur Coat

Faux-fur coats are the chicest way to bundle up through the last days of winter.

Next Up: I'm Bored of Beige, So This Expensive-Looking Colour Is My New Go-To

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Natalie Munro is Who What Wear UK’s news writer and has worked in the fashion industry since she graduated with a degree in Journalism from the University of the Arts London. Natalie’s experience in the industry spans journalistic and styling roles that have seen her work for publications including British Vogue, Conde Nast Traveller, Vogue Ukraine, AnOther Magazine and Elle UK.

With an interest in uncovering the latest fashion trends, Natalie takes a leading role in identifying news for Who What Wear UK. Reporting on a daily basis, Natalie focuses on trends on and off the runway, as well as street style and celebrity fashion. Natalie also creates content for Who What Wear’s social channels including TikTok and Instagram on a weekly basis.