I Asked a Color Expert Why Lime Green Is Having a Moment

The way I see it, fashion trends are not always to be taken at face value. Sure, some of us might choose to operate on that assumption—you want to know what’s popular, what looks good on you, and then be on your merry way—and more power to you. But there’s value in digging a little deeper to understand why certain styles become ubiquitous at any given time, why celebrities lean on a certain silhouette, or what a specific It item can say about those who wear it. The latest subject of fascination, at least for this editor, is a look that’s hard to miss: lime green.
According to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, fashion’s love of the bright, citrus color has been building over the past few seasons to where it is today, spotted on influencers as well as on celebrities like Ashley Graham and Tracee Ellis Ross.
“Even the slow adopters have taken to it because they now realize it is one of those colors that makes you feel refreshed and reinvigorated,” Eiseman says, “and in a world that sometimes can weigh you down, lime is an instant picker-upper!”
Not unlike biting into a wedge of lime, the color itself is bright and fresh, carrying a bit of a shock as well. “In our Pantone Color Institute word-association studies, we see that people now react to these happy yellow-greens as reviving, youthful, artsy, and bold, a color that makes an impactful statement about who you are,” Eiseman explains about the somewhat polarizing hue, “and women are so ready for that!”
Seeing as some of the recent adopters of the trend include those with daring and creative personal style, Eiseman’s assessment seems totally on point. If that’s not incentive enough to dip your own toe into the color, there are other benefits that come from embracing it, says Pantone’s expert. “Lime green is believed to be a color that will bring your rewards for your labors and a stress reliever. So wear it, decorate with it, and, for sure, eat it!”
Below, take a look at more of the most recent lime-green outfit ideas and then shop pieces to participate in the trend.
Shop the Lime Green Trend
Your next greatest layering tool.
Incorporate the fresh shade into a print before attempting it head-to-toe.
A statement shoe, courtesy of a statement color.
Opt for a wallet that won't be as tricky to spot inside your cavernous handbag.
Next, these are the exact search terms Who What Wear editors use to hunt down vintage gems.
Who's your style icon?Taylor Tomasi HillWho are your 5 favorite people to follow on Twitter/Instagram? @tamumcpherson @lisasaysgah @therealgracecoddington @everyoutfitonsatc @notmynonni What's the fashion essential you can’t live without? A leather jacket.What's your desert island album? Beyoncé "B'Day." Or pretty much anything Beyoncé.
-
Suddenly, This "Glum" Hue Is 2025's Hottest Makeup Trend—Doechii and Julia Fox Are Proof
Forget what you know about pastels for spring.
By Alyssa Brascia
-
I Spent the Afternoon Scrolling Through Saks Off 5th—Wow, These Discounted Shoes and Accessories Are Very Chic
Sunglasses, bags, sandals, and more.
By Bobby Schuessler
-
Skirts and Dresses in This Pretty Pastel Color Trend Are About to Be Everywhere
Daisy Edgar-Jones is kicking things off.
By Allyson Payer
-
The Non-Boring Bag Color Trend Fashion People Are Wearing to Make Their Spring Basics Feel Special
It makes them look expensive too.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
In Case You Were Wondering Which Pretty Sneaker Trend Anne Hathaway Would Wear, It's This One
This just in from the streets of NYC.
By Allyson Payer
-
Espresso Martini: The Rich-Looking Color That's Already Everywhere
"That's that me espresso."
By Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
-
This New Pretty Shoe Color Trend Is Going to Be as Popular Among Celebs as Red Shoes Were
Elizabeth Olsen is an early adopter.
By Allyson Payer
-
Is It Just Me, or Is This the Freshest Color to Wear With Brown Right Now?
Cool as a cucumber.
By Erin Fitzpatrick
-
It's Confirmed: French, Scandi, and Italian Women Wear This One Color to Look Rich
Move over, beige.
By Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
-
I'm Not Saying White Sneakers Are Out, But This Other Anti-Trend Pair Is Officially In for 2025
You heard it here first.
By Nikki Chwatt