The Decadent Color Trend Elegant People Wear Every Summer

What color embodies summer for you? I'm not psychic, but I'd place a bet that you just thought about one hue: yellow. Like it or not, this shade has long been synonymous with the summertime. After all, the season is filled with brighter days possibly spent by the beach. I'd argue that this color's popularity isn't simply attributed to more sunlight. Rather, it's the shade's staying power. Hear me out. Color trends have come and gone, but none have remained as relevant as yellow. But what exactly has made yellow so prominent on the runway and in real life? Its innate decadence. Unlike other color trends, we've seen designers cook up new ways to embrace this color each season—it's evolved from mustard to butter yellow in a few years. The color's evolution has created a craving that can't be satisfied in the minds of the fashion crowd.

It's understandable if you're not quite ready to devour this trend yet. Although popular, yellow isn't exactly the easiest color to incorporate into your closet, especially if you live in neutrals. If I'm being honest, wearing yellow in the summer can either feel passé or polished—it all depends on the styling. Knowing how to wear yellow is a skill that takes time to cultivate. Luckily for you, I've taken it upon myself to provide you with a starting point. Ahead, you'll find 12 yellow outfits for summer that are not only elegant but are also easy to re-create thanks to the styling tips and luxury shopping recommendations I've included. Whether you're braving the heat or dealing with unbearable air conditioning in your office, these ensembles will reset your palette.

What You'll Need: Yellow Slingback Heels + Black Pleated Shorts + Matching Draped Top + Bag + Gold Bangles + Earrings

Styling Notes: One of the easiest ways to embrace yellow is to start from the ground up. Pair an all-black outfit with yellow accessories, such as slingback heels, gold jewelry, and even a butter-yellow bag.

What You'll Need: Sunglasses + Earrings + Off-White Blazer + White T-Shirt + Yellow Shorts + Black Ballet Flats

Styling Notes: Beyond accessories, the next best way to embrace this color is to style your ensemble with yellow bottoms. While you can opt for slacks or a skirt, I'd recommend starting with a pair of shorts in any shade of yellow styled with your favorite staples.

What You'll Need: Yellow Tank Top + Yellow Cardigan + White Maxi Skirt + Sandals + Black Shoulder Bag

Styling Notes: Another effortless way to embrace this color trend into your summer ensembles is by opting for staples in this shade. For example, yellow is less intimidating if it comes in the form of a timeless tank that pairs well with other summer basics (e.g., a white maxi skirt, sandals, and even a light cardigan).

What You'll Need: Yellow Blazer + Matching Trousers + Strappy Sandals + Contrasting Bag

Styling Notes: It's not just everyday staples that can be elevated through this shade. Case in point: the outfit above. Suiting can feel much sharper when it comes in shades of yellow, even more so if it's worn in the summertime to work.

What You'll Need: Sunglasses + Oversize Earrings + Yellow Blazer + Wide-Leg Jeans + T-Strap Sandals + Shoulder Bag

Styling Notes: If you're not ready to embrace a head-to-toe yellow suit, start smaller with yellow separates and your tried-and-true outfit formulas. This color can make even the most simple pairings—such as wide-leg jeans, a blazer, and strappy sandals—more stylish.

What You'll Need: Gold Earrings + Yellow Waistcoat + Black Pleated Shorts + Knee-High Boots + Black Clutch Bag

Styling Notes: For those days when the weather fluctuates between being too hot and too cold, you'll likely want to avoid wearing a long-sleeve blazer and jeans. Luckily, the outfit above is a great alternative. By swapping out your yellow blazer for a waistcoat and jeans for shorts, you'll be ready for whatever the day has in store.

What You'll Need: Yellow Top + Matching Skirt + Raffia Handbag + Bangles + Heels

Styling Notes: Suiting separates aren't the only simple way to incorporate this shade into your closet—enter matching skirt sets into the chat. What's great about a top-and-skirt set is that it will always look sophisticated no matter what shade of yellow you settle on.

What You'll Need: Silver Necklace + Yellow Knit Top + Matching Maxi Skirt + Black Flip-Flops + Black Clutch Bag

Styling Notes: Sets aren't just a summertime thing, BTW. If you're looking for ideas on how to wear yellow during the fall, winter, and spring, consider the outfit above a great starting point. A matching knit set can be worn year-round when styled with seasonal accessories (e.g., sandals in the spring and summer, boots and coats in the fall and winter).

What You'll Need: Tan Blazer + Yellow Knit Top + Yellow Slip Skirt + Mesh Ballet Flats + White Quilted Shoulder Bag

Styling Notes: While matching sets can make styling shades of yellow simple, they're not the only solution. In fact, you can get away with mixing and matching items that aren't a set as long as you keep to a minimal color palette.

What You'll Need: Yellow Shirtdress + Tan Bag + Tan Heels + Sunglasses

Styling Notes: When you can't be bothered to pull together matching yellow separates, the next best thing is a simple shirtdress. Styling this staple with tan accessories is the simplest way to wear this shade sans effort.

What You'll Need: Yellow Dress + Red Shoulder Bag + Red Wedges + Cord Necklace + Brown Trench Coat

Styling Notes: Although yellow always pairs well with neutral shades, it can, at times, make the color feel drab. One way to make your little yellow dress feel more daring? Incorporate accessories in a contrasting color.

What You'll Need: Headband + Earrings + Yellow Trench Coat + Tank Top + Capri Pants + Mules + Shoulder Bag

Styling Notes: Hopefully, by now, I've thoroughly showcased how to wear yellow during the summertime. It's worth reminding you that this shade can be seasonless. You can wear yellow well past summer simply by opting for outerwear in this shade—e.g., a suede yellow trench styled over a black tank top, capri pants, and mules. It's a shade that always looks sophisticated, no matter the season.