Let’s explore yellow………..

Yellow is one of the most vibrant and attention-grabbing colours in the spectrum. Often associated with sunshine, happiness, and energy, it is a colour that can evoke strong emotions and make a bold statement. However, many people shy away from wearing yellow, possibly for fear of it not suiting them but potentially also because of that high energy vibe it evokes. Some of us can feel over-stimulated by that so if you are particularly sensitive to colour, yellow can wreak havoc with your neurons and might be best left alone. But aside from that can anyone wear yellow?

The Science

In colour theory, yellow is a primary colour, meaning it cannot be created by mixing other colours. It sits between orange and green on the colour wheel and is known for its high visibility and brightness. Shades of yellow can range from the softest and coolest of primrose to the brightness and boldness of neon with warm golden mustards and corns thrown in for good measure. 

Yellow can be paired well with a multitude of colours depending on the desired effect, your palette and your mood. For instance:

• Complementary colours: Yellow contrasts beautifully with purple, its direct opposite on the colour wheel for a bold and striking look.
• Analogous colours: Pairing yellow with orange and green can create a harmonious yet vibrant appearance.
• Neutrals:  Your best yellow can work well your neutrals too. Springs can pair with darker neutrals like tan or lighter options like cream. Summers can try with navy or soft whites, Autumns with chocolate brown or marine navy or ivory and finally Winters can opt for charcoal or box fresh white. And there are many more options besides. Always play with combinations within your colour palette. You can’t go far wrong. It’s when we blend hues from different palettes that combinations can sometimes look off.

The Psychology

Yellow is associated with optimism, cheerfulness, and creativity.  We think of sunshine, warmth, Spring time, better times and newness. It is known to stimulate our nervous system and boost energy levels so can be great for sportswear and general activity. In branding and design, yellow is used to grab attention and create a sense of warmth and friendliness (think McDonald's and IKEA). However, as previously alluded to, too much yellow can be overwhelming and even cause feelings of anxiety, so balance is key when incorporating it into your home or even your wardrobe.

How to Wear Yellow

The key to wearing yellow successfully lies in choosing the right shade for your skin tone.  The best way to find out your skin tone is with a colour analysis. Always find a specially trained expert to perform this for you. This service should not be cheap but doesn’t need to cost the Earth either. Think about how much you might spend on a couple of visits to the hairdresser, consider it as an investment. You will have the knowledge forever and it will save you hundreds in impulse purchases you never wear.

Don’t be fooled by online quizzes.  There is only one you and a generic quiz cannot serve every unique individual. An in-person analysis will give you the opportunity to explore lots of colours and to have all your questions answered.

Style Tips

• Accessories: If you’re hesitant to wear yellow clothing, start with accessories like a yellow handbag, shoes, or jewellery to add a pop of colour to your outfit.
• Layering: Pairing yellow with neutral colours from your palette can make the look more versatile and wearable.
• Patterns and Prints: If solid yellow feels overwhelming, opt for prints that incorporate yellow along with other colours to create a balanced effect.

And Finally

So, can anyone wear yellow? Absolutely! The trick is to find the right shade that complements your skin tone and to style it in a way that feels comfortable and confident. Whether it's a bold statement piece or a subtle pop of colour, yellow can bring variety to any wardrobe. So get ready to receive more compliments and smiles from people in the street as you radiate sunshine wherever you go!

Already know your seasonal palette? Here are our yellow picks for each season.

Spring yellows are light, bright and warm.

Summer yellows are light, soft and cool.

Autumn yellows are deep, soft and warm.

Winter yellows are deep, bright and cool.

We’ve done the hard work for you so if you see something you like simply visit our Mellow Yellow catalogue and click on your fave items to go straight to the retailer. We may earn a small commission from some of our recommendations.  At The Style and Colour Company we are passionate about giving you the confidence to live life in colour.  Book your colour analysis here and we will look forward to welcoming you.