Now, I am not one to make a post every time a new color trends for the season but this time, I can’t help it because of how unique the shade is! Glamour magazine reports that for the first time since 2019, that yellow has returned as the power color for fall/winter fashion in 2024 and into early 2025. I am so excited for this trend! Yellow doesn’t come around enough, does she? Well, I think it should stay in the fall/winter palette indefinitely and I will be wearing her as such until further notice!

I could’ve written about this in autumn rather than waiting until now but I wanted to wait because honestly, I think the idea of yellow hues is more interesting for winter given that we typically already associate yellow with autumn already whether it’s technically “trending” or not. Winter, however, is typically reserved for jewel tones and cool colors making yellow a stand out choice that deserves proper acknowledgement.

As someone who adores yellow, I think this is fabulous news! Can you think of anything better to brighten those cold winter days than wearing a little ray of sunshine to keep warm? Even if it’s just psychological, I feel warmer already! Below I will be discussing different shades of yellow and showing some fall/winter pieces of clothing I happen to have in this tone for your own inspiration as well as explaining how I style them! Keep in mind that these tips can be applicable to menswear as well! It’ll be fun, stick around!

Nutcracker notes

Pictured above is a yellow Tahari military style jacket from a skirt suit that I would wear in fall and winter as well as spring. Actually, it’s cute so I’d wear it whenever. Butter yellow is one of the shades trending across the runway and while it’s traditionally associated with spring or summer, the military style of jacket actually lends to winter and is reminiscent of the uniforms of nutcrackers. Worn throughout ballets and seen on wooden soldiers placed on mantles, it’s no wonder we think about these coats most during the yuletide. The gold buttons also create a stark contrast that can easily be pulled in by a rich gold blouse underneath making this jacket a stand out for this trend!

Ceremonial military jackets have long been a symbol of tradition and prestige, and their unique designs have found a prominent place in the realm of winter fashion. These jackets, often characterized by their ornate embellishments, rich fabrics, and distinctive cuts, not only serve a functional purpose in historical contexts but also make a striking statement in contemporary wardrobes. The combination of heritage and style is particularly appealing during the colder months during time spent with family celebrating, as these jackets provide both warmth and an air of sophistication.

As winter approaches, the resurgence of military-inspired fashion highlights the adaptability of these ceremonial garments historically worn by royalty for centuries at important events such as coronations, weddings, funerals, and holiday services. Designers draw inspiration from the structured silhouettes and detailed craftsmanship of military jackets, integrating elements such as gold braiding, epaulettes, and tailored fits into their collections. The result is a fusion of elegance, utility, and tradition, making these jackets ideal for festive occasions, formal gatherings, or simply elevating everyday winter attire. Whether worn over a blouse and tailored trousers or paired with a flowing wool skirt, ceremonial military jackets offer a versatile layering option that exudes confidence and style.

Moreover, the appeal of ceremonial military jackets in winter fashion extends beyond their aesthetic qualities; they also embody a sense of history and cultural significance that we tend to think about during time spent with loved ones. As fashion continues to evolve, the ceremonial military jacket remains a timeless piece, effortlessly bridging the gap between tradition and modernity, and reminding us of the enduring power of style intertwined with heritage.

Butter blazers

Pictured above is a “Butter” yellow vintage Gianni Versace blazer that I would typically reserve for the bright and lively seasons of spring and summer where it would thrive in the color wheel. Butter yellow happens to be one of the aureate shades trending highest this year so in the spirit of embracing current fashion, we are going to delve into the remarkable versatility of this blazer and explore how it can be styled beautifully for the cooler months of winter and fall as well!

When it comes to layering this blazer for chillier temperatures, my go-to choice would be to wear a cozy turtleneck sweater underneath to counteract the thinness of fabric and probably something with texture like ribbing for depth. I’d choose a neutral color to make the yellow pop like it’s meant to, maybe a cream. This layering technique not only adds warmth to a typically off season garment but also provides a stylish and sophisticated look, as the blazer itself is lighter in weight than a traditional winter coat. Not going to lie, you wouldn’t see me trekking through the snow in this but it can still be layered as desired to walk from the car to the house to sit by the fire.

Alternatively, if I happened to have a matching plaid scarf, this accessory can be the perfect addition to elevate the entire ensemble. In this case, I would choose to pull another solid color from the scarf to complement my outfit rather than a neutral. This could be a rich burgundy or a soft green, depending on the colors present in the scarf. Incorporating such an accessory not only adds warmth but also introduces an extra layer of interest and design, enhancing the overall look while keeping it seasonally appropriate.

Sweater weather

This year, one specific shade of yellow that has captured the fashion world’s attention is “Marigold” yellow. Traditionally associated with the changing leaves and vibrancy of autumn, this rich and inviting hue is now making its mark in the winter wardrobe as well. Marigold yellow offers a refreshing twist on the typical winter palette, bringing a burst of sunshine and cheer to the colder months. Closer to gold and already established cold weather neutrals than the other yellows, Marigold is probably the easiest color of yellow to style winter and autumn outfits with!

Whether you lean towards cozy short-sleeve sweaters for layering or opt for the elegance of long-sleeve designs, Marigold yellow is an excellent choice for embracing the season’s trends. These sweaters not only provide warmth but also serve as a bold statement piece, effortlessly brightening up any outfit. Pair them with neutral coats or rich earth colors to create a harmonious look that stands out against the winter backdrop.

When I wear yellow in the winter, it is typically one of these sweaters and I will wear a brown coat over top to keep warm. I choose a coat with a lower neck or leave the top buttons undone so you can see the yellow sweater peeking out from beneath. What’s the point in wearing it if you’re not sharing it, am I right? If I am wearing a warm color like yellow, I almost always choose another neutral warm color like brown to accompany it because they are both close to each other in the color family but that wouldn’t stop me from styling a yellow and black outfit either—it would just be less casual and for a more formal occasion because I feel black gives a more striking contrast.

Button it up

When choosing yellow blouses to wear in fall and winter, it’s best to look for ones that also contain other seasonal colors! What does this mean, Sydney? If you look at the shirt in the center, you will see that while the shirt itself is a golden yellow, it also contains other colors associated with winter and fall such as red, royal blue, hunter green, and even some cool weather purple. All of these other jewel tone colors lend to the yellow, making it seem more festive and wintry like it was never a spring/summer garment at all!

A similar sentiment could be made for the last shirt on the end with its striking navy and red color combination, emblematic of the colder seasons. These hues not only evoke a sense of warmth and coziness but also serve to complement the vibrant yellow that forms the base of the shirt. By juxtaposing these cooler tones against the bright yellow, the design creates a harmonious balance, making the overall look more versatile and adaptable to various occasions throughout the year and very stylable! Imagine wearing this shirt with a long navy peacoat or a red wool blazer!

The first shirt with it’s satin stripes is probably the most “true spring” blouse in this lineup and the pastelness of it’s shade makes it a little more difficult to style for winter and fall—known for jewel tones—but as we mentioned earlier, Butter yellow is hot right now and that shirt is nothing if not Butter yellow! For yellows that are truly more spring/summer, the advice I give is to pair them with a neutral that is definitely a fall/winter color. At the very bottom of this post, I will give examples of how to style some outfits and you’ll understand what I mean but true spring/summer requires true fall/winter if you’re wearing off season. You can choose to layer them whichever way you’d like so long as you keep this combination but I will say that I personally feel the spring/summer color should always be underneath the fall/winter color.

Handful of bags

If you’re looking for a pop of sunshine without going too wild into this trend, handbags are a perfect accessory to use! This is also the case if you’re unsure and just want to try out the color! I know a lot of people prefer neutral handbags but I’d loose my mind if I didn’t have a rainbow of options to choose from! Something that is often overlooked in styling is that handbags are a perfect way to draw attention to your outfit’s details and colors are no different!

I’ve already mentioned that in winter, I like to wear a bright yellow sweater beneath a neutral coat but the key to making that combination work and look polished is the use of a handbag! I will try to find a handbag that matches my sweater (or close enough) so that it carries the color throughout as an accent rather than just a sweater stuck beneath an overcoat to be forgotten or overlooked. The handbag is what really makes it all look intentional and chic—like a choice, not an accident.

You can see what I mean in this picture below of an outfit that I recently wore to the theatre to see Beauty and the Beast!

I have pulled three of my favorite yellow handbags to show you how versatile this color can be when it comes to purses. All three handbags are completely different in style and pull unique shades of yellow. Remember that the straps of crossbody handbags can be used to carry your color upward throughout your outfit and overtop coats and sweaters instead of just being held in your hand like a typical handle. Quilted handbags are all seasonal and remain chic no matter the time of year. I was told that my bright yellow Nine West crossbody bag would only be suitable for summer/spring so I was delighted to pair it with a yellow sweater just to prove the world wrong! You can do the same with your own summer handbags by matching them to a sweater and you shouldn’t wait all year just to wear your favorite ones!

Season of Citrine

If you’re looking to infuse your outfits with a touch of this season’s yellow trend, jewelry is the perfect avenue to explore! One gemstone that stands out from the rest is Citrine, the most popular yellow gemstone. Not only is Citrine the birthstone of November, but it also embodies the warmth of autumn sunshine, making it a fitting choice for this time of year. Whether you’re layering delicate citrine necklaces or adorning your wrists with bold bangles, this gemstone can add a bit of cheer to any ensemble.

While trends come and go, the beauty of jewelry lies in its ability to transcend seasonal fads. Personal style should always take precedence over fleeting trends, and there’s something timeless about wearing pieces that resonate with you, regardless of the color palette of the moment. Jewelry has the power to tell a story, express individuality, and enhance an outfit in ways that clothing alone often cannot. So, while incorporating Citrine into your collection is a fantastic way to embrace the current aesthetic, remember that the most important factor is wearing what makes you feel confident and beautiful. After all, your personal style should always shine through, making every piece of jewelry uniquely yours!

For the sake of this post, I pulled several pieces of the brightest yellow jewelry from my collection to show you how you can accessorize with it across fall/winter whether you prefer single pendants or chunky beads over your turtleneck! We also love a good cocktail ring around here so I added one of those in too—just be sure not to keep it hidden beneath your winter gloves the entire time you wear it! Remember that details matter and jewelry is always a very important detail!

Styling ideas

Above, I have three outfits that I quickly styled to show some examples of how you can wear yellow for fall/winter and I will briefly discuss them below before we conclude this week’s journey through the versatility of yellow. I would wear each of these outfits with jeans and a nice winter boot but my assistant, Cosmina, has no legs so visualize!

In the first outfit, I styled the Marigold sweater with a faux fur leopard vest that always comes back into fashion every fall and stays for winter! One of the smoothest ways to incorporate an offseason color is to blend it in with a true seasonal trend—in this case, the vest featuring fall/winter staples. Think of it like camouflage to distract from the fact that you’re wearing something that might not ordinarily be out and about this time of the year. Pairing it with the faux fur vest smooths out the whole outfit and makes it look cohesive and intentional rather than a thrown together catastrophe you felt around for in the dark!

Look number two might require some zooming or you can just take my word for it. In the vintage floral Gianni Versace silk blouse, there are four colors on top of the gold; royal blue, crimson red, violet purple, and hunter green. If I had a royal blue or red blazer that matched better, I would’ve chosen those over the vintage green Valentino Garavani blazer however, there is still green in that blouse—it’s just smaller in the leaf details—and so it still goes! If you don’t believe me about the green, you can scroll up to the picture of the blouse on it’s own however I did pull back one side of the blazer for this picture in hopes to show the green detailing so you don’t think I’m dumpster styling. Remember that you can always pull true seasonal colors to compliment the off seasonal ones and this is really easy to do in clothing that already has those colors combined for you. As I said, I chose a hunter green blazer to compliment this shirt and this is an outfit I definitely feel is festive enough to wear for Christmas.

On the end is outfit three who combines a true fall/winter neutral of chestnut brown blazer with the off seasonal lemon blouse. This blouse was hardest to style because it’s true pastel, however, it can be worn in the colder months with the right coat or in this case, blazer. Both colors are warm (one is brown and one is yellow) so they have an easier flow than if I were to try and pair a warm color with a cool color. Though it can be done, it might be a bit of a stretch for fall/winter given how “true spring” this shirt is and a cool tone might just draw attention to the fact that the yellow is from a different color family. It needs the warmth from the fall/winter brown to look unified, in my opinion but this is debatable and up to the wearer.

Though I used women’s clothing, the basic rules of color that I mentioned here are totally applicable to menswear as well and shouldn’t be overlooked by guys! I think a man in a nice Marigold sweater would be an absolute breath of fresh pine air in a lineup of men wearing red and green! Or what about a nice yellow scarf to wear with your cream cable knit, guys? Get in there! Snatch the trend!

I hope this was an interesting read and provided you with some good ideas about “off season” colors. I personally hope that yellow sticks around every winter and won’t be letting trends tell me whether it does or it doesn’t from here on out. Whether layered under a stylish jacket in the chill of autumn or worn alone during a brisk spring day colors and shades effortlessly transition through the months, proving that seasonal colors can indeed be a year-round delight.

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