Summer 2025 Colour Trends

Butter Yellow, Powder Pink, Tangerine & Chocolate — and How to Wear Them

Colour isn’t just about what you wear — it’s how you feel. The right shade can instantly brighten your mood, elevate your confidence, and align with the woman you’re becoming. This summer, we’re embracing a soft, sophisticated palette with a few bold moments: Butter Yellow, Powder Pink, Tangerine, and Chocolate. Each shade speaks to a different mood, a different energy. But the key to pulling them off? Knowing what works with your skin tone, undertone, and personal style.

Let’s decode the palette of the season — so you can wear it your way.

Butter Yellow – Understated Radiance

Butter Yellow is soft, creamy, and quietly luxurious. It evokes warmth, ease, and femininity without trying too hard.

Image from The Glossary

Best for:

• Fair to Medium Skin Tones with warm undertones (golden, peachy, olive)

• Deeper Skin Tones — the buttery warmth looks luminous against rich skin

Styling notes:

• Think oversized knits, structured coats, and fluid dresses in light, natural fabrics.

• Pair with neutrals like beige, ivory, or soft tan. Add gold jewellery for glow.

• Style the city with a butter-yellow blazer, or take it on holiday with a linen co-ord and woven sandals.

Avoid: Neon yellows or cooler lemon shades if you have pink undertones — they can look harsh.

Powder Pink – Soft Strength

Delicate but never dull, Powder Pink is romantic with a modern edge. Think ballet tones, not bubblegum.

Image From Marie-Claire

Best for:

• Cool undertones (pink, blue or rosy skin tones) — Powder Pink harmonises beautifully here.

• Pale to deep complexions — as long as the tone is soft, it flatters across the board.

Styling notes:

• Look for flowing dresses, tailored trousers, and minimal suiting in this hue.

• Add contrast with burgundy, stone grey, or chocolate brown accessories.

• Don’t be afraid to go monochrome — a tonal pink moment feels effortlessly chic.

• Don't hesitate to incorporate ballet inspiration, such as ballet shoes and hair tied back; it's very in.

Elevated tip: Keep the fabrics light — think chiffon, crepe, or linen to avoid looking too “sweet.”

Tangerine – The Confident Pop

This juicy, sun-kissed orange brings energy. It’s playful, bold, and ideal for the woman who wants to be seen — without sacrificing elegance.

Image From Marie-Claire

Best for:

• Medium to Deep Skin Tones — Tangerine pops beautifully on melanin-rich skin.

• Neutral to Warm Undertones — it enhances golden and olive undertones especially well.

Styling notes:

• Perfect as a statement piece: a structured dress, wide-leg trousers, or a crisp shirt.

• Ground it with earthy tones — tan, khaki, or chocolate — or go bold with fuchsia or cobalt accents.

• In accessories, a tangerine bag or heel can bring unexpected joy to a minimal outfit.

Avoid: Over-accessorising. Let tangerine be the focal point and keep the rest clean.

Chocolate – The New Neutral

Dark, decadent, and grounding — Chocolate brown is the cool girl’s alternative to black this summer. Understated, versatile, and quietly powerful.

(Image credit: Zara/H&M)

Best for:

• Universally flattering. Looks rich and luxurious on all skin tones.

• Especially striking on cool undertones (as it adds contrast) and deep skin tones (where it blends seamlessly for tonal dressing).

Styling notes:

• Style it like a neutral — with butter yellow, powder pink, or tangerine.

• Opt for fluid, soft silhouettes: wide-leg trousers, oversized blazers, or knit dresses.

• Add depth with mixed textures: suede, silk, and cotton blends.

Elevated tip: Chocolate brown looks stunning when paired with gold jewellery and warm skin. Think late-summer dinner outfit, barefoot elegance, rich girl minimalism.

How to Know Your Undertone

Not sure what your undertone is? Here’s a quick guide:

• Cool: Your veins look blue, silver jewellery suits you best, and your skin has pink or rosy tones.

• Warm: Your veins look green, gold jewellery pops on your skin, and you lean golden, peachy, or olive.

• Neutral: You suit both gold and silver, and your undertones are balanced.

If you're still unsure — try holding up clothes in natural light. Which colours make you look alive, and which wash you out? Trust your mirror and your instincts.

Final Word from Clementine

These colours aren’t just trends — they’re tools. Tools to express how you feel. To step into new energy. To experiment, transform, or soften. Whether you’re jetting off to sun-soaked cities or simply dressing up for yourself, these shades were made for moments that feel like you.

Let colour elevate you.

With love,

Clementine x

Elevated by Clementine