As someone who typically gravitates towards a strictly neutral colour palette for my everyday uniform, it’s come as a surprise to discover recently that I have a penchant for shades that stray far from my usual go-to beiges and blacks. From buttercup to daffodil, yellow is making a vibrant comeback this season, and I’m a fan. 

Given the popularity of Barbiecore pink last year and Charli XCX’s Brat green this summer, it’s clear that strong hues are a huge trend in terms of a dopamine kick. And this autumn, yellow is adding a refreshing dose of sunshine to our wardrobes – much needed with these short, dark days, if you ask me. 

You only need to look towards the autumn/winter 2024 catwalks to see this bold colour punctuating the catwalks. Erdem’s latest collection won me over with its mustard yellow boxy jackets, which were delicately constructed like folded origami. 

Ester Manas showcased chic, fluffy yellow pieces cropped at the waist, perfectly paired with longline skirts for a sophisticated, ladylike silhouette. Think it’s just a passing fad? Think again, as Prada’s bright yellow parkas made a statement at the spring/summer 2025 show, proving the yellow fashion trend is here to stay for the foreseeable.

Beyond the runway, yellow has also captured the cinematic world. Demi Moore looked effortlessly stylish in a stunning yellow cashmere coat in the body horror film The Substance, while Tilda Swinton wore a striking yellow coat in Pedro Almodóvar’s latest film, The Room Next Door. 

There’s a lot to unpack in both films, but what particularly struck with me was the egg-yolk shade coats both characters wear. A bold shift? Perhaps, quiet luxury and minimalism had previously dominated our TVs in shows such as Succession and The Perfect Couple. This contrast underscores a refreshing departure from subtle tones, making yellow even more of a standout.

As you’d expect from an Almodóvar film, the costumes in The Room Next Door are verdant, chic and luxe. Moore and Swinton sport lavish knitwear and sharp blazers. This is thanks to costume designer, Bina Daigeler, who dazzles the audience with the characters’ sumptuous wardrobes. Part of the storytelling, the colour schemes and styles change throughout the film to reflect the plight of the characters, she says.

“With the yellow suit, we tried it out and it was so stunning. We knew it was the right way to go,” Daigeler tells Stylist. “It is a very special yellow, with all the emotions. We had casual wear in a beautiful yellow, which was another potential choice. Tilda and I loved it. The colour has a beautiful message behind it – something bright, beautiful and nice.”

How to style yellow for autumn/winter 2024

As we dive deeper into autumn and prepare for the chill of winter, it’s easy to resort to safer wardrobe choices. While we might be inclined to reach for monochromatic hues and basic neutrals, I’m here to say that a splash of colour can work wonders. Adding some vibrant shades to your outfits can bring a burst of energy and lift your spirits during the cooler season.

But how do you style yellow if, like me, you’re used to wearing neutrals? As with all brighter shades, it can be quite tricky to strike the balance right. But fear not, all you need are some staple outerwear pieces and a few key accessories. With the right shade, anyone can wear yellow.

My favourite shade is butter yellow, as it’s a nice way to ease yourself into the trend. Compared to its brighter counterparts when dopamine dressing, muted butter yellow is much easier to pair with other shades. Just take a look at Yusra’s outfit (below), see how well some yellow works with shades of grey? It’s also a colour that easily elevates wardrobe classics. Just as a burgundy bag can create a subtle statement, a creamy yellow jacket, jumper or even a scarf will go a long way in your wardrobe. 

Embrace the vibrancy of yellow to inject some cheer into your wardrobe. Below, I’ve rounded up a few of my favourite yellow finds from the high street for you to shop this season. 

Images: Getty; Mubi; Iglesias Más; courtesy of brands