Is red the new butter yellow?

Butter yellow had its Euro summer, but cherry red is stepping into frame. This piece explores how a single color shift can redefine a season, from Jacquemus’ soft gold silhouettes to the bold arrival of Rouge. It’s part fashion study, part shopping lesson, and all about the story it tells when you wear it.

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Alright, it’s set. Summer has officially taken a turn for the bolder. Where we were once jet-setting through Europe in butter yellow ensembles to match our croissants in Paris and Danish pastries in Copenhagen, we’re now seeing an influx of cherry reds everywhere!

I, myself, have just hopped on the trend (guilty!). After seeing a woman strut through a nearby hotel in a bright, striking red tube top and an A-line navy denim skirt, I thought my closet was missing that pop of rouge.

Since then, it’s been like the Baader–Meinhof phenomenon. You know, when you become aware of something (like wanting a new car, for example), and suddenly you start noticing it everywhere—not because it’s actually appearing more, but because your brain is looking for it.

Well, my brain is tuned to all the shades of rouge, and I’m noticing somewhat of a trend here. Could it be the frequency illusion? Or are we really onto something? Either way, let’s talk about red, baby!

Now, listen. I’m not trying to retire butter yellow too quickly. In fact, I quite like the calming tints. It’s soft, almost floral, and offers a nice contrast to the blue skies we’ve been chasing this summer. 

But this red trend is commanding aura, and I think she’s telling us to listen.

I’m not one to hop on the bandwagon too quickly. It took me months to admit I was a jelly shoe girly, and I don’t think I even own anything with the tones of “butter” OR “yellow” in my closet.

But the red?

This is a statement I don’t think I can resist. It’s not like turning scarves into waist-belts and trying to make shell-shirts work!

Psychologists call red the color of energy and passion. It draws awareness and says “look at me” without apology. Butter yellow, on the other hand, feels more soft—like the feeling of sunshine and leisure. But red, admittedly, is the bolder sister.

As I pick up my latest magazines and skim through my ever-changing Pinterest feed, pops of red litter the pages. Red stripes, red shoes, red accents, and red accessories on every couple of pins… and pages.

Of course, the designers have scouted it first. You can see traces of red in all their recent collections—so much as their homepage banners are red purses, cherry sunnies, and designs left behind of nothing other than butter yellow.

While browsing each brand, I’m particularly fascinated with how to incorporate more red in my closet without becoming too trendy as to compromise timelessness.

For example, we know that most raffia bags can only be used in the summer (though I’m particularly obsessed with Jacquemus’ “The Spiaggia Small Square Bag” in red right now). And I doubt very much that scarf-belts will last throughout the winter. Maybe jelly shoes will last, and maybe a new concept of mesh flats will take over? And lobster summer might be a one-and-done trend (should it have been done at all?). Thus, all of this begs me to question how we can play with transient trends while still keeping a timeless capsule.

I thought about it for some time. Just a few days ago, I was online shopping for some rather racy and totally non-trending things (if you catch my drift) when my beau recommended a pair of skinny jeans. *GASP!*

He justified that he hasn’t seen me wear them much lately and that skinny jeans hug my curves better. *DOUBLE GASP!* Don’t you know that skinny is out and wide-leg is in?!

Well, he negotiated on the skinny jeans, with the right kind of acid wash, for one extra item of my own choice. It was mere hours after seeing the girl in the red top and A-line skirt, so I immediately searched for something red.

I had a few tabs open when it occurred to me that I would probably wear 99% of what was in my cart once… and then never again. That’s when it dawned on me that we can incorporate trends without losing timelessness (and, for most of our capsule wardrobes, wearability).

I ran over to the closet and sifted through my clothes. Between the fitness sets I wear every oth… well, every day, and the thrifted designer finds that I save for “special occasions,” I felt compelled to look at my real staples and work my purchase around that.

If we’re being fashionably honest with ourselves, most women only wear about 5% of their closet… on repeat. Those two pairs of jeans you wear over and over again? And that white tank that you layer every single day? Those are the style elements you should be building your cart around.

As of late, my style fluctuates between (yes, workout sets, but mostly) linens and tank tops, wide-leg jeans, and poplin button-downs. Even though I have them on repeat in different shades, lengths, and colors, I style them differently every time, thus giving me fresh looks for each day of the week. You can pair any outfit with bigger or bolder earrings, flashy or basic colors, heels or sneakers (or jelly flats!), and an oversized or barely-fits-it-all purse to make for a new look. Plus, change your hairstyle to match the mood, and you’re all set, doll!

On that note, I went with a red button-down. She’s timeless (meaning all the seasons of the year), versatile (I could pair it with any vibe or outfit), and still aligns with the current style narrative.

So, ladies… how can you infuse more red into your closet without dropping it off at the thrift a couple of months from now? [Guilty, again.]

Start small.

No need to make brash decisions or follow every (sometimes questionable) trend. Start with accessories—perhaps some heels, flats, a purse, some lipstick, or jewelry! I’m seeing bangles everywhere (though I’m not particularly inspired to write about it). But infusing some trending colors or patterns slowly might give you more confidence to make a big style decision when you find a trend or item that you really love. P.S.: Even a red French tip is a win in my book.

Balance with essential tones and textures.

A capsule piece will take you much further in wear and in worth than, let’s say, a totally iconic yet utterly unwearable piece. Opt for hot staples over haute couture—things you know you’ll wear frequently versus the one far-fetched piece that you’ll probably only wear once. In the case of cherry, crimson (so last fall—if you ask me), or coral reds, pair your bold trends with neutral pieces to let the red stand out while keeping the classics. Think of the rule of thirds: pair two pieces of neutrals for every one pop of color! It makes for a well-balanced outfit that you can refresh and restyle at any time.

When you see red, stop!

It’s only natural for a woman to add a bajillion pieces to her cart before her next breath. But when you see red—or, more specifically, an oncoming trend or statement piece you like—stop before hitting ‘buy now’ and think about it. I’m all for developing your style palette, but almost every piece is worth sleeping on—especially when Vogue and Bazaar tell you not to. Not only will you appreciate your purchase more—who knows, maybe things will look a little different the morning after… (if you catch my drift).

At last, just remember to pair your bold reds with even bolder confidence. No trend in the world could surpass a woman who owns her style. You are the woman in red and beyond. So whether it’s a top-to-bottom red gown, a pop of cherry-colored statement pumps, or a go-to rouge à lèvres, it doesn’t matter if or how you incorporate red into your closet. What matters is what red stands for in your life: confidence, power, romance, and sometimes… a dash of heat.

If the transition from soft butter yellows to fiery reds can teach us anything, let us learn that unapologetically being ourselves is more than just a trend.

So may the cherry, crimson, and coral reds of this summer teach us the rather timeless lesson that style isn’t just what you wear—it’s the energy you dare to embody.

What color are you embodying this season?

Is it the soft femininity of butter yellow, the bold energy of cherry red—or are you creating your very own style palette? Drop it in the comments—I want to know what energy you’re bringing to your wardrobe this summer.

Xx,
Sarah Elle