In my opinion, yellow dresses are a bit like Marmite: you’re either an unwavering fan or you shiver at the thought. My theory is that if you lived through the early 2000s you’ll fall in the former camp, and if not, the latter. For us millennial women, it’s been hard to resist the pull of yellow dress, and experiencing our formative years circa 2003 is largely to blame for this. Andie Anderson’s iconic yellow gown from How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days and Kate Moss‘ memorable yellow minidress in the same year were a lot for our fashion-obsessed minds. Now, over 20 years later, these iconic styles still come to mind more often than you’d expect.
It’s not just me who has a sustained craving for all things buttery yellow—the soft, pale yellow shade has been backed by designers for months, appearing on the Givenchy, Jacquemus and Bottega Veneta runways throughout the S/S 24 collections. And though the muted shade was a runway hero, the colour’s richer sunshiny sister has also been taking off this season, spotted across collections including Chanel Resort 25 and 3.1 Phillip Lim and Chloé S/S 24.
With summer very nearly upon us, I’m taking this as my chance to finally live out my fashion dreams. It seems Sabrina Carpenter had the same idea, wearing an Andie-inspired dress for her 25th birthday party earlier this month—diamond necklace and all.
Yellow is often cited as a difficult colour to pull off, but my years in the fashion industry have taught me a few styling tricks that make the sunshine shade easier to wear. First, I recommend a clever colour pairing that can ground the light yellow shade, such as a chocolate brown or rich burgundy. Secondly, I’d experiment with the shade, selecting either a soft, buttery tone or a vivid bright yellow depending on your complexion and preference.
Designers and high-street brands alike have spoiled us with yellow dresses this season—from Abercrombie’s elegant number to Yolke’s sunny style, there’s a yellow dress out there to suit your style.
To shop the yellow dresses we can’t resist below.
SHOP OUR EDIT OF THE BEST YELLOW DRESSES:
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH
Plunge Cowl Back Maxi Dress in Yellow
£110
Abercrombie has perfected its take on Andie Anderson’s iconic yellow dress.
REFORMATION
Ronda Silk Dress
£498
This elegant silk number is perfect for black-tie occasions.
OMNES
Iris Maxi Dress in Yellow
£85
Style with tall heels or Mary Janes if you prefer flats.
MAYGEL CORONEL
Kleos Reversible Stretch-Jersey Maxi Dress
£390
This pretty dress is reversible, so the cut-out detail can be worn at the front or back.
MANGO
Strapless Lace Dress
£90
This pretty strapless dress is perfect for styling throughout the hottest summer days.
& OTHER STORIES
Sleeveless Halterneck Midi Dress
£125
Wear with strappy sandals for a beachy look.
GAUGE81
Onna Strapless Draped Silk-Satin Midi Dress
£495
This deserves lashings of jewellery.
KITRI
Effie Buttercup Rosebud Midi Dress
£175
The perfect summer picnic dress.
JACQUEMUS
Carino Satin Midi Dress
£900
This butter yellow shade is really taking off this season.
SIMKHAI
Kittiya Dress
£495
You’ll get so much wear out of this elegant dress.
SALONI
Renu Ruffle-Trimmed Silk-Blend Chiffon Maxi Dress
£650
Sunshine dressing at its finest.
YOLKE
Sun Dress
£195
Style with sandals or dress up with kitten heels.
ACNE STUDIOS
Wrap-Effect Cutout Lace-Trimmed Jersey Mini Dress
£600
This is on its way to selling out.
PROENZA SCHOULER WHITE LABEL
Cole Cutout Ribbed-Knit Midi Dress
£415
Style with brown trainers for a sporty edge.