I'm Bored of Beige, So This Expensive-Looking Colour Is My New Go-To

If we were to ask you to dream up an expensive-looking colour palette, which shades would you include? Perhaps burgundy with a helping of tan, khaki and navy? Although the aforementioned colours are certainly proving popular right on cue, autumn 2023 is also shaping up to be one of the most colourful on record. Shades of lime and red have long dominated the shops, but now, a new hue is set to surpass their appeal. Buttermilk not only sounds tasty but, as it turns out, it's one of the season's most delectable trends too, loaning a premium finish to a variety of ensembles. What started off as a micro-offshoot from last year's omnipresent beige is now bigger business than many might have expected and I, for one, am here for the update. 

buttermilk-fashion-trend-282395-1568145122187-image

(Image credit: @monikh)

We're the first to admit that this buttery-yellow presence on the autumn/winter 2023 runways came as a surprise. However, it's already proving itself to be a welcome addition to our new-season wardrobes, and has been a hit on the occasionwear circuit, too, practically dominating the Coronation back in May, infiltrating every wedding since. What's more? It really does suit everyone. Synonymous with summer, pale yellow tones help to brighten the face and will bestow your skin with a glow akin to spending two weeks in the Maldives. Don't believe what you've heard—blondes suit this shade just as well as those with darker tresses.

Keen to give the buttermilk fashion trend a go but unsure where to start? We suggest using the below as your basis. Keep scrolling to see how influencers are wearing pale yellow at the moment. Then, once you're suitably hooked, shop our favourite pieces for every budget.

Buttermilk Fashion Trend Outfit Ideas

buttermilk-fashion-trend-282395-1688996327757-image

(Image credit: @thandimaq)

Add a basket bag to a pale yellow dress and you've got the perfect holiday outfit. 

buttermilk-fashion-trend-282395-1568145118998-image

(Image credit: @emilisindlev)

Emili Sindlev covers up in a buttermilk coat and matching skirt—proof that wearing one colour top-to-toe always pays off. 

buttermilk-fashion-trend-282395-1688995181056-main

(Image credit: @abimarvel, courtesy of Rixo)

This shade works for so many formal occasions, specially in dress form. 

buttermilk-fashion-trend-282395-1568145120956-image

(Image credit: @maria_bernad)

Play with pale-yellow textures such as feathers and satin to add dimension to your look. 

buttermilk-fashion-trend-282395-1688996309798-image

(Image credit: @monikh)

To keep your pale yellow pieces looking fresh, try styling them with white separates. 

Shop the Buttermilk Fashion Trend 

Next Up, Experts Agree: These Autumn/Winter 2023 Fashion Trends Really Count

This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated. 

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.