As a style strategist, colour is one of the most powerful tools in your non-verbal communication. It speaks before you do. It shapes a perception. It sets the tone. And while Butter Yellow may be having a moment in fashion this season, not every trend deserves a place in the wardrobe of a female leader.
Here’s why I typically steer clear of Butter Yellow for women in positions of power (specially in male-dominated industries):
- 1 – It Lacks a Commanding Presence
Butter Yellow is soft, gentle, and often associated with playfulness or innocence. While that can work in casual or creative environments, it doesn’t always translate well in boardrooms or high-stakes meetings where authority and presence matter. However, it can be well balanced in your strategy if you pair it with stronger hues such as navy, burgundy or even black to ensure you don’t blend in with the wallpaper.
- 2 – It Doesn’t Flatter All Skin Tones
Unlike what the mainstream media is wanting you to believe, Butter Yellow is not a colour that will suit most people. Depending where you shop, each Brand/Retailer will show you their version of “Butter Yellow” and from what I saw so far it can vary between the warmest to the ashiest tones. The PANTONE version of Butter Yellow #fffd74 has very little proportion of blue hues in it, which indicates this is a colour more suited for the warmer palettes. As a Strategist, I prioritise colours that enhance, elevate and energise you, so if your palette doesn’t feature this colour, I would be very cautious on what you invest your money in.
If you have a “COOL” base colour palette, try pairing this colour with these instead:
- 3 – It Signals Approachability More Than Authority
If you are struggling to make yourself seen, heard and respected (specially in a male-dominated industry), Butter Yellow will have the opposite effect to what you are trying to achieve. While approachability is important, female leaders often have to walk a fine line between warmth and authority. Butter Yellow leans heavily toward the “friendly” end of the spectrum, which can tip the balance too far — specially in situations that call for decisiveness and gravitas.
That said, style is personal, and there are always exceptions. But when it comes to dressing for impact, influence, and intention, there are far more powerful choices than Butter Yellow.
If you would like to learn about how to dress with influence in your industry, then come along to my STYLE STRATEGY WORKSHOP for women in leadership on the 6th of June 2025.
Joana Meneses is a high impact Style Strategist helping women lead and gain visibility & credibility in male-dominated industries.
– Styling You Confident