Cheryl Shops

Now that it's officially spring, we can start officially talking about spring trends. As I noted last fall when I decided to resurrect trend reports, this is not meant as a directive, e.g. we all need to start wearing this thing right now. In my 20s and even into my 30s, I felt the need to participate in every trend, with mixed results. One of the many great things about getting older, however, is that you have the wisdom to see a trend and think that's not for me. You can also choose not to participate in any trend at all—it's your life and your style, after all—but I always like to stay open to new things. Sometimes you never know how much you'll love something if you don't try it, which is how I feel about the butter yellow color that's all of a sudden everywhere this season. Did it start with Timothée Chalamet's Oscar suit? Or on the runways last fall? Either way, butter yellow is shaping up to be THE color for spring, and I was wary at first, but then I tried it on.

I had always believed that blondes couldn't wear yellow, but as with many things when it comes to color, the thinking behind that notion seems entirely outdated. I think the softer tone of it actually works well with my coloring, and my eyes and lips (granted, I'm wearing a bright lipstick here) do pop. I decided to kill two trends with one stone here, with a matching set (also a trend!) from Planet by Lauren G, which was generously gifted to me. This set is in the softest Pima cotton—it's so lightweight and silky-smooth, I thought the fabric was synthetic at first. As a bonus, it's on sale right now, and if you use code CMADAY, you get an extra 10% off. But if this look isn't exactly your cup of tea, read on for more of my butter-yellow picks. 

OUTFIT DETAILS: Planet by Lauren G Pima cotton top (c/o; use CMADAY for 10% off) | Planet by Lauren G Pima cotton balloon skirt (c/o; use CMADAY for 10% off) | Frankie4 Hunter sandals (c/o; use LTK_CHERYL15 for 15% off) 

More butter yellow picks

1. I live a few blocks away from the Freda Salvador store on Fillmore in San Francisco; I was walking by last week, saw this bag in the window, and immediately went into the store. The bag does come in a bunch of other colors, as well as a larger, non-studded version, but the color and shape of this one are just so striking. It looks like the perfect size too. And as a bonus, a bag is a great way to add just a pop of butter yellow to your look. 

Freda Salvador Elis Mini Crescent Bag $495

2. Another way to kill two trends with one stone: this lace-trim slip skirt. True, this is more of a dijon mustard color than a butter yellow (Anthropologie calls it "maize" as in corn), but close enough. (For the record, this one also comes in black and pink, which I am equally, if not more, obsessed with.) 

The Tilda Knee-Length Slip Skirt: Lace Trim Edition $98 

3. I included this blazer in my spring shopping list newsletter last week—I've been seeing it everywhere on social media, particularly on the Scandi street style stars. It has a very early-Armani look to it, which is definitely in line with what the vintage lovers are into right now. Bonus points for its availability in an extended size range, as well as its reasonable price. 

Aligne Daphne Waisted Boucle Blazer $245

4. I featured this set in black in my ten really good things at the Gap newsletter; it may be even better in butter yellow. Granted, I don't have the abs to pull of the cropped top, but the skort is especially cute (or I'd pair the top with a looser, higher-waisted pair of pants). 

Linen-Blend Scalloped Crop Top $24 (on sale) & Mini Skort $29 (on sale) 

5. If you want to just dip a toe into the butter yellow trend (pun intended), then shoes are the way to go. It also keeps the color as far away from your face as possible, which is a bonus if you don't like how the color works against your skin tone. This pair feels like such a current shape, and to sweeten the deal, they're on sale right now. 

Madewell The Remy Mary Jane Flat $129.50 + extra 40% off 

6. & Other Stories has so many great butter yellow things right now, but my absolute favorite is this dress, which looks like a vintage Donna Karan dress I own (that everyone thinks is Chloé). It would be perfect to wear to a wedding or a shower or for no special occasion at all—it's that good. 

& Other Stories Frilled Satin Maxi Dress $169