The Vivid Color Replacing Butter Yellow In All Of Our Outfits

Butter yellow has been fashion's hottest ticket for a few years now, but 2025 is taking things in a surprising new direction. We know that brown is the undisputed queen bee given that Mocha Mousse is Pantone's Color of the Year, but specifically as the weather warms up, trends are leaning more toward something brighter and airier. Enter the season's best greens (not the kale and lettuce variety). 

"This year's summer greens are a much more wearable version of green than the Brat green of summer 2024 (thank goodness!)," notes Aricia Symes, founder and stylist at Unfoldid. In an exclusive chat with Glam, she reveals that two kinds of green, in particular, are popping this season. "While last summer's green was borderline neon and a bit edgy or rebellious, this summer we are leaning toward a more natural and sophisticated take on greens, including pistachio. Also arriving on the scene is Kelly green, always a summer favorite that evokes preppy tennis parties and boats by the shore." There's enough difference between these two hues that there's something for everyone; pistachio is a lighter and muted tone, while Kelly green is more saturated, similar to the Bottega green that was trendy in summer 2023. 

The movement toward greens may be a drip effect following the reign of Brat green, which took over Barbie pink in 2024, but it also reflects our natural preference for this cool and calming shade as the seasons change. "A bright green has always been a symbol of spring time with it's bright green grass and new spring buds," Symes adds. "It exudes growth, vitality and even prosperity, and by incorporating it into our outfits, we exude that too. Try a Kelly green look and see how you light up a room!" Meanwhile, for something more understated, pistachio is the ultimate subtle statement-maker this year. 

Kelly green naturally draws the eye without being as out there as Brat green, so it's an ideal shade to complete an outfit that you want people to notice. "This year's version is bright but still manages to maintain its style and sophistication, making it the perfect way to make a statement," Aricia Symes shares exclusively with Glam. "So if you are looking to make a statement, go ahead and get the Kelly green dress or suit." 

This more saturated tone pairs beautifully with several other summer staples, including navy, bright pink, and white, and Symes confirms that you can wear it to casual events (think "a pair of shorts at the beach") along with the ultra-fancy (think "a glamorous dress for a wedding"). If you're not ready to dive all the way into Kelly green, Symes recommends beginning with accessories: "Start off with an accent piece like a Kelly green belt or bag paired with denim or navy and a white tee — it will pop your outfit and keep you easily on trend."

Meanwhile, the paler pistachio is the ultimate pairing for Pantone's Color of the Year; the combo of brown and light green is unexpected yet fashion-forward. Otherwise, pistachio will always work in a monochrome outfit or even with neutrals like white, gray, and black. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try it with pink or dark-wash denim. But if neither pistachio nor Kelly green works for you, Symes insists that there are still other green options to choose from: "There were greens of all shades on the runway this spring, so many shades that participating in the trend became easy. Just dig into your closet and grab any or all of your greens." And if you want to wear red and green together, here's how to do it without reminding everyone of the holidays.