Yellow Fever

If there is one colour that I feel does not really work on me, it's yellow. It makes me sallow - dare I say, even jaundiced. Plus, the task of mixing and matching with other shades can prove to be a little daunting, given that yellow is such a powerful colour. However, I find myself slowly changing my mind this time. From lemonade to mustard, yellow is truly having its moment in the sun. I must admit that I did love that canary yellow Stella McCartney dress that Amal Clooney wore to the royal wedding this year - it definitely was one of the most striking outfits of this season. And then there is the famous off-shoulder blouse with pearl details that Kareena Kapoor Khan wore in Veere Di Wedding. That Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla vintage lehenga got such a vibrant twist with the addition of yellow.
Lately, international celebrities such as Cate Blanchett, Rihanna and Natalie Portman have been turning to yellow for some stunning red carpet looks. Personally, I'd like to start with buttercup - a gentle hue of the colour - on a softer fabric with a more relaxed shape, like an easy breezy summer dress.
Be it Alberta Ferretti or Zara - high fashion and high street fashion - brands are increasingly embracing yellow. Even #yellowmellow has become popular on social media. Follow the hashtag on your Instagram account and you'll see how women from all over the world are taking to this colour. While I am slowly warming up to the colour by opting for a paler version, for olive and darker skin tones, stronger shades - such as mustard or egg yolk yellow - could work best. Before you try on a yellow outfit, hold it closer to your face and look in the mirror. You will know with just one look whether the colour will make your skin look brighter or duller. Ideally, you'd want a shade that brightens.
As for the accessories, try and keep them as neutral as possible - you can never go wrong with a pair of caramel shade shoes and bag. For an evening look, go for metallic sandals with a clutch (both silver and gold can be paired with yellow). Though I have seen women combine yellow with a bright hue of green or purple (and it does catch the eye), you need to carry this daring-yet-delightful combination only if you're confident. You want to wear the colour, not have the colour wear you. Once you grow accustomed to wearing yellow, you will be surprised to see how it mixes and matches into your wardrobe. As a colour, yellow is meant to signify confidence and optimism. Since you can never have enough of either, I think I am going to embrace it at last and add some sunshine into my wardrobe this summer.
sujata@khaleejtimes.com

• Dress sense