Trend Alert: Not-So-Mellow Yellow

From cherry to chartreuse, Fall 2010 is all about colour – including the brightest of them all, yellow. Read on to find out how you can inject some sunshine into your wardobe this fall.

As we’ve reported elsewhere, the runways for Fall 2010 were all about bright, punchy colours – neutrals be damned. Reds, pinks, teals and – perhaps most unexpectedly, yellows – supercharged the collections with maximum visual impact. Like the other bright hues we’ve seen, the new yellows aren’t shy or delicate – they come in shades of acid, chartreuse, and deep mustard, as seen on the catwalks at Marc Jacobs, Akris, and Charles Anastase:

Akris Fall 2010

Charles Anastase, Fall 2010

Marc Jacobs Fall 2010

Photos courtesy of Style.com

When finding ways to work yellow into your own look this fall, take a page from the designers and think sunflower – not wallflower. Choose bright yellows or acid shades, and pair with pieces that also fall in the yellow spectrum to really bring out the best of the colour. We love the idea of pairing a casual piece in yellow-green with a metallic piece in the same shade, as in Marc Jacobs, above, for a super-modern effect. Still too bold for your vibe? Try yellow in small doses first, like on a scarf, or on your nails. Just remember – yellow and black can be difficult to pull off together (it’s ’80s at best, and bumblebee at worst). Pick contrasting shades with caution.

Don’t forget to look online for great pieces in all shades. Our picks for the best of the yellow bunch are below:

The Early Bird Gets Warm Cardigan, $57.99, Modcloth

Diane Von Fustenberg Guelda Jacket, $365, Matches

Steve Madden Caryssa Shoes in Chartreuse, $89, at Side Street Boutique

Kate Spade Tarrytown Seasonal Maryanne, $395, Zappos.com

Want to wear yellow in a more discreet way? Try jewelry in topaz – bonus if you’re born in November.