From Butter to Blue: The Pastel Switch You Didn’t See Coming

BY SASHA-LEIGH HODGEN
Jun 4
2 min read

Inside Fashion’s Coolest Colour Shift

Butter yellow had its sun-drenched moment—bright, cheery, and undeniably sweet. But as the fashion winds shift, a cooler pastel is breezing in to take the crown. Meet baby blue: the serene, icy, and quietly powerful shade that’s suddenly everywhere—from the catwalks of couture to the French Riviera.

Why Baby Blue, Why Now?

Pastels have always been fashion’s soft spot, but baby blue feels different. It’s delicate without being ditsy, nostalgic yet refreshingly modern. Think less “baby shower” and more “modern royalty.” It has that rare chameleon quality—just as fitting in floaty tulle as it is in sharply tailored suiting.

While butter yellow embodied the optimism of post-lockdown dressing, baby blue reflects a new mood: calm, intentional, and quietly striking. It doesn’t beg for attention, but it commands it. It’s the colour equivalent of a deep breath—so take one, and dive into our favorite baby blue moments.

At the 78th Annual Cannes Film Festival

From the Runway

Alexander Wang Spring 2025 RTW | Natan Spring 2025 Couture | Karla Spetic Australia Resort Wear 2026

Jean Paul Gaultier Spring 2025 Couture | Zuhair Murad Spring 2025 Couture | COS Spring 2025 RTW

Elie Saab Spring 2025 Couture | Armani Privé Spring 2025 Couture | Chanel Spring 2025 Couture

David Koma Spring 2025 RTW | Coperni Spring 2025 RTW

Fit for Royalty—Literally

Fashion might be cyclical, but baby blue has always had a royal streak. Just look at Princess Diana, who famously wore the shade throughout her public life. Whether it was a powder blue skirt suit for a diplomatic visit or a beaded evening gown that became iconic, Diana knew the power of this gentle colour. It communicated grace, approachability, and quiet strength—all wrapped up in a colour that felt both regal and relatable.

Today’s designers are tapping into that same legacy, using baby blue not just for its aesthetic appeal, but for what it represents: elegance with ease. Here are some of our favourite Princess Diana baby blue looks!

The Psychology of a Pastel

There’s a reason baby blue feels so right, right now. It symbolizes clarity, peace, and trust—qualities we’re collectively craving in a chaotic world. It’s cooler than pink, softer than white, and more versatile than yellow. It flatters every skin tone and plays well with both neutrals and brights. Whether styled monochromatically or as a statement piece, it feels fresh.

While trends come and go, certain colours define a cultural shift. Baby blue is stepping into that role. It’s not just pretty—it’s powerful in its softness. On red carpets, it evokes fantasy. On runways, it redefines elegance. And in wardrobes? It promises to be the unexpected staple shade that outlasts the season.

So, is baby blue the new butter yellow? It might just be better. Butter yellow brought the sunshine—but baby blue is bringing the breeze. And with icons like Princess Diana to Elle Fanning lending their glow to the colour, it’s safe to say baby blue has always been destined for a comeback.