5 perfect Lipstick shades to Wear with a Yellow Dress
So, you’ve got that killer yellow dress hanging in your closet, and you’re ready to rock it. But now comes the million-dollar question: What lipstick shade do I pair with it? Yellow is bold, fun, and versatile—but it can also feel intimidating to style. Do you go classic red? Play it safe with a nude? Or dare to try something totally unexpected?
Don’t stress. Whether your dress is sunshine-bright, buttery pastel, or deep mustard, there’s a lipstick shade that’ll make your look pop. Let’s break it down.
First: What Kind of Yellow Are We Talking About?
Yellow isn’t a one-note color. The undertones and intensity of your dress matter when picking a lipstick. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
- Bright Lemon or Neon Yellow: High-energy, cool-toned, and attention-grabbing.
- Warm Golden Yellow: Think marigold or sunflower—rich and cozy.
- Pastel Yellow: Soft, muted, and often leans neutral or slightly cool.
- Mustard or Ochre Yellow: Earthy, deep, and warm.
Your lipstick choice should either complement the undertones of the dress or create intentional contrast. Let’s get into the shades!
Lipstick Shades That go with Yellow Dresses
Yellow is a vibrant, attention-grabbing color that can make you stand out, but the wrong lipstick can throw off your whole look. Whether you’re going for a casual brunch, a summer wedding, or a night out, these 5 lipstick shade can sure to elevate your outfit.
1. Red
Red lipstick and a yellow dress? Yes, please. This combo screams confidence. But not all reds are created equal:
- Blue-Based Reds (like cherry or ruby) are Perfect for cool-toned yellows (e.g., lemon) and skin tones. The blue undertone balances the brightness.
- Orange-Based Reds (think brick or tomato) looks amazing with warm golden or mustard dresses. They adds a fiery, retro vibe to your overall look.
Red is best for:
- Evening events
- Formal occasions
- A classic Hollywood vibe
Pairing tip: Keep your eye makeup subtle with neutral browns or soft golds to let your lips steal the show.
2. Nude Lipstick
Sometimes, the best move is to let your dress do all the talking. A well-chosen nude lipstick keeps your look polished without overpowering it. The key? Picking the right nude for your skin tone.
Peachy Nudes
Peachy Nudes are best for warm or olive skin tones. They also enhance the golden hues in mustard or sunflower dresses. (Try: Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Medium)
Pink-Based Nudes
Pink nudes feel most flattering on fair and cool skin tones. These are soft and fresh and work beautifully with pastel yellows. (Try: Maybelline Nude Lust)
Brown-Toned Nudes
If you’re rocking a deep mustard or ochre dress, a richer nude (with caramel or mocha undertones) adds warmth. (Try: Fenty Beauty Unbutton)
Pro Tip: Avoid nudes that are too pale, or you’ll risk looking washed out next to a bright yellow dress. Go for something with just enough depth to define your lips.
3. Coral
Since yellow is naturally warm, coral and orange lipsticks blend seamlessly for a radiant, sun-kissed effect. If you’re heading to a summer event, brunch, or vacation, this is the shade to try.
Recommended Shades:
- Soft corals (like MAC’s Crosswires) – Perfect for fair skin
- Bright oranges (like Fenty Beauty’s Saw-C) – Best for medium to dark skin tones
- Deep burnt orange (like NARS’s Morocco) – A unique choice for fall-inspired yellow outfits
Pro Tip: Keep the rest of your makeup warm-toned (think bronzed cheeks) to tie the whole look together.
4. Pink Lipstick
Pink lipstick is like the fun best friend who always brings good vibes. It keeps your yellow dress looking fresh and feminine without being too overpowering. Its best for:
- Spring outfits
- Day-to-night transitions
- Garden parties
Glossy pinks keep things youthful, while matte pinks bring more drama. Choose based on your vibe!
Baby Pink
Baby pink is a soft, romantic, and ideal shade for pastel yellow dresses. (Try: YSL Rouge Volupté Shine in Nude Pink)
Fuchsia
Want to make a bold statement? This shade pops against bright lemon or neon yellows. (Try: MAC Candy Yum Yum)
Mauve
Mauve is a muted, elegant option that works beautifully with warm mustard tones. (Try: Huda Beauty Trophy Wife)
Pairing tip: Use a pink-toned blush to tie everything together seamlessly.
5. Berry & Plum
If you love a moody lip, don’t shy away from deeper shades just because yellow is bright. Berry and plum lipsticks add a sultry contrast, making them perfect for fall, winter, or evening events.
- Deep Berry: Looks stunning with golden yellows and mustard tones. (Try: Pat McGrath Labs Flesh 3)
- Plum Wine: A cool-toned contrast against neon yellow dresses. (Try: Charlotte Tilbury Glastonberry)
- Dark Cherry: For the bold babes who love a little drama. (Try: Fenty Beauty Griselda)
Pro Tip: Keep eye makeup simple (think bronzed lids or soft browns) so the focus stays on your lips.
Choosing the Right Lipstick Based on Your Yellow Dress Shade
Not all yellows are the same! The shade of your dress can influence which lipstick color looks best.
If your dress is pastel yellow:
✅ Soft pinks, nudes, and light corals work best
❌ Avoid overly dark lipsticks, as they may look too harsh
If your dress is mustard yellow:
✅ Deep berries, brick reds, and brownish nudes complement the warmth.
❌ Avoid neon pinks or cool-toned reds that might clash
If your dress is neon yellow:
✅ Go for bold reds, bright corals, or glossy nude lips
❌ Avoid deep, muted shades that might dull the vibrancy
Final Thoughts
Now that you know the best lipstick shades for a yellow dress, it’s time to experiment and find the one that makes you feel the most confident! Here’s quick cheat sheet of all the shades we have discussed so far:
✔ Red – Classic & bold
✔ Nude – Chic & effortless
✔ Coral/Orange – Warm & summery
✔ Pink – Playful & flirty
✔ Berry/Plum – Sultry & bold
So, which lipstick are you reaching for? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your go-to shade!
