It’s Official: This Is The Coolest Sneaker Color Of The Season

The butter-yellow color trend is alive and well. It began as a gentle move away from the ultra-bright Barbiecore pink, while still leaning into dopamine dressing. It wasn’t long until top-tier labels like Miu Miu, Chloé, and Prada showcased the pastel hue in their runway collections, establishing it as a color that could be worn like a neutral versus just an accent.

As quiet luxury and minimalist wardrobes took hold, the vanilla custard shade fit right in, offering a diffused tint that didn’t scream but whispered. More lively trends (including tomato-girl summer palettes and coastal grandmother aesthetics) loved it just as much, quickly gaining traction across Pinterest and TikTok. Now, pale marigold has found its way into the sneaker scene — and fashion-forward dressers know it’s the coolest color of the season. 

Low-profile kicks, mesh fabrications, and slip-on designs are all calling on the whimsical shade, with designers like Jimmy Choo and Chloé backing the movement. It’s more than just a buzzy look; muted banana is surprisingly versatile, pairing with everything from sky blue and creamy white to chocolate brown and ballerina pink.

But just because we’re talking about sneakers doesn’t mean they’re purely casual. The It girl-approved pigment proves the footwear is intentional. It says you thoughtfully curated your ensemble — bonus points if you wear them with elevated silhouettes, including embellished denim, woven raffia totes, and easy two-piece sets.

If you’re ready to step up your wardrobe, then keep reading for the 15 best butter-yellow sneakers.

You don’t have to do track and field to pull off this creamy yellow sneaker. A suede-and-mesh construction channels Y2K nostalgia, while the lightweight, low-profile design is effortlessly on trend.

PUMA H-Street OG Sneakers, $, available at Anthropologie

If you haven't tried Lululemon's sneakers, you're seriously missing out. The activewear brand has the best-kept secret in footwear with cushioning that molds to your feet for a comfortable fit.

Lululemon Split Shift Running Shoe, $, available at Lululemon

Chloé adores a subtle vanilla hue, and this mixed-media low-top proves it, boasting monochromatic colorblocking and sunray-like stitching. Pair the shoes with a khaki skirt and simple white tank top.  

Chloé Kick Leather Low-Top Sneakers, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue

Who said sneakers had to look like your dad’s old kicks? This Dolce Vita slip-on reinvents the classic silhouette, including a cinched vamp and suede toe. Simply slide them on and run out the door.

Dolce Vita Daris Sneaker, $, available at Nordstrom

If you love sneakers that make you feel like you're walking on clouds, look no further. Hoka's cushioned kicks protect your feet from the pain of hitting the ground whether you're running or walking.

Hoka Mafate Speed 4 Lite Sneakers, $, available at Free People

Fashion is a form of art, and this architectural sneaker reinforces that idea. Distressed by hand, no two pieces are the same, while the outsole extends beyond the shoe’s upper. 

Axel Arigato Eris Sneaker, $, available at Axel Arigato

The low-profile lovers will appreciate this sleek option that comes with contrasting chocolate hues (another one of the hottest color trends to test drive this summer).

Camper Pelotas Soller Sneaker, $, available at Revolve

Sleek and subtle, this Jimmy Choo sneaker is a flirty alternative to bulkier styles. Whether paired with a garden brunch look or worn on a casual stroll, the lace mesh detailing and suede exterior are sure to draw compliments. 

Jimmy Choo Sunny Floral Lace and Suede Trainers, $, available at Neiman Marcus

A chunky sneaker rarely comes with frills — but the Nike Air Max 95 breaks the mold. Look closely, and you’ll spot lace detailing between the fluid waves, while a thick rubber sole and silver embellishments add an unmistakable edge. Sheer ribbon laces top it all off.

Nike Air Max 95 Big Bubble sneakers, $, available at Farfetch

This may just be the most versatile sneaker on this list. The slim silhouette and low profile make it exceptionally easy to wear with everything from jeans to trousers, with a plethora of celebrity street-style moments serving as inspiration.

Adidas Gazelle Indoor Sneaker, $, available at Revolve

If retro European styling piques your interest, then turn your attention to British sportswear brand Gola. It’s a classic for a reason, known for its gummy sole and suede paneling.

Gola Sprinter Sneakers, $, available at Anthropologie

What happens when you combine two of the biggest footwear trends? You get a statement-making sneakerina that boasts a soft marigold hue, accented by a bold mustard color. My favorite part? The breezy lace-up front.

Tory Burch Hank Ballet Sneaker, $, available at Revolve

Meet the epitome of cool-girl kicks. Sustainable and chic, the stripped-down shoe embraces the natural shape of the foot for unrestricted movement. A tonal logo, minimal overlays, and a ridged sole keep the silhouette sleek.

VEJA X Baserange Jitsu Sneaker, $, available at Revolve

Always-on-the-go types, this one’s for you. Perfect for long walks, farmers markets, and city exploring, the Campo sneaker delivers a weightless silhouette, a corn-silk hue, and a grippy sole.

Steve Madden Campo Sneaker, $, available at Zappos

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Grab Your Girls, Jessica Alba Has A Clever Jewelry-Buying Hack For Your And The Crew

If there’s one fashion rule we are officially leaving in the past, it’s the idea that fine jewelry belongs in a velvet box until a black-tie event or a milestone anniversary rolls around. Life is too short. Luxury should be lived in. And who better to champion that vibe than Jessica Alba?

The actor, founder, and ultimate master of the effortlessly elevated aesthetic was just named the new face of Gabriel & Co., and frankly, the partnership makes total sense. This isn’t a standard, detached celebrity endorsement. Alba was actually a fan of the brand’s signature Bujukan gold-and-diamond bracelets long before the campaign came knocking.

“I really like layering pieces of jewelry, and I already had Gabriel & Co., bangles in my day-to-day rotation,” Alba exclusively tells Refinery29. “When they asked me to be part of the campaign, I was like, ‘Yeah, totally, because I’m a fan already.’ I think they’re so easy to wear casually or dressed up.”

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For Alba, the magic of the collection lies in its approachability. It’s gorgeous, artisanal luxury (every piece features a unique serial number and GIA-verified natural diamonds). But it somehow doesn’t feel too precious to wear with a basic tee.

One of her favorite standouts from the campaign? A geometric, modern chain link necklace that she styles in the most Refinery29 way possible. “I love it with a white T-shirt,” Alba says. “It’s a cool chain link necklace in a square shape, with a little diamond piece in the middle, and it’s just easy. You can wear it every day, but then if you’re going out at night, you can throw on your stack and it layers perfectly.”

She also has her eye on a graduating Bujukan wine necklace that mimics the fluidity of a snake. Her styling tip? Save that one for a plunging neckline or a sharp piece of tailoring.

On Gifting Yourself & Collective Friendship Stacks

We’ve all been there: staring at a stunning investment piece, waiting for a milestone, a partner, or a “perfect moment” to justify the splurge. But Alba is a firm believer that women shouldn’t wait around for someone else to buy them the jewelry they want.

“I am definitely that person,” Alba laughs. “I really love getting pieces for myself when I get a job, or if I hit some kind of emotional milestone. I’m a big believer in gifting yourself.”

But if you are looking to celebrate someone else, Alba dropped a brilliant shopping hack that we are immediately stealing for our own group chats: collective gifting. “My friends and I will all go in together to get a friend a nice piece of jewelry,” she shares. It’s the ultimate way to help a girlfriend build a fine jewelry collection without anyone having to shoulder the investment alone.

Yes, You Can (and Should) Mix Your Metals

If you’ve ever stood in front of the mirror panicking because the hardware on your favorite handbag is gold but your earrings are silver, Alba is here to give your permission to let it go. When asked about her stance on the great metal-mixing debate, her answer was immediate: “Oh yeah, all day long. Love.”

For Alba, the rules are simple: white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, and diamonds are all fair game to wear simultaneously. “I think it’s all allowed,” she says. “I think it’s just about doing it, and then keeping it moving.”

While she notes that she pays a little more attention to matching materials when it comes to clothing details (like buttons on a blazer coordinating with a belt or shoes), when it comes to the jewelry stack itself, anything goes. “As long as you have a taste of that metal in your stack, I think it’s fine.”

Where to Start Your Collection

If you’re looking to make your very first fine jewelry investment, choosing a starting point can feel overwhelming. We asked Alba to play personal shopper and pick the ultimate starter piece from the Gabriel & Co. collection.

Her verdict? Go for the versatile chain link diamond necklace or a signature Bujukan bangle.

“The necklace, just because you can wear it dressed up or every day, completely on its own,” Alba recommends. “Or one of the Bujukan bangles, because it’s so easy to wear with your watch or other bracelets. People love stacking bracelets. It’s an easy one to wrap your head around.”

The takeaway? Buy the diamonds. Wear them with your favorite worn-in white tee. Mix your metals. And stop waiting for a “special occasion” to feel a little fancy.

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Odessa A’zion On Her “Wonderfully Unordinary” Crocs Collab & Which Character Would Wear Them

After a whirlwind year of popular projects like I Love LA and Marty Supreme, viral red-carpet looks, winning the Cannes Film Festival “Female Revelation of the Year” award, and bring featured in music videos for the Rolling Stones and Madonna, actress Odessa A’zion is the moment. And while we may have to wait to enjoy her upcoming film Fonda, we can celebrate her artistry right now, because she just launched a campaign with Crocs, the shoe brand we unapologetically love. And she spoke to Refinery29 about it. 

Tied to Crocs’ Wonderfully Unordinary campaign, which “celebrates a new generation of rule-breakers and risk-takers,” according to the brand, it only made sense that Crocs collaborated with style rule-breaker A’zion. “No one does individuality quite like Odessa — her style is cool, quirky, and completely her own, making her a natural fit for Crocs’ next chapter in self-expression,” Crocs said. (And if you’re wondering what makes her so wonderfully unordinary, we agreed that we’re both extroverted introverts with lots of contradictions.) 

“I feel great about [the partnership]. I’ve loved them forever. I’ve had Crocs since I was a kid. And I still have my Crocs from elementary school,” A’Zion tells Refinery29. “I was so excited when I found out about this. Little me inside was excited.” 

This partnership comes after many It girls like Paris Hilton, Saweetie, and Lola Tung have starred in recent Crocs campaigns. Now A’zion is the face, specifically for the brand’s Crafted Vegan Suede Stitch Clog. A reinterpretation of the popular Classic Crafted Clog, this iteration features a plush faux suede upper, detailed stitching, and a heel pillow for extra comfort. Truly, clogs are so back.

“I think Crocs work with everything, especially this clog because it’s smooth and really pretty too. It’s just an easy shoe. I’ve got an inside pair and an outside pair,” A’zion shares. 

A’zion loves Crocs and puts an emphasis on being comfortable in every scenario, so it’s fitting that she actually styled herself for the campaign. The actress is best known, though, for styling herself for red-carpet appearances. 

“I’ve definitely learned a lot along the way where I’ve found out stylists’ secrets and warehouses they go to to rent or to get a good word in from a different stylist,” A’zion shares, adding: “So, I get why styling is a full job. It’s a lot of work, even to do it just for myself. I have a lot of respect for stylists.” (She also revealed that she’d like to have a clothing line one day that uses recycled fabrics.)

The actress has even credited her fictional character Tallulah Steele from I Love LA as her styling alter ego, like for her Met Gala debut.  

“I definitely think whenever I’m wearing something a little more scandalous, I’m just trying to channel Tallulah Steele because I never thought in my life I would ever wear anything like that, even a year ago,” A’zion explains. “And then I’m shooting I Love LA and all of a sudden I’m super out of my comfort zone. On carpets, I try to calm my nerves by saying: ‘Okay, this is not Odessa. This is just whoever Tallulah is.’” 

Speaking on the character’s chaotically iconic personality and style, she gave a sneak peek for the style evolution in the upcoming second season. “We just did the first fitting, and I’ve learned a lot about archival pieces and designers in the last year. There’s definitely some of that in it. And I think that her style has definitely evolved, which makes me wonder if in the show she has a stylist or not. But I’m excited to see what happens,” she says. 

And while she couldn’t reveal much about her character’s style in psychological thriller Fonda, which she just finished shooting, A’zion says: “Once you’re in the wardrobe, the character just comes more to life. When I’m playing Tallulah and I’m wearing little shorts and dresses and skirts, I feel more like that girl. And when I’m playing someone who I played in Fonda, it’s just a completely different style and it brings out a completely different person.”

Even more intriguing, when asked which of her characters from Marty Supreme, I Love LA, or Fonda she thinks would be most likely to wear Crocs, she quickly declared: “Fonda for sure.” And that the classic clogs would be her pick. 

We agreed that while Crocs didn’t exist during Marty Supreme’s time period, with her character Rachel’s pet shop job and pregnancy, she could have worn them. “She’s got a lot to carry emotionally and physically. I think she would love Crocs if they existed back then.” 

“Tallulah, I think, would love the high heel Crocs and maybe Crocs flip flops,” she also explains, agreeing that she’d have the coolest Jibbitz.

Shop the Crocs x Odessa A’zion collaboration now.

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