Goodbye Butter Yellow—Everyone Is Wearing This Unexpected Summer Color Trend Now

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If you were to take a peek into my closet, you would see lots of black and white. Some may say that's boring, but I say it's a testament to my minimalist wardrobe. However, I'm always open to experimenting with different neutrals (hello, butter yellow!). So, when I noticed my favorite It girls embracing an unexpected summer color trend—chocolate brown—I quickly jumped on board.

Chocolate brown typically crops up every year in the winter fashion cycle—it is a dark and moody color, after all. However, after spotting it in the wild too many times to count this season, I'm making a case for the rich brown shade as the new "it" summer neutral. It's not just me who favors the color, either. Two of my favorite affordable retailers, Zara and H&M, are stocked to the brim with chocolate brown pieces, so it's clear that a microtrend is afoot.

To help you see the potential of the expensive-looking color, I've curated the best chocolate brown pieces from Zara and H&M. I'm confident that these tank tops, linen pants, summery dresses, and more will become the backbone of your summer minimalist wardrobe. What's more, they all ring in at $100 and under, despite their rich-girl look.

Your summer workwear wardrobe deserves this dress.

$100 at Zara

Swap out your go-to tank top for this pick.

$30 at Zara

Linen pants are a summer staple—try out this shade for an elevated take.

$80 at Zara

This elevated tube top screams "90s fashion" and I'm obsessed.

$46 at Zara

Say hello to your summer wedding guest dress.

$100 at Zara

I'd pair this top with wide-leg pants and flip-flops for a beachy boho vibe.

$30 at Zara

This beachy dress is a must-have on my vacation packing list.

$46 at Zara

This top will add a fun touch of texture to your look.

$26 at Zara

Wear this draped number to your next date night.

$60 at Zara

A scarf top is peak rich-girl energy.

$30 at Zara

This is the ideal skirt to wear into the office.

$50 at Zara

Pair this top with dark wash jeans and you've got an easy, polished work look.

$50 at Zara

This babydoll top reminds me of the early aughts, so naturally, I'm a fan.

$36 at Zara

This silky slip skirt would elevate your most basic summer looks.

$80 at Zara

Carrie Bradshaw would so wear this tube top.

$13 at H&M

This ribbed pick is so much more elevated than your average T-shirt.

$25 at H&M

H&M styled these shorts with a button-down shirt and heeled flip-flops, and it's a look I want to recreate immediately.

$25 at H&M

The cut-outs on the neckline are so fun.

$35 at H&M

Side slits adds a sexy edge to this midi skirt.

$40 at H&M

In case your going-out outfits are in need of a refresh, this rich-looking top will do the trick.

$15 at H&M

Dress these comfy pants up with strappy heels for a day at the office.

$40 at H&M

I'd pair this vest with a slip skirt for an easy summer work outfit.

$45 at H&M

I have these linen pants in black, and I love them so much that I'm adding this color to my closet, too.

$30 at H&M

A billowy dress like this fits right in with summer's boho fashion trend.

$30 at H&M

The beaded drawstrings and gauzy fabric give these pants a beachy feel.

$25 at H&M

Imagine how many different ways you can style this shift dress.

$30 at H&M

I'm in need of summer workwear, so I put these pants in my cart ASAP.

$25 at H&M

The next time you don't know what to wear on a sweltering hot day, throw this dress on with leather sandals.

$30 at H&M