Move Over, Stick-of-Butter Trend—It's All About Oat-Milk Dressing This Year

Stick-of-butter dressing was a term coined by Man Repeller's brand director, Harling Ross, referring to the beigy, butter-hued outfits that fashion girls have been embracing for the past few years. This season, however, we’re pivoting our dairy preferences in favor of nutty oat-milk shades (a subtle difference but a noteworthy one). Off-white, ivory, and pearly hues were spotted in abundance on the S/S 20 runways and more recently during F/W 20 fashion month, confirming that the milky shade has staying power for 2020. Designers from Isabel Marant to Rejina Pyo brought us dreamy (and creamy!) head-to-toe ensembles in oat milk shades that are deliciously elegant and modern (which unquestionably require a steady hand when handling coffee). 

The key to pulling off the look is to mix textures within your outfit—a silky ecru skirt paired with a creamy knit top and pearly sandals, for example. Whatever off-white combination you choose, you can guarantee it’ll make for one striking and sophisticated look that can be worn year-round. Scroll below to see the color in action on the runways and on the streets. Then, shop our favorite off-white pieces on the internet.

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On the S/S 20 runways:
(Image credit: Courtesy of Rejina Pyo)

Rejina Pyo provided us with the chicest summer work outfit inspiration in the form of relaxed ivory suiting.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Christopher John Rogers)

Christopher John Rogers taught us a lesson in mixing textures and silhouettes within your off-white ensemble.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Isabel Marant)

Ecru hues always look better with a little lace, as seen as Isabel Marant. 

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On the F/W 20 runways:
(Image credit: Courtesy of Isabel Marant)

This Isabel Marant ensemble is oat-milk dressing at its finest.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Adam Lippes)

Adam Lippes proved a sweater and wide-leg pants are a seriously chic way to pull off the trend.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Max Mara)

Max Mara confirms that milky-white hues are here to stay for fall and winter.

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On the fashion set:
(Image credit: The Style Stalker)

The perfect blend of textures.

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(Image credit: @thestyleidealist)

All you need to pull off a neutral tonal look are jeans, a blazer, and a blouse. (Matching accessories won't hurt, either.)

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(Image credit: The Style Stalker)

Opt for slouchy and relaxed silhouettes to add a casual touch to the elegant hue. 

Shop the color trend:

Up next, presenting a treasure trove of affordable basics that are cool and comfy too.

Judith Jones
Senior Fashion Market Editor

Judith is the senior fashion market editor at Who What Wear and has worked in fashion for nearly a decade. Judith started on the Shop Who What Wear team, creating content and managing a team of merchandisers for the Who What Wear shopping app. She later crossed over to the editorial team, where she shares the coolest, most desirable fashion market finds and brands in her shopping-focused stories and social takeovers. She has become one of the top affiliate earners during her six plus years at Who What Wear. Before working in fashion, Judith was a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker (airing on Netflix and Amazon Prime) and shared her passion for travel and food. She studied at the prestigious London Academy of Dramatic Arts as well as Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York. She later studied fashion merchandising and design, which laid the foundation for her career in fashion.


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