One of this season’s hottest hues is also one of the hardest to wear without looking like a bumblebee or a crossing guard. Here are some ways to make it work:

The right hue for your skin tone

-Fair skin tones, particularly blondes with fair skin, should stick to paler shades like butter or use yellow as an accent or accessory.

-Brunettes have more latitude but should stick to soft-to-medium yellow tones.

-Women with olive or darker complexions can safely wear just about any shade of yellow, including the hard-to-manage mustard tones so prevalent this season.

Pair it up

-Combine yellow with white for a fresh spring look.

-If white is too intimidating, mix yellow with denim.

-To get a more classic look, blend yellow with medium grays or navy. Try adding a yellow top under a navy or gray suit.

-If a solid yellow piece makes you nervous, look for a geometric print that combines yellow and turquoise. The two colors work well together, and the blue flatters almost everyone.

What not to wear

-Wear yellow with black only with extreme caution. Otherwise you look like a bumblebee.

-Avoid yellows with green undertones. They wreck nearly anyone’s complexion.

-Don’t overaccessorize. Yellow already commands attention.

-Stick with silver, not gold, jewelry, for a more updated finish.

-If you want to wear head-to-toe yellow, make sure it’s in a dress that’s knee-length or shorter. Don’t wear yellow shoes, too.

-Don’t wear it with another bold color. Stick with yellow and white, gray, navy, tan or golden-browns.

Some makeup tips

-Bring out the natural undertones of your skin. Fair skin tones should try peach or pink blushes and glosses; yellow skin tones can use rich browns.

-Bronzer is your friend.

-Don’t match your outfit. Instead think about using a contrasting color, like blue or eggplant, on the eyes, even if it’s just a burst of color from eyeliner.

-Try coral, orange or tangerine gloss on the lips.

Accessories

Yellow works as a pop color, and it’s brightening up everything from belts and bangles to shoes.

SOURCES: Gregg Andrews, fashion director for Nordstrom; Beth Ross, trend buyer for Macy’s; Opal Payton, color specialist with Sephora