This is a guest post by Casey!
Pastels are a major trend this season. Get in on all the fun, the right way! Not just for spring beginnings, the softer hue of pastels highlights the genteel side of your personality year-round. Pastels have much to offer in the name of fashion. Worn correctly, pastels create an effortlessly chic appearance of luxury, innocence, and elegance. However, for those who have not ventured into pastels since they were kids, there is an understandable cause for concern. On certain skin tones or paired with the wrong accessory, pastels can wash the wearer out or give the appearance of looking childish. Here are some ways to style your favourite pretty pastel pieces.
Don’t Get Washed Away
Pairing pastels with white or cream will always look beautiful. The subtle contrast in colours creates a very chic and soft look, complimentary on everyone. If you are concerned about being washed away in such a toned down look, think of ways you can add interest to your outfits, such as lace and embellished details, or fun patterns and cutouts. This can tie the whole look together, keeping the pastels in focus without washing you out.
If you’re just getting started in the world of pastels, opt for adding complementary pastel shades to your look. This dazzling look was achieved with a pair of jean shorts, classic white top, seafoam kimono, and nude shoes.
Work a Monochrome Look
It’s also chic to work one colour and work it well. Wear the same colour head to toe, or use a slightly darker shade of the same colour palette for a polished appearance. The monochromatic look elongates the body and brings the eye to areas where the skin is exposed, so try this look with a crop top and long skirt, or go for an outfit that showcases your legs; like denim shorts paired with a gorgeous pastel blue pullover.
A Perfect Pair
Pairing different pastel colours can seem daunting at first, but by choosing the right tones, you could put together an exceptional look.
For a sugary ‘I want candy’ vibe, yellows and pink hue combinations will brighten your day. If you’re looking for a cooler minty look, greens and blues add an elegant touch. Try mixing single coloured outfits with different pastel or neutral-toned accessories, such as a purse, sunglasses, or these gorgeous buckle belt booties for a look that goes beyond summer and right into the colder months.
Colours That Pop
When your look is simple and encompassing neutral hues and white on white, adding a pop of colour with an accessory makes for an eye-catching outfit. You could reach the epitome of elegance with one simple addition. Use accessories like handbags or earrings to mix and match where you choose to pop. Adding a fun green and blue clutch to an all-white outfit can bring your look together, while a bright pink headscarf can make all the difference in an otherwise simple look.
Finding Your Pastel
Finally, to make sure that your skin tone doesn’t get washed away, it’s important to consider what pastels may look best on you. If you have light skin with warm undertones you’re generally made for baby blues, soft lavender, and neutrals. These cooler colours will bring balance to your natural hue. Light skin with cooler undertones can benefit from pale oranges and peaches.
Medium-skinned individuals can work with a large variety of pastels from dove grey to buttery yellows to grassy greens. These colours can bring out the different hues in your skin tone, so have fun experimenting!
If you are darker-skinned, pastel yellows and purples give you warmth and just the right amount of pop. Warm undertones can pull off more fluorescent pastels like teal and coral tones for a radiant appearance.
Casey is a freelance writer and content strategist. Casey has worked with a number of brands, revitalizing their online social and shopping channels.