If you’ve been flicking through fashion magazines or browsing blog posts of Fashion Week like I have, you’ll know all about a major trend for Spring/Summer 2014: Pastel. Its a trend that looks flawless when carried well; it fits all body and skin types if you adapt it right. Pastels have a gorgeous, summery feel and are perfect for a preppy playsuit or a floaty summer dress. Here I have collected some styles, some various ways of wearing pastels and some tips and ideas for styling. Have fun!
Afraid your outfit is too bridesmaid? Tone it down with a nude or beige accessory, such as this rock n roll pale leather jacket from French Connection. Or pair with a denim jacket which combines styles effortlessly. A pastel dress (try a lace or floral one to hit some more of this season’s trends in one go) is great teamed with a grungey jacket, whether classic black or pale like the one pictured below, and some glossy black boots.
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Don’t be afraid to combine colours. The below ensemble is a perfect example of mint green and lavender blending beautifully. If you want to match colours, just stick to a regular colour wheel in your head of complimentary colours. (I’ll throw in a pale-colour one at the bottom for reference). That’s your purple and your yellow, your blue and your orange, etc. However, don’t be afraid to be a little bold with your colour pairings. Personally, pastel palettes provide a range of combinations that despite not being the ideal colour combo, fit smoothly and elegantly into an outfit.
Inject bright colour into your pastel outfits; pair mint green with red, powder blue with a shock of orange. Or make like these catwalk models, who’s outfits team pretty florals and lace with vibrant coloured shoes for an adventurous, daring look. A pop of colour lifts you away from being too Princess-esque and into a more striking area.
On the catwalk, there’s a lot of sheer pastels being teamed with the opaque kind. They add a bolder element and a refreshing, updated feel to the pastel look. Pastels have been around for a long time, and we’ve all probably been wearing some kind or another since we were little. But that doesn’t mean we can’t modernise and utilise the look for endless possibilities; fashion never bores of injecting life into old styles. And neither do we. I love pretty sheer pastel shirts; they look so refreshing and stunning. Whether its see-through lace, transparent mesh or clear silk, they look effortless and stylish, and can be teamed with a range of accessories and accompanying style pieces. They look lovely with a midi skirt in a block pastel colour or a similarly adorned blazer, and some striking bright shoes and a pale beige clutch.
Pastel pink skirts are legendary, really. You have your long, floaty Princess skirts or shorter, to-the-knee versatile skirts. I think a long skirt teamed with a brightly printed crop top or black bandeau combines styles for a wistful, wild, eye catching looks. A shorter, tighter skirt looks really good with a blue jumper, especially if it hints tangerine tones in there, too. A skirt that type can be updated if you find a pastel PVC version, especially with a lace or crochet top. Or you can go classic and pair with an elegant, pale shirt or blouse for a timeless look-this looks great with a statement necklace, too.
Urban Glamour 