How to Style Pastels: Day and Night Fashion Trends

Picking up your pastel palate…

With Spring right round the corner, we’re ready to trade in our leather bomber jackets for something a little lighter. Though pastels for spring have been done time and again, we’re convinced there’s a reason clichés (and trends) exist. You have to admit, there’s something instantly comforting about pale pinks, powder blues, and generally softer hues.

We scouted the streets of Hong Kong to find a pastel piece that would bring a fresh 2017 look – and finally found it in one of our High Street favourites: Zara. With a lapel collar and an oversized fit, this Long Waistcoat will carry you right into the warmer months. Because, let’s be honest, no one wants to wear sleeves in the summer. The androgynous feel is an ideal way to let your accessories and styling really shape the piece. We’re living in an age where women are making a pink dress and pearls just as feminine as torn jeans and combat boots and it’s great that dressing in a ‘girly’ way now means wearing anything that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Spoiler: The view that being fashionable means being uncomfortable is a (dangerously backwards) lie.

If you’re looking to score a sophisticated spring/summer look, we’ve got a daytime and evening style to get you there. Plus, we’ve made sure to pair the pastel with items and accessories that eliminate the risk of coming across a tad too candy-floss…

Your daytime look:

Top from J.Crew
This cami is 100% luxe silk and 100% on our summer-essentials list. Pick between the petite or tall option and try to resist buying one in every colour. The navy is another favourite of ours!

Jeans from ASOS
Super soft, high-stretch denim? We’re sold. Switch the medium stonewash for a lighter shade of blue, or pick white denim to elevate the summer feel.

Bag from Celine
Okay, so this one falls on the higher end of the budget, but that doesn’t mean it can’t remain at the top of our wish list. With calfskin leather, and a commitment to endurance, this is a bag to take you through every season. When in doubt, pair pastel pink with pale, neutral accessories.

Watch from Fossil
Adding a statement boyfriend watch is one way to create an instant edge to your outfit. This mechanical watch is so intricately designed, you’ll find yourself staring at your wrist more often than not (and not just when you’re waiting for it to hit 6pm on a Friday)…

Sunglasses from ASOS
Don’t be afraid of layering pastels with pastels. It’s not counterproductive; it’s efficient. These bold sunnies provide the perfect off-duty look for the weekend.

Shoes from Mango
When you’re going bold in other departments, play it safe with shoes. Though opting for a slight heel can help lengthen the silhouette when wearing a long waistcoat, you can’t go wrong with pointed black flats for a daytime do.

Your evening look:

Top from Jager (via John Lewis)
With summer approaching, wool isn’t something you’d automatically opt for, but this sleeveless turtleneck is a fab transitional item to keep handy in your wardrobe. Plus, pairing kitten grey with sherbet shades (pale pink, orange, lemon) is a sure way to subtly fine tune the pastel vibe.

Jeans from Topshop
Black jeans will immediately give the long waistcoat more of a night time feel. If you’re keen to stick to lighter shades, don’t shy away from going monochrome (yup, that means pairing grey with more grey). Lean towards distressed denim with rips in the knee to break up the colour.

Bag from Saint Laurent (via Hula)
Can we just take a moment to recognise that this leather YSL cross-body bag (originally $12,500) is $8,900? If you’re looking to splurge on designer items (whether brand new or preloved), then be sure to check out Hula. Though it’s still a treat-yourself-purchase, this is a purse that you’ll be rocking for years to come.

Earrings from H&M
We’re looping back to High Street brands! The pale pink is the only subtle thing about these statement earrings. Pair with complementing colours, or other fun, lighter shades (try pastel blue) for an easy way to dress-up an outfit.

Ring from Reiss
Elegant and edgy, this cocktail ring is a simple way to add an extra spark to any outfit. The asymmetric shape paired with the Swarovski crystals offers up an instantly modern classic look (one that’s definitely in line with a quirky pastel waistcoat).

Heels from Kurt Geiger
Ready to bounce into warmer weather with a spring in your step? These Carvela heels will have you feeling summery and party-ready. Win-win.

Lipstick from Shu Uemura
This rouge lipstick offers a matte to last even after the cocktails. Though there are plenty of pastel colours in their new collection (15 shades!), opt for a bit of a colour pop if you want to take it up a notch.

Long jackets and dresses are guaranteed to accentuate girls with height on their side. If you’re on the petite end of the spectrum, consider getting long waistcoats altered to fall just below the knee. If the fit is still a bit oversized, carefully safety-pin the sides in for a sleeker silhouette.