How to Work Pastel Colors in Your Wardrobe

The pastel color family is one of the most difficult to wear for any female over the age of ten. Baby pink, light blue, lavender, pale yellow, seafoam green, white, and ivory have such a childish and young-spirited quality to them that it’s too easy to dress up in pastels from head-to-toe. But decking out in all of these traditionally spring season colors can make you look like a walking Easter basket. Here are a few tips for working pastel colors the right way:

*Know which colors go well with pastels: Black does not go with pastels (except with white and ivory, which also happen to be the two easiest pastels to wear.) Never pair bright colors (like tropical or fluorescent/neon colors) with pastels. Fire engine red and baby pink, for instance, never go together well. Gray looks much better with pastels than black. Pale gray and lavender or light blue, for instance, is a timeless combination. Remember that drab colors (camel, gray, beige, and tan) are what match pastel colors best.

*Don’t create too delicate-looking outfits: Combine demure pieces with more revealing ones for a bit of contrast. The aim is to come across as adult and feminine, not as a girl in kindergarten. Also try pastels in sturdier fabrics once in a while to lessen the fragile feel inherent to all light colors. Fabrics like denim and canvas lend an interesting flair to pastel colors. Baby pink denim jackets and seafoam green canvas tote bags are chic with the right pieces. You can also mix a flouncy pastel blouse with jeans or cargo pants to create juxtaposition between feminine and masculine fabrics.

*Go for modern jewelry: Pair trendy pieces in clean cuts with your pastel ensembles. Antique jewelry may look too old-fashioned and custume-y with the already fairylike color palette (there are, however, exceptions so use your own discretion). Silver usually looks better with pastels than gold. If you want to try something other than a metal, go for earthy stones. Light and medium-colored stones, like turquoise, amber, and rose quartz, are great options. Be careful with pearls because even if you’re aiming for ladylike elegance, you could end up screaming five-year-old flower girl instead. You should go for tiny pearl studs or simple pearl drop earrings instead of giant pearl clip-ons, for instance.

*Find interesting hosiery: If you’re fearful of wearing pastels in general, pastel hosiery can be a nice subtle touch to an outfit that almost any woman can get away with wearing. Neutral fishnets in pale yellow, for example, pairs well with a beige dress. Cream opaque tights are wonderful for winter wear and will match many light-colored ski sweaters. The only pastel hosiery you should probably avoid are plain baby pink tights.

Here are a few winning outfits that make good use of pastel colors. Try them out:

*A grandma cardigan (drab color), camisole (pastel color), jeans, Uggs, and a silver locket

*A denim jacket (pastel), just-above-the-knee dress (drab color), fishnets (pastel color), and knee-high boots (drab color)

*Ski sweater (pastel or drab color), scarf (pastel or drab color) faded jeans, Uggs, and silver chandelier earrings

*Turtleneck (pastel color, preferably lavender or baby blue), gray dress pants, tan round-toe pumps, and a turquoise or rose quartz stone ring