How to Style Pastels: Day and Night Fashion Trends

Picking up your pastel palette…

With summer 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 at 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 vibe 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 concept of 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 pastels with mama-friendly 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 Little Unicorn
This diaper bag comes disguised as a gorgeous Brookside bag (#totesinstyle). Minimal and sleek, this is the epitome of fashion meets functionality. When in doubt, pair pastels with a different shade of the same colour. Though we wouldn’t immediately put pale pink with pomegranate, it’s a refreshing boost to neutral accessories.

Watch from Fossil
Pairing pastels with a statement boyfriend watch is one way to add an instant edge – especially when it is exactly the same burgundy wine shade as your bag.

Sunglasses from ASOS
Tortoiseshell, burgundy and pastels? Check, check, check! These classic cat-eye sunnies provide the puuurfect off-duty look for the weekend.

Bangles from J.Crew
Don’t worry about pairing tortoiseshell with tortoiseshell. It’s not counterproductive: it’s efficient. Keep the ribbon on or wear the bangles separately depending on the daytime do.

Shoes from Topshop
When you’re going bold in other departments, play it safe with shoes. Though opting for a slight heel can help lengthen the silhouette (often necessary when wearing a long waistcoat), you can’t go wrong with black suede (except when it rains!). These loafer mules are ideal spring/summer slip ons – that can easily take you from day to night…

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 Grana
Grana has quickly become our go-to store for all essentials. They style Japanese denim to suit every figure and these black skinnies immediately give the long waistcoat more of a night time feel. If you’re going for a casual look, lean towards distressed denim with rips in the knee to break up the colour (perfect for parent-only date nights).

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 is paired with Swarovski crystals, offering an instantly modern-classic look (one that’s definitely in line with a quirky pastel waistcoat).

Heels from Malone Souliers (via Farfetch)
Ready to bounce into warmer weather with a spring in your step? These heels will easily transform a white T-shirt and jeans to a party-appropriate look.

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

Styling Tip:

Long jackets and dresses are guaranteed to accentuate mamas 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.