Pastel outfits: how to style this soft colour palette correctly
Pastel colours are soft, light tones reminiscent of cotton candy, spring flowers and sunrises. Whether soft rose, pale mint green, sky blue or light yellow, pastel-coloured clothing has stood the test of time and endured seasonal trends. Pastel tones are versatile, can be worn by both women and men, and are easy to combine. We’ll give you tips and inspiration on styling pastel clothing to create the perfect fresh and light style.
What colours complement pastel tones? How to combine pastel outfits correctly
Pastel colours are light, friendly and fresh. Often, they are overlooked as being boring. However, it is their understated simplicity that makes them exciting and versatile. They can be paired with many other colours and give an outfit a touch of lightness. Whether you play it safe with neutral tones, create contrasts with bold shades or incorporate loud patterns, pastel shades seem to adapt to any challenge and create exciting looks time and again.
1. Pastel meets neutral tones: a safe bet for any occasion
The easiest way to style a pastel-coloured outfit, is to combine it with neutral colours. Tones such as white, beige, cream or light grey form a calm basis to work from and allow the pastel colours to stand out without overburdening the look.
Why does this combination work so well?
Harmonious & balanced: neutral colours ground the look and ensure that the delicate pastel shades don't appear tacky or overly girly.
Ideal for any occasion: whether for everyday wear, the office or more formal occasions, you can't go wrong with this combination.
Perfect for capsule wardrobes: neutral basics are generally a staple in many wardrobes and can be worn throughout the seasons.
2. Monochromatic pastel outfits look particularly chic
If you're a little more daring when it comes to fashion, you can try monochromatic outfits. It doesn't matter whether you're dressed in the same tone from head to toe or vary individual shades within a colour family: an all-over pastel look is a true fashion statement and not as difficult to style as you might think.
How does the eye perceive monochromatic pastel outfits?
Calms the eye: monochromatic looks avoid harsh contrasts and thus appear tidy and aesthetically pleasing.
Elongates the silhouette: having the same colour flow from head to toe makes you appear taller and slimmer. To enhance this effect, pick shoes in a similar colour to your trousers.
Popular in spring and summer: light pastel shades such as apricot, butter yellow, mint or lilac reflect the light and emphasise the feeling of lightness during the warm seasons.
Suitable for unisex looks: monochromatic outfits in pastel tones can look both feminine and masculine. It's the cut that matters, not the colour.
For more depth, you can play with different materials. For example, you can combine linen trousers with a silk blouse, or jeans with a knitted top in the same colour to create exciting contrasts.
3. Bold colours and soft pastels for a wow-effect
Pastels don't always have to look friendly or delicate. If you like bold, modern and confident looks, you can combine pastel tones with strong contrasting colours. Pastel tones truly stand out when used as a colour blocking technique. Their subtle effect creates the perfect backdrop for bold colour combinations.
Why does this combination work so well?
Contrast creates interest: the interplay between delicate and bold colours creates interest for the eye.
Pastels as a counterbalance: while bold colours appear loud and dominant, pastel shades bring a touch of calm to the look.
Modern & bold: colour blocking has long since evolved from a fashion trend to an everyday style and looks fresher and more wearable paired with pastels.
4. Cute pastel outfits with prints & patterns
If you want to create a look that is playful and lively, you can combine pastel colours with prints. These can be floral patterns, animal prints or graphic elements. The soft pastel tones can take on a whole new dynamic when paired with prints and patterns, creating a fresh and trendy look.
What makes this look so special?
Modern & creative: floral or graphic patterns paired with soft colours look trendy without being over the top.
Eclectic style: the combination of soft colours with eye-catching prints creates an exciting contrast between elegance and a casual look.
Individual touch: prints make the pastel look more individualised, which makes this style ideal for anyone who wants to stand out from the crowd without being too loud.
Tip: The finer the pattern and the more subtle the colours, the more wearable the look is for everyday life or the office.
Pastels for everyday wear: laid-back, light and versatile
Pastel-coloured clothing brings variety and a breath of fresh air to your everyday wardrobe. Whether you're strolling through town, sitting in a café or on your way to work, with the right combinations, pastel outfits look casual, modern and effortlessly stylish. Basics in soft tones are particularly popular, such as oversized shirts in lavender, hoodies in pistachio or loose-fitting trousers in light blue. These can be paired with neutral pieces such as white trainers, beige trousers or denim jackets.
Pastel colours also work well in layered looks: a light blue long-sleeved top under a cream-coloured knitted jumper or a pink shirt over a white basic shirt look both relaxed and well thought-out. For cooler days, pastel-coloured knitwear such as cardigans or beanies are beautiful elements that add a subtle splash of colour to your outfit.
Pastels for the office? How to style fresh spring tones for work
Pastel-coloured clothing at the office? Absolutely! Pastel shades such as rosé, mint, lilac and light blue not only bring a touch of jaunty freshness to everyday office life, but also look professional, neat and modern. In creative and innovative industries, they have long been considered a stylish alternative to dark blue, grey or black.
What you need to know about pastel-coloured outfits for the office:
Neutral layering: a white top or cream-coloured blouse paired with a pastel-coloured piece creates a balanced look.
Simple shoes: white sneakers or beige loafers emphasise the lightness of your outfit.
Less is more: a pastel-coloured blazer over an otherwise simple outfit is enough to make a statement.
Pastel clothes for parties and special events: airy elegance
Pastel colours are perfect for special occasions. They look smart, elegant and modern at the same time. Whether at a wedding, a summer party, a christening or a chic evening event, an outfit in soft rose, sage green, lilac or light blue will ensure you look stylish without being overdressed. Flowing fabrics such as silk, chiffon or satin are particularly popular. They emphasise the feminine softness of pastel colours and create an elegant, airy look.
What pastel tones look good on me? How to find the right pastel tone for your skin type
Pastel colours are currently in vogue, but not every shade automatically suits every complexion. While some shades may make your skin appear fresher and more radiant, others can quickly make you look pale or sallow. The good news is that there are flattering pastel colours for every skin type.
Not sure what your colour type is yet? Take the test and find out which colours suit you best:
Pastels for cool skin tones
Cool skin types typically have a pinkish or bluish undertone. They tan more slowly and often look particularly good in silver jewellery.
The best pastel tones for your skin type:
Lavender & lilac
Ice blue & sky blue
Mint green
Rosé with a bluish tinge
Pastels for warm skin tones
Warm skin types often have a yellowish or olive undertone. This type of complexion tans quickly, looks great with gold jewellery and suits warm colours very well.
The best pastel tones for your skin type:
Apricot & peach
Vanilla & soft yellow
Coral & salmon pink
Sage green
Conclusion: pastels are a true all-round talent
Whether as a statement or a subtle accent, pastel colours can be worn all year round, casual or chic, at the office or at evening events. They are neutral, easy to combine and versatile. Try it out and find your perfect pastel look!