Welcome fall with these dreamy shades once reserved just for spring.
"Pastels will take the heavy edge off sweaters and jackets,” explains Kennedy. “Invest in winter whites, light camel, various shades of gray, and mint greens. You can mix all these colors beautifully with cognac, black, wine, and forest green.”
If you’re a little-black-dress kind of girl, you can still try out this trend by brightening up your personal style with pastel accessories. “With a darker or neutral outfit, pastel jewelry, nails or scarves will give your outfit an extra kick without being too overwhelming,” says celebrity stylist Ali Levine.
Surprisingly enough, pastel hues are similar to neon as both will bring all eyes on you. If you’re more of a shy wallflower than social butterfly, stylists say to consider color blocking, a look favored by many celebrities that’s also flattering for all shapes and sizes. “When wearing pastels during the fall, it’s important to add darker-hued accent pieces,” says model and style expert Jaimie Hilfiger. “Try colors like burgundy, chocolate brown and even leopard print.” Use darker colors to hide your problematic areas and add pastels to enhance a favorite part of your body.
“The runways ushered in coats and outwear looking whimsical and ultra feminine, yet modern in cotton candy pink, robin’s egg blue and mint green,” says stylist Dara Michelle. Keep the rest of your outfit basic with more familiar seasonal hues, such as camel, black, gray, or even dark crimson. Once you purchase your coat or jacket, make sure it’s taken to your tailor to ensure it fits your shape perfectly.
Kennedy admits ladies with pale features tend to stay away from pastels out of fear the colors will “wash them out,” or make them appear chalky and lackluster. Fortunately, she insists this common problem can be easily solved — as long as you get rid of one thing from your closet. “Stay away from turtlenecks or even mock turtlenecks in pastel colors!” she warns. “Opt for camisoles in satin fabrics or stick to skirts and pants to keep the color away from your face.”
“Pair a pastel sweater with dark wash or gray jeans,” says Levine. “This look is super comfy and cozy for fall, and will totally give you a (more grown up) back-to-school feel.” Another perk of wearing dark wash jeans besides the fact that it works for everyone? These will elongate your legs, providing an instant slimming effect.
“If you aren’t ready to go full-on with solid pastel pieces in the upcoming months, then I suggest wearing pieces with small hints of pastel colors,” says Hilfiger. “Instead of wearing a printed blouse with a dark pattern, try a dark-colored blouse with a pastel floral print. This way, nobody will feel like they’re sticking out like a sore thumb and women will still be in their comfort zone.”
A great way to embrace the pastel trend for fall is by adding darker hues into your wardrobe, but if there’s one color you must have in your closet, it’s this super sophisticated shade. “If you prefer to go totally pastel for fall, try a camel color as your base, and then add in sprinkles of baby pink or gray with opaque tights, jewelry and handbags,” says Kennedy. “Camel shades go with everything!” Not a fan of camel? Try a sweet peach instead, which can lighten up your couture, especially if you include a vibrant red pout.
Shoes in a light pink, mint green or even creamy vanilla shade will give any outfit — whether an all-black ensemble for the office or a matching dress for night — a pop of color that’s on trend, all while enhancing your personal style. Look for stilettos or pumps in the hue of your choice, as stylists say they’re now more available for the season in an array of prices.
A quick way to look ethereal for any evening affair? A chic gown featuring powder blue, lavender or golden yellow. Look for dresses made with thin, breathable fabrics, which will especially work for those sudden heat waves when that thick LBD just won’t do. Keep the makeup simple with nude lipstick to give your pout a plumper finish, or keep it coral to brighten your face.