The Style Files : The Sweetest Trend Of The Season! 

An array of milky hues dominated both the S/S16 and A/W16  palette, updating the more sugary pastels that impacted in previous seasons. If the sheer number of pastel inspired hues on the fall runways was any indication, pastels will continue making big statement through the year. Designers have modernized the colours into sleek and elegant springtime wear that can be worn to the office, to brunch or just for a relaxing day out with friends. Céline, Rochas and Carven shows, among many others, designers sent out a startling array of garments in colours straight out of the nursery. A key shade in the Milky Pastels range, this subtle pink is tinged with a hint of peach for a warmer overall appearance. 

So how do you pull off sugary pastels without looking like a child’s ice cream sundae? 

The key is offsetting the pale palette with neutral colours. Think basics in shades of camel, gray and winter white. Or take a bolder cue and hue from the Chloé pre-fall capsule collection and add an impetuous pop: crimson (pants in this case) Fortunately, you won't feel like the Easter Bunny if you break it up and wear the hue. 

Monochrome is another fashion forward way to wear pastels. Choose one colour and stick with it throughout your outfit. Try it with one of the seasons other big trends. A risqué crop top looks sophisticated in a pastel! 

Since the candy shop trend shows no signs of abating and if you feel its a little too sweet for your tastes work in accessories to edge up your look. For accessories, here are some ideas. A bag in racing green or in a charcoal gray, will make a pretty complement. Masculine slip ons or a block heel works well with paste hues too. (There’s a suggestion of prep to pastels, after all.) And rose gold jewelry which adds a bit of toughness making you look sweet, but not too sweet. 

Whether you like buying into trends or prefer to sticking with your own choices, you really should add pastels to your wardrobe. Soft hues are a classic spring summer staple and are timeless enough that you can wear them though out the year. With the right styling they can amp up your trend/cool factor. They also shouldn’t just be relegated to day wear they are great for a night on the town as well. 

Text by Minoli Ratnayake