Cute Pastel Outfit Ideas for Your Spring Wardrobe
We're embracing soft and spirited pastels like milky pink, buttery yellow, and muted mint.
Now more than ever, we're in the mood to add a little fun into our everyday wardrobes. Top of mind? Soft and spirited pastels like milky pink, buttery yellow, muted mint, creamsicle orange, and pale blue. These hues often experience a spring resurgence, but they dominated the Spring/Summer 2020 runways (scroll through images from Jonathan Simkhai, Marc Jacobs, Sies Marjan, and Lela Rose for inspiration).
We have no doubt pastels will start flooding your feeds, so we're giving you a head start—here are five ways to wear them.
Layered pastels
Transitioning your wardrobe from winter to spring can be a bit tricky, but layering with pastels allows for a seamless shift into the season. For a casual look that's perfect for the weekend, start with jeans in a lighter wash and pair them with a pale long-sleeve blouse with some nice movement. If it's still a bit chilly outside, add a chic pullover in a light, cheery hue. Add more pastel perfection—and create a little more warmth—by layering an oversized scarf and a statement crossbody. Keep wearing boots until temperatures rise enough for open toes, but opt for a pair in cream for a spring twist.
Monochromatic pastels
Spring is the perfect time to try a fresh, new look—and going matchy-matchy with a modern monochromatic outfit is a great way to do exactly that. To keep things chic, choose a subdued pastel, such as muted mint, and incorporate a couple of unexpected elements. For instance, you can break up a block of monochromatic color with a neutral blouse—cream, beige, and white are all safe bets—and then throw in a leopard-print belt for on-trend texture and flair. Free-flowing (instead of form-fitting) is a trend straight from the 2020 spring runways, and this outfit is a real winner for more polished moments.
Pairing pastels
Another way to wear pastels this spring is to pair different colors with each other within the same outfit. To pull this off, choose two or three complementary pastel hues while keeping the rest of your outfit neutral. For example, a pair of wide-bottomed, pale pink corduroy pants pairs perfectly with a powder-blue quilted crossbody. A silky cream camisole and blazer narrow the focus of the outfit while heeled slides in an earthy tone ground the look. If you're craving a pop, go bold with your accessories—a leopard-print belt, oversized hoop earrings, or a chunky chain-link necklace.
Pastel dress
One of the easiest ways to pull off pastels this spring is to throw on a casual dress in your favorite color and accessorize around it. Take this solid-toned, creamy orange maxi, for example. It feels particularly carefree thanks to the lightweight jersey material and length, and the addition of a denim jacket lends even more to the breezy aesthetic while also keeping you warm. Your options are endless in terms of accessories, but a white bag with metal embellishments and an easy slide in a neutral color will work across the board.
Pastel accessories
Those who simply want to dabble in pastels instead of creating an entire outfit around them can experiment with pastel accessories. Start with your base outfit—maybe it's a jumpsuit, a dress, or a pair of dark-wash jeans and cream camisole—and then go from there. Pink ombre chandelier earrings or multi-colored snake pumps will certainly make a statement, whereas a powder blue bucket tote or pale yellow sunglasses play with the pastel palette without feeling like too much of a commitment to the trend.
