Powdery lilac, mint, butter yellow and blush are having a moment, and unlike louder trends, pastels flatter nearly everyone. Here is how to wear the softest palette of the season without looking washed out.
Pick your pastel
Cool skin tones glow in lilac, mint and baby blue; warm skin tones shine in peach, butter and pistachio. When in doubt, hold the fabric to your face in daylight and trust your eyes.
Balance soft with structure
Pastels look most modern against crisp tailoring: a mint blazer over white denim, a lilac knit with a sharp pleated skirt. One pastel piece per outfit is plenty for beginners.
Try tonal dressing
Head-to-toe shades of the same family, like blush layered over rose, read instantly elegant. Vary textures, satin against knit, to keep monochrome interesting.
Ground the look
Nude flats, white sneakers or tan accessories anchor pastel outfits in real life. A touch of gold jewellery adds warmth exactly where soft colours need it.
