I wanted to know how to wear lavender, white and other pastels in the fall. I love them soo much! I thought by using strong neutrals I would be able to balance it out but struggling. ~ Hannah (18 years old college student with fair skin, blue eyes and blond)
Hi Hannah,
Thank you for your great question! I cannot believe it’s already Fall. Time flies by so quickly these days. To me, pastels are classy pops of color and have the same excitement quality like bold colors. It’s all in the way you use it. I used to fear change in the trends and my fallback color was black. However neutrals tend to be safe colors and it turns outfits into the mundane.
Colors only work when you feel confident about it. It’s in the way you use it. Don’t let the colors overwhelm you. Let you and your style define the colors.
Strong Neutrals
I styled these outfits based on Hannah’s wish to pair pastels with strong neutrals. When you feel like the pastel color is too much for your outfit, the safest route is to pair it with a neutral color. Neutrals are by definition “relaxed, unbiased, and impartial.” It is supposed to help enhance the pastel color of your outfit, not to detract from it. Some strong neutrals might help like navys, blacks and browns. I would tend to wear dark colors on the bottom because I’m more bottom heavy. If you are like me, the dark wash will create a slimming effect.
Soft Neutrals
Lately with the approach of Fall, I want to try softer neutral shades that project a youthful and fun loving aura. A big hit for the past couple of years is camel. Camel is a softer shade of brown. While Heather Gray is the lighter version of Somber Gray. Both of these neutrals give off a classy and polish yet casual look.
Vibrant Jewel Tones
I love pairing pastels with jewel tones. The darker, more vibrant jewel tones help make pastels pop! The interaction makes the outfit more appealing and more playful depending on the cut and style of the particular piece. Just mix and match. If the color combinations do not work for you, try a different combination. Keep your outfit fun and light.
Accents
If you have pastel accessories like purses, rings, bracelets and necklaces, use it to add a light and playful mix to your outfits. Accessories can add that extra edge or glamour to your outfit. It works wonders in revamping a very common outfit into something new and unique.
If you are still struggling with pastels let me know down below. Tell me what is bothering you. Is it the color or the fabric or the cut and style of the dress (top? bottom?)? I’m interested to hear from you.
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