Pastel Tones

December 09, 2024

Bright on White, Stand Out in the Snow With These Pastel Tones

Unicorns, fairies, and the enchanting world of fairy tales. For us, pastel colors are more than just simple hues. They possess a magical power to evoke the dreamy landscapes we've always longed for. With pastel colors by our side, even the harshest winter chill seems less daunting.

   

A Touch of White

While primary colors offer a vibrant punch, pastels, with their hint of white, exude a gentle, calming aura. That’s why they’ve become a staple in fashion. From romantic to elegant to playful, pastels can adapt to any style.

Grand Budapest Hotel and its rich colours (2016) ⓒpinterest

 

Of course it’s common to associate pastels with spring, really why limit them to warmer months? This winter, let’s break free from the monotony of dark, heavy winter wear. Remember that internet meme of everyone wearing black coats? Let’s ditch the "human cockroach" label of dark, bland down puffers and embrace something a little more cheerful.

 

BLACK at RICK OWENS SS25, It’s not the colour’s fault. ⓒcollectibledry.com

 

What’s wrong with being a little beautiful?

  

Brands like AURALEE and DRIES VAN NOTEN are proving that pastels can be just as sophisticated for winter. Think soft pinks and muted greens paired with cozy textures like fur. Combine these with neutrals for a balanced, chic look.

 

Let's begin by examining DRIES VAN NOTEN's collection, a masterful blend of softness and strength. The forefront is occupied by a harmonious combination of pastel pink and a mint hue tinged with yellow, effortlessly surpassing our expectations. Furthermore, the addition of pastel colors to fur outerwear lends a touch of warmth, mitigating the intense and weighty feel inherent in the material and enhancing a cozy, comfortable mood.

 

DRIES VAN NOTEN FW24 ⓒvogue.com


Monochrome pairings complement the collection beautifully, allowing bright pieces to stand out while maintaining a balanced, minimalist winter aesthetic.

 

DRIES VAN NOTEN FW24 ⓒvogue.com

   

AURALEE's collection evokes nature with a fresh color palette anchored in faded mint. The addition of yellow-based camel and pastel accents creates a lively, yet natural ensemble.
      
AURALEE FW24 ⓒauralee.jp, ⓒvogue.com

Truly impressing was the introduction of pastel purple. The perfect balance of saturation in a notoriously difficult color, it was beautifully executed in both outerwear and shirts. The finishing touch of baby pink created a truly unique winter look.

  

AURALEE FW24 ⓒvogue.com

 

There's a vast array of other pastel outerwear options to explore beyond just this look. Bottega Veneta’s sky blue coat and Miu Miu’s jackets are prime examples. Miu Miu, renowned for its playful approach to color, doesn’t disappoint, using a vibrant palette for jackets, innerwear, and gloves. A chic pair of black shoes ties the ensemble together seamlessly.

 

BOTTEGA VENETA FW24
MIU MIU FW24
Stella McCartney FW24 ⓒvogue.com

 

Light up your look

Don't let a closet full of neutral outerwear dampen your style. Add a pop of color with pastel-hued innerwear. Try pairing it with pastel-colored knits or shirts. This simple trick not only brightens your complexion but also creates a delightful contrast when you layer. It's a win-win.

 

LOEWE FW24
PRADA 24FW, Kiko Kostadinov 24FW ⓒvogue.com

 

What’s more, the combination of pastels and denim is always a winning formula. Hed Mayner's outfit is a testament to this, showcasing how a touch of pastel blue can soften the edge of denim. It's a stylish and unexpected pairing that's sure to turn heads.

 

Hed Mayner SS25 ⓒwwd.com

 

For a touch of understated elegance, opt for a creamy yellow. This subtle hue, with its muted yellow base, is universally flattering and pairs beautifully with a variety of colors. It's the perfect choice for those who want to add a touch of sophistication to their wardrobe.

 

Sandy Liang FW24, Elie Saab FW24
Maison Mihara Yasuhiro SS25 ⓒvogue.com

   

If you're pondering your year-end party outfit,

And absolutely can't stand looking too over-the-top even for a party, then you might want to consider a dressy pastel look that subtly catches the eye. Chloé's bohemian vibe is all the rage right now. But I can't help but wonder: what if this beautiful dress wasn't in a soft, apricot hue? Could it have achieved such a wistful and sophisticated look? It truly showcases the potential of peach paired with brown.

   

Chloé FW24 ⓒvogue.com

 

For a fresh take on your year-end party look, check out the feminine designs of Simone Rocha and Cecilie Bahnsen. Their runways offer expert tips on how to style delicate fabrics like silk and mesh for winter, creating a stunning and unexpected contrast.

 

Simone Rocha FW24
Cecilie Bahnsen FW24 ⓒvogue.com

 

Ready to break the rules of party dressing? This outfit is a fun and unexpected way to stand out. If you love a good silhouette, you'll be obsessed with this look. It's a clever fashion hack that lets you go from bundled up to glamorous in no time.

   

Holzweiler FW24 ⓒvogue.com

 

It doesn’t get easier than this.

Finally, let's turn our attention to the pièce de résistance of the outfit: accessories. Here, pastel colors truly shine, possessing the magical ability to transform any wearer into a vision of loveliness, whether it's a scarf, bag, or hat.

 

Louis Vuitton 24FW ⓒvogue.com

   

As demonstrated by Gucci's camel suede jacket paired with a lemon-hued scarf or Chanel's classic look elevated with pastel accessories, it's the subtle details of accessories that make a significant impact. These examples prove that even the most understated outfits can make a powerful statement.

    

GUCCI SS25
CHANEL FW24 ⓒvogue.com
   
Pastel colors evoke images of tranquility: a sky washed in soft blue, the rosy cheeks of a laughing child, or the delicate pink paw pads of a beloved cat. They have a magical ability to turn even the most ordinary day into something special. These hues remind us of the simple joys in life, transforming even the coldest of days into a warm and comforting dream.