How to wear Pretty Pastels

How to wear Pretty Pastels

WEARING PASTELS

It’s true what they say; all things old become new again and isn’t that true for the timeless, ever-so feminine and beautifully classic pastel trend. Pastels always find their way onto our radar at this time of year. Pale, romantic and pretty pastels are a simple yet playful colour palette to keep in your closet. Soft and gentle, pastels can give you the ultimate feminine look. Pastels are a reoccurring feature in summer fashion so it's no great surprise that they are back on the high street again. However, this year sees even paler tones.

Look for colours such as pale yellow, blush pink, icy blue, or light lavender, it's both pretty and appropriate for the season. Feminine and pristine this trend is probably one of the most suited to summer as it looks beautiful combined with subtle ditsy floral prints. This trend will ensure that you look cool, girly and stylish. 

Here are just a few fashion tips to help you wear this popular trend:

I am a massive fan of casual dresses which come up in pastel hues for that luxe carefree look. If you’re looking for the ideal way to look sweet and pretty, then aim for a solid pastel dress. A delicate pastel piece can be used in a variety of ways and is unbelievably versatile. Add a tan bag for the perfect finishing touch.


One of the easiest ways to wear pastels is wearing prints, if you prefer not to go for an all-over print choose one pastel printed item such as a skirt and team this with a neutral coloured top with no print! 

You can separate an all over pastel outfit by keeping neutral shades in your accessories. Turn to tan or grey in particular with belts, shoes, handbags and hats. These break up the colour and help you avoid looking washed out.


Pastels can be mixed with darker colours such as navy and grey. These muted tones are a great slimming technique if you’re worried pastels highlight problem areas.  

Wearing pastel coloured pants would be the most timeless option. It can easily be worn with a neutral top; white, grey, black, etc. All depending on the chosen colour! try wearing your trousers with pumps of the same colour but in a darker shade. 

Choose one colour and stick with it throughout your outfit. Pastel coloured clothing itself looks good without too many finishes – the simpler your pastel tone clothing, the better.

You can never go wrong with denim, and pairing your pastel top with a pair of jeans, it adds a touch of sweetness and modernity to the look. A darker wash will give it a more formal look, so if you want something fresher, a lighter wash like chambray will do the trick.

Wear Pastels as Accessories, Wear a neutral outfit-it makes pale accessories really pop.  Choose a statement necklace or a light-coloured handbag. Cream and beige tones are the most versatile of all the pastel shades. They go with any other pastel or neutral shade. 

Yet another way to tackle the pastel trend is to colourblock.  Wear Pastels with Other Pales but Make sure all your pieces are in the same colour family and Make sure that pastel tones you pick do not look like a continuation of your skin.

The most important rule of pastel shades is not to overdo it with all the sweetness. Instead, try to tone it down by accessorising your pastel clothes with pieces in black, white or other neutral tones. Beige and grey shades will also help you balance things out.  

Here are a few chic pastel pieces that will ensure you are on trend this season.

ASOS UK Cord Jacket in Pastel Blue

ASOS UK - Pastel Stripe Rib ruffle bodysuit top

ASOS UK Pimkie Pastel Pink Ripped Detail Skinny Jeans

Zeagoo Women's Loose Ruffle Sleeveless Chiffon Pastel Blouse

AX PARIS Bodycon Midi Dress Pink

DOLCIS BEATRIX Sandal Pastel Pink

CALL IT SPRING Mateare Sandals Blue

For a little more inspiration, take a look at how these fashion bloggers are styling their pastel colour this season.

Elle fanning pastel fashion

Kristina Bazan - Paris Fashion Week street style

I hope these style tips on wearing pastel colours has given you some inspiration! Till' next time xo





WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Editors notes:  This post was originally posted in August 2012 and has been updated

Animal Prints - A Timeless fashion print

Animal Prints - A Timeless fashion print

A TIMELESS CLASSIC THAT NEVER GOES OUT OF STYLE

When someone says ‘animal print’ the first thing that comes to our mind is the leopard and when worn in a classic silhouette, it adds a visual interest and a bit of glamour to your look.  Even though it seems as if animal print comes in and out of style every couple of years, it's always in and always highly glamorous.

Earlier animal prints were born out of the skin and fur of select animals, they were used by men and women as it offered protection from the elements. Throughout history, kings and other high-ranking people have worn animal skin and use animal rugs as a sign of status and power. In the 20th century, fashion designers, high-ranking people, Hollywood stars, and celebrities turned it into a fashion trend. Nowadays, many famous brands, like Prada, Betsey Johnson, Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Dior are big supporters of animal print. Supermodels, Hollywood stars, and celebrities are also big fans of animal print.

Animal print is a fashion style that is made to resemble the pattern of the skin and fur of an animal such as leopard, cheetah, zebra, tiger, and giraffe.  Animal prints are similar to a neutral—they’re made up of brown, beige, and black, after all.  They’re seasonless, and you can wear them with almost anything, plus, they add a little edge to your wardrobe.

These wild prints can create attention anywhere you go. So going overboard won't make you more fashionable. Remember, It is always a good idea to start small and keep it simple, less is more when it comes to animal prints. Simply adding animal-print inspired jewellery, a key accessory (scarf, shoes or handbag) or one wardrobe piece (blouse or jacket) is all you need to spice up your look.

Add bright spots of colour with animal print to make a bold statement. When used in moderation this pattern is an exotic and elegant addition to our wardrobe and an edgy, yet classic, addition to our outfit.

These days animal print dresses are worn with chunky earrings are perfect for a night out. You can also opt in for cardigans with animal prints rocked with a shirt and a dark coloured trouser or a jean or a scarf to keep it stylish and subtle.

Animal print can really look great on anyone, It’s one of those timeless patterns that can work for any season.  Here are a few chic animal print pieces that will ensure you are on trend this season.

BY MALENE BIRGER Animal Print Knit Cardigan

Balmain Animal Print Skirt 

MARC BY MARC JACOBS Animal Print Pullover

BLACKCHERRY Bag Ladies Fashion Clutch Bag Animal Print

LILY & ROSE Ladies Animal Skin Detail Wallet Blue

ALEXIS BITTAR Animal Print Lucite Earrings

For a little more inspiration, take a look at how these fashion bloggers are styling their animal prints this season.

I hope these animal print style tips have given you some inspiration! Till' next time xo

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Editors notes:  This post was originally posted in July 2015 and has been updated

Fashion trend: The slip dress

Fashion trend: The slip dress

HOW TO WEAR A SLIP DRESS

A fashionable feature of the 90’s, is the slip dress and it is making an effortless impression as this season’s must-have item.  Alexander Wang, Burberry and Paco Rabanne have all featured this classic dress in their latest collections.  

It can be quite daunting trying to wear a dress which quite frankly looks like lingerie.  Here are some fantastic tips so that you can wear the slip dress with a new found confidence.

Keep it cool, relaxed and simple. Try wearing a basic black slip dress with thin spaghetti straps and style it with strappy sandals.

There are hundreds of ways to wear a slip dress but one of the simplest and most classic ways to be styled daytime, you can wear turtleneck pullovers long sleeve shirts, blouses or basic shirts underneath your slip dress.  If you're not prepared to go braless then a T-shirt worn underneath will give you the coverage you need.

Take your dress to dinner by wearing with an open cardigan. I really like the contrast and the mix of materials.  For maximum effect add a pop of colour.  Rock this elegant look with a pair of this season's sexy mules.

The slip dress lends itself extremely well to layering, and I could easily wear one underneath a jumper, or over a t-shirt.

Length is key. Too short and it looks too close to sleepwear; midi or floor-length looks more modern. Try wearing one under a skirt or another dress so you can see a bit of lace poking out underneath the hem. Or just opt for a silk camisole worn under a biker jacket with jeans.

Don’t be afraid to hide that waist, grab a belt, wrap it around the slip dress and show off your features.

The cut is key, anything on the bias is usually really flattering as it hugs the small part of your waist and skims over your hips and a good fabric is essential, too, a good quality silk will smooth out lumps and bumps, not accentuate them. 

Here are a few chic slip dress pieces that will ensure you are on trend this season.

VICTORIA VICTORIA BECKHAM Slip dress with beaded embroidery

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG Embellished Slip Dress

T BY ALEXANDER WANG Draped Slip Dress in Jersey

GALVAN Floor length panty dress with satin

BRETT ROBSON cassey velour slip dress with chain straps & crop tee blush

For a little more inspiration, take a look at how these fashion bloggers are styling their slip dresses this season.

I hope these style tips on wearing the slip dress have given you some inspiration! Till' next time xo



WHAT DO YOU THINK?



Editors notes:  This post was originally posted in October 2016 and has been updated