There are some seasonal trends that come around time and again, and pastels in spring is one of them. If anyone doubted that they’d be back in 2019, Lady Gaga proved them wrong by wearing a majestic, pale blue Valentino gown – and dyeing her usual blonde locks to match – at the Golden Globes way back in January.
Pastels are known to have a calming effect. According to colour management solutions company X-Rite, pastels also ‘work well with neutral colours to create a feeling of earthiness and sophistication’ in spring. Given that it’s a season of fresh starts, it makes sense that we’d all be after something a little lighter and brighter now that winter’s out of the way. So alongside this year’s biggest trends, we’ll be wearing these sorbet shades well into summer. Here are some of our favourite pieces that are perfect for Easter and beyond.
Blue Skies
Midi skirts have trans-seasonal styling written all over them, and this pastel blue number is just right for spring. Because they’re so versatile, mid-length skirts have become de rigueur for the fash-pack. Go ladylike by pairing yours with a dainty heel and a lightweight knit, or wear with your favourite trainers and a slouchy tee for a tougher, more urbane take on the trend.
Pleated sky blue midi skirt
Pastel Pink Perfection
This delicate, dusty pink colour is exactly the shade that’s been making the rounds on all your social feeds, ever since millennial pink became a thing. It’s antiquated and chic (think Sofia Coppola’s 2006 film Marie Antoinette); it isn’t in your face and it’s definitely not sickly-sweet. And given that it’s not quite t-shirt weather yet, the blouson sleeves make this the perfect spring separate. If you’re meeting the parents for an Easter get-together and still have no idea what to wear, this blouse will be your hero piece come Sunday – and probably for the rest of spring too.
Mint Marvel
Spring wedding on the cards? This seafoam green skater dress ticks all the boxes if you’re looking to make a splash at someone’s nuptials – or any other party for that matter. Pastels are perfect for spring soirées, and this mint number is sure to freshen up your occasionwear collection for the new season. Pair it with metallic accessories in rose gold or silver, and keep your hair and makeup minimal to offset the modern silhouette and subtle detailing of this standout dress.
Mellow Yellow
If there was one pastel shade that really stood out on the spring/summer 2019 runway, it was maize yellow. Named after the corn, this pale yellow hue was used in tailoring over at Escada and Tibi, where it contrasted beautifully with sharp-shouldered silhouettes for a Miami Vice aesthetic. Rodarte took a more overtly feminine approach, using the shade on several of their heavily ruffled, floor-sweeping dresses (which were the very definition of ‘Sunday best’).
L-R: Escada, Tibi, Rodarte (image source: Vogue)
Maybe it’s because we’re swept up in spring here at E5P, but it feels like the right time to be wearing this sunny pastel shade. After all, it’s the colour of egg yolks, daffodils, baby chicks and those white chocolate Easter eggs we’ll be scoffing all weekend long. And if you’re after a low-key outfit for your Easter celebrations this year (hey, the Rodarte dresses aren’t for everyone – and you’re asking for trouble if there’s a Sunday roast involved!), these distressed pale yellow jeans are just the ticket.
Lovely Lilac
Culottes are oh-so easy to wear, which is why any self-respecting fashion fan will have a few pairs in their wardrobe. These parma violet plisse trousers have a lightweight feel that’ll take you into the warmer months with ease. They’re probably the most versatile thing on the list too, so if you’re looking for work-appropriate separates that look just as good on the dance floor, these are your best bet. Wear them with your loyal ballet flats and a button-down blouse for the office; when you’re out with the girls, pair them with a cami top and some heels.
