Outfit Ideas: 4 Chic Ways to Wear Pastel for Spring

Outfit Ideas: 4 Chic Ways to Wear Pastel for Spring

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Spring has officially arrived and with it comes warmer weather, Easter-themed candy, and a strong urge to wear all things pastel. From mint and peach to lilac and blush, macaron-colored clothes and accessories are not only seasonally-appropriate, but they’re also super-trendy to boot.

Not sure how to incorporate these hues into your wardrobe? We’re here to help! Simply scroll on down to check out four cute, trendy and college-appropriate ways to wear pastel this season.

Outfit #1: Totally Tonal

Product Info: Blouse- Ruche, Jeans- Macy’s, Watch & Bracelets- Miss Selfridge, Shoes- Aldo, Bag- Target

Rocking a monochrome outfit makes quite the stylish statement, especially when you wear various shades of über-trendy mint. Start by pairing a lacy blouse with colored jeans in a darker shade of mint. Flats keep things cute and casual, while a cross-body bag continues the monochrome look. Several stacked bracelets and a practical wristwatch add the finishing touches to this ensemble.

Outfit #2: Create Contrast

Product Info: Dress- Forever 21, Jacket- Nasty Gal, Necklace- BaubleBar, Shoes- H&M

There’s something quite edgy about pairing pastels with black — not only does it create a fab contrast, but it’s a surefire way to toughen up even the most delicate and daintiest of dresses. Take the above outfit, for example, where we styled a lavender-colored frock with a black moto jacket for a sweet look that packs a punch. Sculptural wedges continue the edgy vibe, while a “love”-adorned necklace speaks to the outfit’s feminine aesthetic.

Outfit #3: Double Up

Product Info: Scarf- Madewell, Top- Madewell, Shoes- boohoo.com, Ring- Nasty Gal, Shorts- Miss Selfridge, Bag- ModCloth

What’s better than wearing pastel for spring? Incorporating two (or more!) pastel pieces in a single outfit, of course! For a trendy look you can rock on campus, pair some super-stylish peach shorts with a simple gray v-neck tee. A pistachio-hued scarf adds another dose of pastel, while beige sandals keep things balanced. Accessorize with a gold statement ring, then grab a bold graphic tote to complete this look.

Outfit #4: Pattern Play

Product Info: Top- Topshop, Skirt- H&M, Necklace- Outfit Additions, Earrings- Kate Spade, Shoes- Keds

Our first three outfits centered around their respective pastel shades, so for this final look, we wanted to do something a little different and treat a pastel piece like a neutral by pairing it with lots of super-bold items. Take a blush-colored tank and pair it with a trendy floral pencil skirt. Next, play with mixed patterns by adding black-and-white striped sneakers. A chain link necklace makes a classic, yet on-trend statement, while pyramid stud earrings mimic the coloring found on the skirt.

Your thoughts?

Do you like wearing pastel clothes and accessories? What’s your favorite pastel shade? Would you wear any of these outfits? Which one is your fave? Remember to let us know what you think by leaving a comment below!

Bag-It Girl!!

Work, errands, shopping, the occasional party—no matter what you've got going on, these styles will have no problem keeping up and keeping you looking up-to-date.

The Third Arm

Sorry, fanny pack lovers, but as long as the cross-body bag exists, there's no reason for that spare tire of a pouch to make a comeback. The extra-long strap keeps your arms free so you can text, balance a cardboard to-go tray of iced coffees or haul groceries without feeling like you're a pair of mouse ears away from resembling that photo of your mom at Disneyland in the late '80s.

Look for a size that's just large enough to carry a hardcover book or a 7-inch tablet. That way you won't be tempted to overstuff the bag with "just in case" extras that will kill your shoulder after an hour's wear.

 

 

The Double Agent

If there's any bag that we truly depend on, it's the tote bag. With all of that spaciousness, it's part gym bag, part baby bag, part beach bag. But we like it best as the getaway bag, as in those all-too-rare weekends when you cram in a change of clothes, a good book and your toothbrush, and head out of town to relax. 

When buying a tote, pay close attention to the handles. Make sure they're long enough to easily slide onto your shoulder and sturdy enough that they won't tear off easily when the bag is stuffed full (which, let's face it, will be more often than not).

The Secret Keeper

The idea of a perpetually organized purse sounds blissful. On the days—or weeks—when that's not even a remote possibility, a structured top-handle bag guarantees that no one can tell that you're carrying eight months of crumpled receipts, two powdery tins of busted Altoids, and half a dozen pens that don't write, not to mention your keys and cash. The handbag holds its form so well that it's the ideal style for the office, making you feel pulled together even on days when you hit snooze too many times to iron your shirt.

Top-handle bags are appropriate for any work environment, but pay attention to the color. If you plan on carrying it every day—or you work in a conservative office—go for a dark neutral, like tan, gray or black. 

The Throwback

Saved by the Bell's Mark-Paul Gosselaar is hotter than ever on Franklin & Bash, and Cory and Topanga are returning to TV in the reboot of Boy Meets World, so it only makes sense that another late-'90s hit is experiencing a revival: the drawstring (or bucket) bag. Nearly as spacious as a tote, it's great for women on the run. However, the top closes so you don't have to worry about the contents spilling out as you dash from one place to another. Plus, the teardrop shape is perfect for switching up your look without changing your outfit—it lends a funky, casual tone to whatever you're wearing.

Like the tote, it's important to check the handles, since you can (and will) cram a lot into this bag. Also pay attention to the drawstring—or clasp—closure. If it slides open easily, it will only get looser over time.

 

 

The Arm Candy

At first glance, the clutch seems impractical—it can barely hold a set of keys—but that's because you're thinking of it as a carryall, not what it really is: a bauble with purpose. It's just as eye-catching as a pair of chandelier earrings, but unlike jewelry, it discreetly holds your bare necessities.

When shopping, make a fist around your cell phone and stick it in a prospective clutch. If it fits, the handbag should have just enough space for your night-out essentials, dubbed "PMILK" by sartorial minimalists: phone, money, ID, lipcolor, keys.