Pastel colors are the lighter, muted, soft hues of traditional colors. For instance, baby blue is lighter than navy blue, or lilac is paler than purple. Pastel colors are perfect for the summertime because they are refreshing, soft, and effortlessly chic. Moreover, you can create a lot of outfits with different pastel hues that will make you feel stylish and confident. In this post, you will learn how to style pastel colors and combine them with different shades to create the perfect summer outfit.
Why Pastel Colors are Great for Summer
First things first, why pastel colors? Out of all the colors on the spectrum, pastel hues never go out of style, and they fit perfectly with the warm weather and longer days of summer. Pastel tones are lighter versions of traditional hues, so they are easy on the eyes, ideal for brighter and sunnier days. Whether you prefer pinks, blues, greens, or purples, there is an option for everyone.
Pairing Pastel Colors with Neutrals
The easiest way to style pastel colors is by pairing them with neutrals. Neutrals such as white, beige, grey, and black balance out the softness of pastel colors, giving a more sophisticated look that looks great on anyone. Moreover, you can create a lot of different outfits with this pairing because these colors are versatile and look fashionable. For example, your pastel blue jeans will look great with a white top and a black jacket.
Pairing Pastel Colors with Brights
You can combine pastel colors with brighter shades for a pop of color. Bold shades, such as hot pink, electric blue, bright green, or sunshine yellow, add a vibrant touch to pastel tones and make them stand out. Moreover, you can think of these bright colors as accent pieces. These colors are perfect for accessories such as bags, shoes, and scarfs. For example, a yellow bag to go with a blue pastel dress is always a great combination.
Pairing Pastel Colors with Other Pastels
For a more cohesive look, you can pair pastel colors with other pale tones. You can combine different shades and hues of pastel colors that will look subtle and soothing. It is essential to keep in mind that you don’t want to overwhelm with so many pastel hues that don’t stand out. Pick two or three pastel colors and let them complement each other. For example, a pink blouse paired with mint green trousers would look stylish and fun.
Accessorizing with Pastel Colors
Accessories are the perfect way to add pastel colors to your outfit. You can use shoes, bags, hats, and jewelry to add accents of color that complement your clothing. This is a great way to add a pop of pastel if you don’t want to wear pastel clothing. Moreover, pastel accessories look great with neutrals, brights, or other pastel hues. For example, a beige dress with pale green earrings and a pink clutch is a simple yet elegant combination.
Closet Staples for Pastel Colors
If you want to add pastel colors to your wardrobe, there are a few closet staples that you should own. First and foremost, you should have a pastel blouse or shirt. You can pair it with jeans, trousers, or skirts depending on the occasion. Additionally, you should have a pastel dress or skirts, which is perfect for summertime events or daytime outings. Lastly, pastel accessories such as scarfs, bags, or shoes are also a must-have to complement all your outfits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pastel colors are not only a trend but also a timeless and elegant way to add color to your wardrobe. You can pair them with neutral tones, brighter shades, or other pastel hues, depending on the look you want to create. Moreover, accessories are an excellent way to add a touch of pastel to any outfit, and there are different closet staples to get you started with pastel colors. These colors are perfect for summer, making you feel refreshed, stylish, and confident at the same time.
FAQ
What color compliments pastel colors?
Pastel colors are a popular choice for those who love soft, muted hues that are easy on the eyes and calming to the senses. Although pastel colors look beautiful on their own, oftentimes, people wonder what colors will complement them best. The answer depends on the specific pastel color tone and what effect you want to achieve.
Firstly, it’s important to note that pastel colors can complement other pastel hues exceptionally well. This color palette can create a harmonious, fashion-forward look that’s perfect for any occasion. For instance, pastel blues and pinks, when combined, create a soothing, gentle, and serene atmosphere.
If you want to add vibrancy to your pastel color, you can consider using bold and bright colors. For example, pastel blue pairs well with a crisp white or even a pop of coral. The bright coral will contrast well with the gentle blue, adding a sparkle to the entire outfit.
Moreover, pastel blue also works well with other neutral colors such as soft grey, cream, beige, or nude. These neutral tones add sophistication to the pastel blue tone and make the tone the focus of the outfit.
Lastly, it is important to take into account the context and event you are attending before pairing pastel colors with other hues. For example, pastel shades with metallic shades (gold and silver) could create an elegant and sophisticated outfit that’s perfect for a formal occasion.
There are many colors that go well with pastel shades, and the choice depends on your individual style, what effect you’re aiming for, and the occasion. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing and soothing pastel palette or adding a pop of brightness with bold colors, experimenting with various colors can yield beautiful and unique combinations that reflect your personality and style.
How do you look good in pastels?
Wearing pastels can be a great way to add some color and freshness to your outfits. However, not all pastels may work for everyone as the wrong shade can make you look washed out or muted instead of fresh and glowing. That’s why it’s important to know how to style pastels to look your best.
To look good in pastels, it’s best to avoid grayed out pastels. The muted pastel shades may come across as matronly and will not give you the desired effect. Instead, opt for brighter, clearer pastels, which will give you the required radiance. Colors that are too quiet will dull your complexion, so ensure that your pastels have enough vibrancy to complement your skin tone.
Another tip to look good in pastels is to mix them with neutrals or rich colors. Pale and pastel shades can work well when paired with bolder and richer hues. For instance, if you’re wearing a pastel pink shirt, you can match it with a navy blue skirt or pants. Or, you could go for a light yellow blazer paired with beige pants. Such combinations create balance and make the pastel color stand out even more.
When wearing pastels, it’s also advisable to pay attention to the fit of your clothes. Ensure that the clothes fit right – not too tight or too loose – to create a flattering silhouette. Ill-fitting clothes can ruin an otherwise perfect outfit, so it’s essential to get the fit right.
Lastly, when accessorizing with pastels, be careful not to go overboard. The pastel hues already add a pop of color, so avoid adding too many colorful accessories that might clash. Instead, keep it simple and stick to neutral or metallic accessories. Nude or beige pumps, silver or gold jewelry can be excellent choices that complement pastels without being too distracting.
Wearing pastels can be a stylish and refreshing way to upgrade your outfits. By following these tips on how to look good in pastels, you’ll be able to rock the pastel trend with confidence and charisma. Remember to choose bright and clear pastel hues, mix them with neutrals or deep colors, ensure the fit is right, and accessorize in moderation.
What are the best pastel color combinations?
Pastel colors are soft and gentle hues that are commonly associated with spring and summer. These shades are often used to create a calming and relaxing atmosphere, making them perfect for designs related to nature, beauty, and wellness. Choosing the best pastel color combinations can be a daunting task, but there are several tried and tested options that you can consider.
One popular pastel color combination is Mimi Pink, Mauvelous, and Powder Blue. Mimi Pink is a soft pink shade, while Mauvelous is a light purple color with a hint of pink. Powder Blue is a pale shade of blue that complements these two colors perfectly. This combination creates a delicate and feminine palette that works well for designs related to fashion, beauty, and weddings.
Another great option is Bright Pink, Rajah, and Sunray. Bright Pink is a vibrant pink hue that pairs well with Rajah, a warm orange shade, and Sunray, a bright yellow color. This combination creates a lively and energetic palette that is perfect for designs related to summer activities and outdoor events.
For a more subtle pastel color combination, you can try Light Coral, Apricot, and Melon. Light Coral is a soft pinkish-orange hue, while Apricot is a warm peach color. Melon is a pale orange shade that complements these two colors perfectly. This combination creates a warm and inviting palette that is perfect for designs related to food, health, and wellness.
If you’re looking for a more unique pastel color combination, try Uranian Blue, Orchid Pink, and Pink Lavender. Uranian Blue is a soft blueish-green hue, while Orchid Pink is a light pinkish-purple color. Pink Lavender is a pale shade of purple that ties these two colors together. This combination creates a subtle and calming palette that could be great for designs related to nature and sustainability.
Finally, a classic color combination is Tea Green, Celeste, and Mauve. Tea Green is a pale green hue, while Celeste is a soft blueish-green color. Mauve is a light purpleish-pink hue that complements these two colors perfectly. This combination creates a sophisticated and elegant palette that is perfect for designs related to home decor and fashion.
Choosing the best pastel color combination depends on the project you are working on. You can choose a classic color combination or try something unique that reflects your brand’s personality. Whatever combination you choose, make sure it complements your design and creates a harmonious color scheme.
Do you put dark or light first in pastels?
In the world of art, pastels have been a popular medium for creating vibrant and expressive artwork. One of the most common questions that artists ask when using pastels is whether to put dark or light colors first on their paper.
Mary Brigid, a well-known pastel artist, recommends that artists always put light colors over dark colors. This is because pastels are not an opaque medium and the color of the surface on which it is applied can affect the final outcome. When working with pastels, the artist needs to be aware that the color of the paper can interact with the colors they are using, which can influence the vibrancy and tone of the finished work. By painting the lighter colors over darker colors, the artist can ensure that the final result is vibrant and vivid.
Another important factor to consider when working with pastels is to keep them clean. Dirty pastels can leave a muddy effect on the artwork, which can ruin the final result. Thus, it is important to keep the pastels clean by tapping them gently after each use and wiping them with a soft cloth if necessary.
When creating artwork with pastels, it is important to keep in mind that light colors should be applied over dark colors to create a vibrant and vivid outcome. Additionally, keeping the pastels clean is crucial for achieving a clean and crisp result. With these tips in mind, artists can create beautiful and compelling artwork using pastels.
Where do I start with pastels?
If you’re interested in exploring the medium of pastels but don’t know where to start, it can be overwhelming to sort through the many options available. However, with a few key tips, you can easily get started on your pastel journey.
Firstly, when selecting your pastels, it’s important to consider the level of softness you prefer. Soft pastels come in various levels of softness, ranging from hard pastels to very soft ones. As a beginner, it’s recommended to start with medium-soft pastels, as they offer a good balance of control and blending. This will make it easy for you to create your desired effects without struggling too much with the medium.
Along with the level of softness, it’s also important to consider the quality of the pastels you choose. There are two main types; artist quality and student quality pastels. Artist quality pastels tend to be more expensive but the pigments used to make them are of higher quality, and they have greater versatility in color blending and layering. On the other hand, student quality pastels are more affordable, but they generally don’t have the same depth of color or durability and in turn, this can affect the completeness of your artwork.
Moreover, when starting out with pastels, be sure to set up your workspace appropriately before you begin. Pastels tend to be quite messy and dusty when used, so it’s important to create your art in a well-ventilated space with easy access to a clean-up area. You can also consider laying down a protective covering over your workspace to minimize the amount of dust that settles on your furniture. Wear comfortable clothes, they may get dusty with the pastel powder.
To wrap up, beginning your pastel journey can be fun and rewarding if you start with quality materials, like medium-soft pastels while considering the ventilation, your workspace, and the level of softness you’ll use. With practice, you’ll soon be able to create art pieces to be proud of.