Pastel colors are soft, light shades like mint green, lavender, light pink, pale yellow, and baby blue. Traditionally, pastels are thought of as spring and summer colors. However, fashion rules are meant to be broken! With the right styling, pastel colors can definitely work for fall.
Why Do People Associate Pastels With Spring/Summer?
There are a few reasons why pastels are considered spring and summer colors:
– Pastels have a light, delicate, and airy appearance that suits the bright, sunny days of spring and summer. Darker, richer colors are more associated with the cozy, moody vibe of fall and winter.
– Light colors reflect light, so they just look brighter and more vibrant in the spring/summer when there is more sunlight.
– Pale pastel shades evoke images of flowers blooming, Easter eggs, sea glass, and other springtime symbols.
– In colder weather, rich neutral tones like camel, gray, navy, and maroon tend to be more popular for outerwear that will be seen against snowy backdrops.
How to Wear Pastels in the Fall
Even though pastels are a spring trend, they can work in fall and winter if styled properly. Here are some tips:
– Layer pastels over black or dark neutrals. This instantly gives the pastels a cooler, more fall/winter vibe. A pastel sweater over a black turtleneck with black trousers is very chic.
– Opt for bolder pastels rather than extremely pale, washed out shades. Mustard yellow, burnt orange, forest green, and dusky pink read as more fall-friendly pastels.
– Use pastel accessories to test the waters before going for a full pastel outfit. A baby blue scarf or bag can inject just a touch of springtime color.
– Pair soft pastels with metals like gold, bronze and copper, which feel luxe and seasonal. Mint green with copper jewelry is a fresh combo.
– Look for pastels in cozy fall fabrics like cashmere, wool, or knits. A lightweight pastel just won’t work for fall, but a thicker pastel knit sweater will.
– Add autumnal layers like vests, cardigans, blazers and coats on top of pastel pieces. A pale purple dress peeking out from a camel coat says fall.
– Choose pastel hues that lean more neutral like mauve, sage green, or clay. These read as more versatile year-round pastels.
Pastel Outfit Ideas for Fall
Here are some chic ways to rock pastels for autumn:
Pastel turtleneck + jeans/skirt + boots
A pastel turtleneck in shades like lilac, peach, or seafoam green makes a refreshing alternative to winter white. Pair it with dark denim or a leather skirt and boots. Add an oversized blazer on top.
Pastel coat
Make a statement with a pastel coat for fall, like a powder blue trench or peach wool coat. Balance the sweet color with edgier accessories.
Pastel sweater + dark trousers
Tuck a mint green, pale pink or baby blue chunky sweater into black trousers or pencil skirt. Finish with simple pumps or loafers.
Pastel midi dress + tights + booties
A pastel dress worn with opaque tights and ankle booties is very chic for fall. Add a leather moto jacket for extra cool.
Pastel suit
A pastel suit like lavender or pistachio green instantly looks more Fall-friendly when you layer a turtleneck underneath. Tan boots and belt finish the look.
Pastel accessories
Small pastel accessories like a handbag, scarf or hair accessory are a subtle way to work color into a fall outfit.
Pastel Colors that Work Best in Fall
Some pastel shades adapt better to colder weather than others. These tend to be bolder, deeper or more neutral pastels:
– Burnt Orange – A fall staple that pairs nicely with camel and brown
– Mustard – Warm and spicy for autumn
– Olive Green – An earthy neutral that reads as a complex pastel
– Mauve – A dusty purple shade perfect for fall
– Dusty Pink – More muted than bright pink
– Lavender – Pretty paired with gray and charcoal
– Seafoam Green – A grayish pastel green that works year-round
– Soft Celery – An adaptable green with yellow undertones
– Clay – A brick-like reddish brown neutral
– Pecan – A warm, nutty brown for fall
Conclusion
While pastels may not be the first colors you think of for fall and winter, they can definitely be worked into your cold weather wardrobe. The key is choosing bolder pastel shades styled with lots of rich neutrals and seasonal layers. A pastel turtleneck under a camel coat or a mauve sweater dress with black tights make chic fall outfits. With the right styling, pastels can transition seamlessly into autumn. Don’t be afraid to add a pop of springtime color to your fall look!