Leonie Hanne wearing pastel looks© @leoniehanne

Turn your closet into a candy shop with the season’s sweetest colors


JUNE 15, 2020 11:17 AM EDT

Colors speak for themselves and can say a lot about your style, especially when it comes to hues that are on track to be the season’s hottest. Runways and street style are already showing that the next few months will bring out your sweet side with pastel hues.

Despite their gentleness, these colors are pleasantly versatile as they can be combined for a fabulous monotone look or work as standalone pieces. Here’s a plethora of ideas for how to wear these dusty pastel tones in your summer outfits.

© Revolve

Vanilla yellow

Pale yellow did not go unnoticed in designers’ different spring/summer collections and it was even hailed “the king of summer.” It’s a discrete color that you can wear even in your most elegant looks as temperatures rise.

The Hadley Jumpsuit by Song of Style is a comfortable and chic option for the office or happy hour and can be paired with earth tones, deeper yellows, and bright colors to create a contrast. Revolve ($228).

© Revolve

If you prefer to feel the breeze . . .

Then there are the Hazel Shorts by Majorelle, which elongate the legs and define the waist. They will undoubtedly become the star piece of at least one of your summer looks. Revolve ($138).

© Express

Mellow melon . . .

You can also round out your look with the Linen Front Satin Back Scoop Neck Tank or simply pair it with other pastel pieces. Express ($23.94).

© Zara

Scent of lavender

Lavender is one of the trendiest colors not only this summer, but this year! Both sophisticated and casual, you can wear it in a monochrome look or combine it with brighter colors. Try a slip dress such as the Satin Dress paired with a blazer. Zara ($49.90).

© And Other Stories

Not quite green, not quite blue

Aquamarine is one of the colors in the blue family and it’s set to be quite prevalent this summer: from pieces with a business vibe to airy dresses. Although the color has many pros in and of itself, if you pair it with lavender, blue, or mint green you’ll be unstoppable.

The Silk Crepe Shirt combines classic formal blouses with this oh-so-in bluish hue. And Other Stories ($129).

© Nordstrom Rack

Pink dreams

Pink had to appear on this list; it’s a soft color, although its brightest versions—such as fuchsia—will also be highly prevalent this summer. Pink is a great color to pair with lavender and pastel yellow or with red and yellow if you’re after a more daring contrast.

Show off your legs with the Tarera Wool Blend Trousers by Boss to create a stunning outfit with the elements mentioned above. Nordstrom Rack ($99.97).

© Missguidedus

Minty fresh

Although you can combine it with other colors, mint green has all the trappings needed to create a standout monochrome look: it’s lively, refreshing, and exudes personality. Give it a try with the Mint Co Ord Tailored Blazer and Mint Co Ord Cigarette Pants. Missguided ($46).

© Revolve

One piece says it all

Turquoise dresses are sure to turn heads, so you won’t want to pass up on the X REVOLVE Island Mini Dress by Show Me Your Mumu, whose halter neckline and empire waist will highlight your shoulders. Revolve ($53).

© Amazon

Heaven on Earth

One of the classics of the pastel palette is sky blue. It will be everywhere this summer on tops, blouses, and blazers. If you’re looking to create a winning look, it goes perfectly with white. The perfect design for your looks in this shade is the Women‘s Jacket with Turnlock Closure by Tahari ASL. Amazon ($132.08).

© Saks Fifth Avenue

All the pastels you need!

If you’re still unsure how to combine these sweet shades, try the Bicolor Fluid Pois Jacquard Pat Dress by Attico, which combines two of these dusty pastel hues in a romantic maxi dress with an old Hollywood air. Saks Fifth Avenue ($799.99).

Remember, this summer will be filled with gentle charm if you sport the pastel trend.