How Pastels Became Winter’s Unexpected Power Pieces

No color comes as loaded with connotations as pink – the official shade of girlish prettiness. And while there’s nothing wrong with that, there’s something rebellious about using it to flip the script on serious, grown-up tailoring. Max Mara’s double-breasted wool, mohair and silk-blend ‘Ombrosa’ blazer is a pitch-perfect fusion of sweet and sophisticated in baby pink. Play with tones for depth and wear it with Calvin Klein Collection’s rosy pinstriped ‘Daisy’ shirt – it’s a fashion-forward take on a traditionally masculine look. Team it with classic black to keep the look polished.

Light-wash blue denim is the lo-fi, cool-girl take on the trend. Agolde’s distressed, wide-leg jeans are cut to sit high on the waist and resemble a well-worn vintage pair. Take it to the next level by wearing them with a top in a similar color, such as McQueen’s expertly tailored baby-blue crepe blazer.

One of the reasons that pastels are typically associated with summer is that we are so used to seeing them on romantic dresses and ‘cottagecore’ blouses. But the way to wear them this winter is dialing back the froufrou flourishes and leaning into more streamlined styling. Consider Abadia’s glossy satin-twill trench in golden butter yellow. The familiar silhouette – all louche, throw-on ease – is invigorated in a slightly off-kilter color and luxe finish. An easy way to elevate denim, it also has a matching skirt that makes for an effortlessly elegant take on cocktail dressing.

One key piece of styling advice for winter pastels: embrace contrast. The softness of the tones makes them an easy mix-and-match proposition (they’re far more versatile than brights, especially with black). Dusted candy colors are particularly charming when offset with neutral shades – think camel and duck-egg, slate and primrose. One particularly delicious pairing is chocolate and icing pink: try Sharon Wauchob’s ‘Orla Icon’ cotton and silk, high-waisted blush pants with Khaite’s slouchy oversized ‘Margaux’ cashmere knit in dark brown. Play with textures for a luxe, layered look (Alaïa’s chestnut suede bucket bag is the dream plus one).

And if you’re still worried about overdoing it, then the easiest way to transition pastels into winter is by embracing accessories, which can flip an entire look with little-to-no effort. A shoe (be it a lilac Gucci sneaker or a Manolo Blahnik mint mule) or bag (Balenciaga’s ‘Le Cagole’ in candyfloss pink, Bottega Veneta’s ‘Bang Bang’ retro vanity-style clutch in icy blue) are equal parts subtle and statement making. A little sugar goes a long way, after all.