Q. I'm in love with Spring's sorbet colour palette but associate the trend with kindergarten chic! How can I wear pastel shades without evoking the infantile sexualism of Paris Hilton et al?
A. 2014's colour palette speaks pastels. Say goodbye to dark autumnal shades and hello to a rainbow of soft springtime hues. This season's collections proved that pastels don't have to be childish. Design houses such as Burberry and Mulberry showed us that pastels really have grown up into a confident sophisticated woman.
Texture is key here - add an edge to these sugary shades with animal prints, baroque inspired jacquard and sheer lace and chiffon styles. Avoid looking too cute by steering clear of obvious pastels such as baby blue, baby pink and daffodil yellow. Go super soft in ballet pink sheer fabric and add perfect white accessories for a romantic but bold look. Sheer skirts are it for spring and hemlines below the knee make sherbet shades sexy and feminine.
Clash harsh with soft to temper the girliness. Combine a quintessential jacquard structured lavender dress with a nude moto leather jacket for tough sophisticated poise. Set your outfit alight by adding a dash of spicy heat with flame detail. A python printed classic shift dress in lightly toasted sand conjures images of the beach. Accessorise with tropical brights for warmth and energy - heighten the excitement with illuminating bright turquoise and orange. They are perfect companions to pastels, and add confidence and vivacity.
It's definitely worth investing into the pastel trend - colour will refresh your wardrobe for spring and also provide you with the right choice for occasions such as weddings and other high summer events.
LOOK 1
Python jacquard Alina dress by Stella McCartney £865 & Dinky Amy bright turquoise leather strap watch by Marc by Marc Jacobs £135 both at harveynichols.com; Cupido cat eye sunglasses by Caroline Abram £285 at nicheopticaltailor.co.uk; Turquoise Saffiano shoulder bag by Love Moschino £160 at houseoffraser.co.uk; Spaceship statement necklace by Tatty Devine £165 at thoushaltcovet.com; Abel neon patent pump by Jimmy Choo £375 at pamjenkins.co.uk
LOOK 2
Lavender Rosa jacquard structured dress by Temperley London £849 at janedavidson.co.uk; Sidney Moto leather jacket £1495 at belstaff.co.uk; Baroque necklace £180 & Baroque bracelet £75 both by Martine Webster at houseoffraser.co.uk White Belle Epoque suspender tights (cut by stylist) by Trasparenze £21.99 at uktights.com; Marcia white patent shoe with flame elaphe by Jimmy Choo £475 at pamjenkins.co.uk
LOOK 3
Silk sheer stripe tee in ballet pink £550, sheer stripe skirt in ballet pink (price on application) and Lizzie sandal in mixed media all at mulberry.com; Critters white cat leather watch by Marc by Marc Jacobs £165 at harveynichols.com; White opal & crystal necklace £108 & Silver crystal ring £34.90 both by Martine Webster at houseoffraser.co.uk; Buttercup pastel socks by Jonathan Aston £6 at mytights.com
Styling: Lisa Ringrose
Photography: Jeff Mars
Hair: Isabella Watson Creative Director at Toni & Guy Glasgow using Extra Strong mousse, Shine Mist & hairspray all by labelm.com
Make Up: Vicky Cameron using maccosmetics.com & dermalogica.co.uk
Nails: Champagne Nail Bar at Harvey Nichols Edinburgh using Gel Effect polish in the colour Mayfair Lane by nailsinc.com
Spray Tan: The Beauty Store at Virginia Court Glasgow, using st-tropez.com
Shot on location at Cornhill House in Coulter, Biggar cornhillhousehotel.com
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