Pastel shades aren’t just for spring – 28 fun items on our winter wishlist

Models wearing pastel colours at Stylist Live

Credit: Nici Eberl

Fashion


Pastel shades aren’t just for spring – 28 fun items on our winter wishlist

By Harriet Davey

4 months ago

4 min read

If you thought sorbet shades were only reserved for the warmer months, think again. These are the pastel pieces – as seen on the Stylist Live catwalk – that are here to brighten up every winter outfit. 


With the days getting shorter and temperatures plummeting, we could all do with a lift, right? And while winter dressing is synonymous with darker tones – burgundy and rich chocolate brown are some of the key shades for this season – that doesn’t mean you have to stick to them. 

We’re all for throwing the rule book out of the window, and in the same way that florals have ventured into autumn/winter thanks to the likes of Richard Quinn, Erdem and Loewe, pastels have now followed suit. They were also spotted at Prada in the form of pretty pink cardigans and polo shirts; Miu Miu had soft blue shift dresses; and Emilia Wickstead put all of the pastel colours on the catwalk. 

Usually worn during balmy summer days in the form of linen dresses and breezy shirts, pastels have just got cosyfor winter. And Stylist’s fashion director, Lucy Reber, took inspiration from the sorbet shade runways to create the Stylist Live catwalk. With a whole section dedicated to ice cream tones (but without the chill), we saw a fluffy jumper and maxi skirt co-ord in butter yellow from Topshop, lilac outerwear courtesy of Tu at Sainsbury’s, and we can take note of the importance of carrying extra layers with the ‘just in case jumper’ shoulder-robed and ready to spring into action when cooler weather kicks in. 

Putting the joy into swaddling up in extra layers, consider this proof that soft shades are no longer reserved for warmer months. This is how to style pastel colours for autumn/winter 2024, according to our very own runway.

How to style pastel colours for winter

Model wearing pastels

Opt for a trouser suit

While skirt and shorts suits were prevalent throughout spring/summer, trousers are the way forward for winter. And when worn in an uplifting pastel shade, it instantly makes the tailored duo look less formal than usual. Add a clashing colour shirt underneath to complete the look. 

Jacket, £28, V by Very (very.co.uk)

Shirt, £149, Whistles (whistles.com)

Trousers, £48, V by Very (very.co.uk)

Boots, £229, Kurt Geiger (kurtgeiger.com)


Model wearing pastels

Shoulder robe a matching jumper

The ‘just in case jumper’ is one that not only gives that extra something-something to any outfit, but it’s practical, too. Because when the weather is unpredictable, simply untie and throw on for an extra layer to keep you warm – we love these butter-yellow styles from Tu at Sainsbury’s. 

Jumper on shoulders, £18, Tu (tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk)

Top, £16, Tu (in-store)

Trousers, £140, Sezane (sezane.com)

Shoes, £95, Next x Tabitha Simmons (next.co.uk)


Model wearing pastels

Try a cosy knit co-ord

Co-ords are a year-round hero item, but for winter, keep it cosy by opting for a knit set. This buttercup V-neck style from Topshop looks so chic worn off one shoulder and slightly tucked into the matching skirt – the perfect way to transform it for after-dark. 

Jumper, £45, Topshop (asos.com)

Skirt, £40, Topshop (asos.com)

Boots, £40, Topshop (asos.com)


Model wearing pastels

Wear multiple pastel shades in one outfit

Why wear one pastel colour when you can wear two, three or even four? The great thing about these soft shades is that although they clash to some degree, they also work seamlessly together. And yes to more shoulder-robe jumper action. 

Jumper on shoulders, £130, Mint Velvet (mintvelvet.com)

Jumper, £140, Albaray (albaray.co.uk)

Skirt, £62, Next (next.co.uk)

Shoes, £89, Karen Millen (karenmillen.com)


Models wearing pastel colours

Wear a block colour dress

For an effortless way to style pastels, just opt for a block colour dress in sugary soft pink, yellow, blue, green or lilac. Style with heels (as above) for evening and switch to knee-high boots with a belted maxi wool coat for day. 

Dress, £55, V by Very (very.co.uk)

Shoes, £34, Next (next.co.uk)


Model wearing pastels

Layer, layer, layer

How do you make separates such as slip skirts and tassel tops work for winter? It’s all about layering. See how this short-sleeve top has been made cold weather-appropriate by adding over a roll neck? And how boots have been added to the lightweight skirt? Note: just add tights and a knee-high pair once temperatures drop.

Top, £68, Asos (asos.com)

Roll neck, £9, Tu (tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk)

Skirt, £125, Jigsaw (jigsaw-online.com)

Shoes, £59.99, Office (office.co.uk)


Models wearing pastel colours

Play around with textures

With such a soft, delicate colour palette, it’s easy to play around with texture. Although these satin trousers could be worn with heels and a matching silky cami for a night out, the addition of cosy layers up top makes the outfit more suitable for the office or late lunch plans. 

Jacket, £89, French Connection (frenchconnection.com)

Top, £89, Whistles (whistles.com)

Trousers, £16, Primark (in-store)

Shoes, £38, Schuh (schuh.co.uk)


Models wearing pastel colours

Make a winter coat fun in a bright colour

How do you brighten up short dull days during winter? Add a joyful coat, of course. Because if we’re all going to be layered up for the next few months, it might as well be fun. This lilac style from Tu at Sainsbury’s gets our vote – and it’s under £50!

Coat, £40, Tu (in-store)

Jumper, £20, Tu (tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk)

Boots, £65, Schuh (schuh.co.uk)


Images: Nici Eberl

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