PASTEL POWER
Written by Lara Myall, contributing fashion and beauty director
Summer days are looming and dark suits are getting stuffy. Isn’t it about time you lightened up a little? And yes we’re talking about pale colours, not your mood.
For some the mere thought of dusty pink might be a no-go or hazy prints, precisely that. Hazy. Not for much longer.
Men's tailored blazer suit
Take the perennial classic, the blazer. For summer the staple makes yet another comeback in muted colours. Sky blue, lemon and pale pink are your need-to-know shades, and two buttons and slim styles the cut guide. It’s a no-brainer. The pastel blazer is a solid summer investment, as part of a suit or worn with jeans, chinos or shorts.
Crockett men's short sleeve shirt
In terms of shirts, prints and pastels were meant to be together and are notably less insipid than the ubiquitous pale pink shirt. Faded florals and Hawaiian designs (with none of the naffness) get the thumbs up for summer antics.
Salmon twill flat front shorts
Tailored shorts are big news this season, mainly because of their versatile nature. Ideal for smarter occasions, such as weddings, as well as weekends with the boys. Smarten up with a linen shirt and loafers, or kick back with a slogan T-shirt and sliders.
Men's Hush Puppies
And on your feet? The lighter mood calls for tan or paler shades of grey on lightweight silhouettes. Check out brogue/sneaker hybrids for a sporty slant on the trend.
Blue floral shirt
Keep the look tonal and team faded blue florals with soft slate jeans or chinos for a stylish edge. Just throw on a colour-matching blazer and pair of shades to finish off the look.
Blue Oxford shorts
Lighter shades are big hitters on shorts. Make it easy and wear all blue, mixing up different shades. Or put your own stamp on it with a contrasting pastel blazer and striped shirt. A shot of pastel on top-notch tailoring, like flat front shorts, wins every time.
Short sleeve wheel print shirt top
Button shirts up to the top for a street-meets-preppy vibe and amp up the attitude with rolled-up sleeves. Often it’s the little details that make a huge difference. Pimped-up pastels are where it’s at.
Salmon twill flat front slim fit chino
Stride into summer with a pair of salmon chinos — the slim-cut, straight style suits everyone. Just play them down with a navy sweatshirt and blue-tone sneakers.
Beige lace-up shoes
Opt for suede and butter-soft leather footnotes to get into the summer spirit. Go sockless in loafers or wear patterned socks with brogues for a dapper, dressed-up style.
