Every season has its colors. For example, pastels are typically associated with spring. While jewel tones and pumpkin spice shades are frequently linked to fall. It’s nice to mark the changing seasons by embracing a new color palette. But it’s even more fun to shake things up once in a while.
Wearing pastels in fall is not only unexpected, it’s a great way to embrace trans-seasonal dressing. Designers get that we don’t want to be limited to one color theme per season. Which is why they’re offering autumnal pieces in macaron-inspired colors along with traditional shades. Just make sure to choose heavier fabrics so the pastel colors look intentional and can be worn well into the winter months. After all, the mix of summer’s sugary sweet shades with autumn’s rich hues and textures adds an interesting twist to any look.
The key is to not end up with a disjointed ensemble. Or give off the impression you’re dressing for the wrong season. (We may want it to still be summer, but we shouldn’t be dressing like it is.)
Unsure how to strike the right balance? Read on for some fall-appropriate pastel looks worn by some of our favorite street style stars.
Images: Imaxtree
How to Easily Pull off Pastels in the Fall
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Tee Time
Make a pastel T-shirt plus a weighty below-the-knee skirt your early autumn uniform. Choose a skirt in a heavier fabric, like leather, and definitely include a bag in a rich fall color.
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Bring Out the Boots
One of the easiest ways to take a breezy pastel dress from the warmer weather into fall is to add boots. It gives you the opportunity to show off the latest addition to your shoe collection. Furthermore, taller boots will completely alter the vibe of a shorter hem.
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Baby Blues
Bring a gossamer pale blue skirt or dress into the cooler months by layering it with a coordinating knit. Chunky sneakers, a beret and a no-hands micro bag are all on-trend accessories that finish the outfit off nicely. Wear one, wear two or wear them all.
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Color Clash
A candy-colored blouse makes this outfit much more interesting and plays off the vivid suit. It’s an unexpected accent — just like the geometric bag. Swap the lace-up sandals for knee-high boots once it gets chilly.
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Dreamy Tones
Start transitioning your wardrobe now with midi lengths in different pastel shades. Lilac and the palest yellow are chic options, especially when they're in the form of a pleated skirt and belted blouse. There's no need to put away your macramé bags and tiny sunglasses yet. They add interest to the ensemble.
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Light Layers
Combine dusty rose trousers, a pale pink jacket, a neutral shirt and a patterned scarf to create a dreamy fall version of your favorite summer outfit. Try experimenting with the look by working in varying muted pastels.
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Yellow There
Pastels look beautiful when they're mixed and even more so with contrasting shades. When paired with deeper tones, a pastel suit can transcend seasons.
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All Dressed Up
This is proof that a white button-down lends itself to any season. It extends the life of a pastel pink skirt and barely-there sandals. Remember this ensemble for date night.
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Hooked on Hoodies
Expand your hoodie collection with a pastel option. The baby blue hoodie adds a cool weather element to the playful orange blazer and longline shorts. Coordinate chunkier sweaters and hoodies with summery shoes to extend wear time.
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Soft Meets Tough
If you haven't yet joined the boilersuit brigade, it's a versatile piece that can see you through the seasons — pastel options included. Make a millennial pink boilersuit work after Labor Day with bold, contrasting accessories.
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Suit Up
Pantsuit nation is still going strong, especially with candy-colored suits. The longer silhouette and structured fabric of a pantsuit already make it feel appropriate for fall. A dark printed blouse gives the style a fresh twist and makes the trans-seasonal direction more obvious. Don't feel the rest of the outfit has to be subdued. Multicolored shoes and a bag still work.
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Sweet Shades and Stripes
Much like pastels, the key to pulling off a crop top in the fall is to incorporate pieces that are more traditional for the season. A track jacket in a deep color makes it clear you're dressing for fall. Plus, the athleisure topper contrasts the sweet nature of the other pieces. Finish with white boots for a fresh fashion girl look that works for all seasons.
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Soft-Hued Topper
Black and tan don't have to be your default coat colors for fall. Try a lighter shade to keep the optimism of warm weather alive. If it has a print, even better. Pair with a classic pastel striped blouse, cropped jeans and dark floral boots. All the pieces work year round.
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Feeling Blue
Never underestimate what footwear does to make a look autumn-appropriate. Leave the sandals behind and tuck the hems of a blue pantsuit into your boots. For a coordinated, leg-lengthening effect, choose boots in a shade similar to your pants.
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Sporty in Pink
We've seen athleisure and glamleisure. Could girlyleisure be the next frontier? If outfits like this are anything to go by, yes. The long, streamlined separates provide more versatility, allowing the pink pieces to go from August to September and beyond. Note the brown sneakers. They have a distinct autumnal feel and aren't too matchy-matchy.
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Mellow Yellow
This coat may not be Gen Z yellow, but the pale yellow topper has plenty of appeal. The furry collar and tweed fabric are in keeping with the season. When paired with a white bag, longline beige sweater, pastel blue skirt and black footwear, it serves up some major style points.
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Gradual Change
When the weather is in our favor, transitioning from summer to fall is a gradual process. As the mercury slowly drops, transition a pastel pink maxi dress by teaming it with a coordinating jacket and contrasting accessories in a rich hue. This red and pink combination is a firm favorite.
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The Right Weight
Silhouettes and fabrics are important considerations when transitioning pastels into fall. Try a mint sweater with a neutral midi skirt and fuzzy slides for an It girl-approved take on trans-seasonal dressing.
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Cute Coat
When in doubt, stick with pastel coats. White sneakers and a coordinating bag will enhance the sugary hue. Or embrace the new season with brown ankle boots and dark tights.
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Wear Everywhere
Make a rose pink lace maxi dress work for any season and any time of day by layering it with a white T-shirt and sock boots. In the daytime, don't forget a pair of dark sunnies.
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Study in Contrasts
Now is the time to break all the rules. Contrast lavender trousers with an electric pink jacket for an unexpected look. Add in a patterned top, glittery shoes and sunglasses. Be bold, be extra and own the look.
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Muted Moment
The palest lilac sweater teamed with a black and white knee-length skirt and white V-cut booties is a delightful outfit for almost any time of year, barring extreme temperatures. Remember it when the forecast seems particularly confusing.
