Need to liven up your winter wardrobe? Reach for flavours of mint, pistachio or strawberry

The Age

14-06-2025

This story is part of the June 15 edition of Sunday Life. See all 15 stories.
While florals for spring generally elicit a withering response of 'groundbreaking' – said in our best Miranda Priestly tone – pastel colours in winter are surprisingly, well, surprising.
The spring/summer '25 European catwalks were awash with tones of pistachio (Chloe), fairy floss (Alaia), limoncello and grapefruit (Chanel), and ice-blue (Acne Studios).
Meanwhile, at last month's Australian Fashion Week, local designers were also championing the 'soft' end of the colour wheel: Bianca Spender showed the versatility of pale yellow in bomber jackets and sheer leggings layered under dresses, while at Carla Zampatti, mint mingled with the palest of turquoises in a masterclass in black-tie dressing that was anything but drab.
But before you think these scoops need saving for spring, pastels make a perfect pairing for some of this winter's warmest shades, including burgundy, which is instantly cooled down with a splash of peony pink, lemon or sky blue. Because pastels are inherently cool tones, they also tie back well with other warm shades such as chocolate, khaki and even some shades of red (think cherry, not brick). Though do try to avoid too much black with pastels - the contrast can be too jarring. That said, if you are a devotee of the monochromatic look and are keen for a pastel pop, make like Charlotte York-Goldenblatt and opt for a hair bow or headband from Versace or Valentino in an uber-femme shade of baby pink or blue.
And, if you're like fellow And Just Like That character Seema Patel, who's encouraged by a matchmaker to wear pastels to attract a male suitor, and you're experimenting with a softer palette, ditch the twin-sets and pearls and instead opt for a tailored long-line vest or wide-legged trouser; more angular silhouettes will offset any overt 'girlishness' in the colour of the fabric. Accessorising with metallic belts and oversized, chunky necklaces also adds a degree of toughness.
Finally, nails are also another low-cost, high-impact way to work pastels into your look. A gel manicure in a shade of lavender, peach or duck-egg blue -- or all three if you feel inclined -- will also make the skin on your hands appear more tanned, even if the closest you got to Capri this Euro-summer is imagining yourself there. Did someone say sorbetti?