Sweet as Candy: How to Pull Off This Season's Pastel Shades

I don’t know about you, but the minute I heard that pastel shades were in, I cringed inside. Pastel tones are not easy to wear: if you’re pale, they can wash you out; they’re tricky to wear with black, because the colour contrast is too stark; if you wear too many at once you’re in danger of looking like the contents of your granny’s summer wardrobe. Who knew a colour tone could cause so many issues?

The trick is, as with many trends that ambush you before you’ve got time to say ‘Vogue’, is to integrate small amounts into your style. If you’re not keen on the look in general, there’s no point in splashing out on re-stocking your wardrobe. You may never wear them again come next month. So make a few, small changes, impress the fashionistas, and stay looking amazing.

Have you noticed all the gorgeous purple eye shadows in this month's magazines, and on the shelves of your make up store? If you have green or brown eyes, you’re in for a treat. You may never have thought that you’d suit purple eye shadow, but trust us: it’ll look great, and you'll be bang on trend. You can keep your regular clothing – totally black, if you like, because that’ll make the eyes stand out all the more. Brush on some lovely lavender either above the eye, or make like Rihanna and line the bottom of the eye with a purple crayon. Voila! Pastel perfection.

Alternatively, you could banish the pastel shades to the feet. Some great minty-green or peach-coloured high-top pumps can round off any outfit, and there are loads of nice ones to be had at the moment (try classic Converse, or H&M for affordability). Worn with cropped trousers or shorts, high-tops look very trendy and avoid the Sandra Dee look. Who knew pastels could be edgy?

Finally, step into Uniqlo and take a look at their amazing range of skinny-fit jeans, in every pastel shade imaginable. They seriously look good enough to eat – the main issue here is deciding which colour to choose. From the palest of pinks to lilac, to pale green and light grey, their ice cream shades are irresistible, and very reasonably priced. All you need to do is accessorise with a Mr Whippy!

I think I’ve managed to talk myself into loving pastel shades. My granny will be proud.