Colour play

Pastel hues are everywhere for spring. Here's how to wear them in a fresh, modern manner, writes DEIRDRE MCQUILLAN

I WANTED TO get away from girly pastels and show how these shades can be worn by grown up women,” says Marie Kelly, who styled this shoot, a subtle take on the current vogue for sorbets and ice-cream colours.

Revamped pastels are all over the catwalks this season, from Louis Vuitton’s icy blue and mint green lace summer separates to Prada’s frothy frocks shaded in blue, yellow and pink, and the combination of lavender, grey and ivory silk used beautifully in Philip Lim’s slouchy layered separates. Elsewhere, Jonathan Saunders’ prints and pale ombré, or graduated shaded, dresses in apricot and rose, show once again what a master colourist the Scottish designer is. It all heralds a brighter fashion summer, and high-street chains have been busy with their crayons as these clothes illustrate.

Sugary almond shades take on a different look when used in sporty or masculine shapes. A key to how to wear them the modern way is using soft colour in familiar forms, like a green tweed blazer, or a new-look parka in coral.

Lavender and lilac may have been traditionally associated with old lace and grannies, but today that age group dresses more like the generation that has now appropriated those hues for themselves.

Pastels tend to look good together, but with the exception of grey and neutral tones, can be hard to match with black, are difficult to integrate into a dark wardrobe. They suit flesh-coloured stockings and metallic accessories. A scarf, like the one used here in mint and leopard print, can unite separates skilfully.

Still, the new hues are a challenge to wear for power dressers brave enough to take them on. Another option is to seek security in safe blue havens such as aqua and ice. Here, blue rather than khaki gives a whole new twist to a shirtwaister dress, tied with a print cardigan and worn with a hard-edged pink satchel and a look to match.