Readers Digest
Magazine subscription Podcast
HomeLifestyleFashion & Beauty

Ways to wear: Pastels for men

Ways to wear: Pastels for men

As designers begin to close the gap between genders and experiment with societies expectations of dress, there's never been a better time to try something new. Creating a look of preppy springtime, pastels are the perfect way to step outside the usual hues of grey, blue and black that men often gravitate to. Here are our top tips for sporting your favourite candy hue…

Pick your pastel carefully

pastels
Images via Outfit Ideas HQ and Nick Wooster

The perfect starting point for those who aren’t used to colour, picking one pastel piece will keep your look strong.

Male style icons like Pharrell and David Gandy often opt for a bold trouser dressed down with neutral denim jackets and white t-shirts to allow their chosen colour to stand out.

Blues and purples look great with cooler skin tones, whereas yellows and pinks make a statement for those with dark features.

 

Patterned accessories only


Images via Jonathan Daniel Price and F*****g Young

Pastels can be ideal for a laid-back office dress code or a weekend look, avoid slogans or patterns to keep the look sophisticated.

A paisley handkerchief or a striped button-down will add a touch of interest without overcrowding your original fashion statement.

Invest in footwear, jackets and shirts in taupes, greys and khakis and you’ll find that you add to the overall look of softness without overcrowding your statement piece.

 

Relaxed fits


Image via Bungalow Gallery and The Modern Connoisseur

Loose relaxed fits will signal to the world that the look you're sporting is designed for the masculine figure, countering the traditionally feminine look of the colour.

For summer, a lightweight shirt in seersucker cotton or a polo shirt looks great tucked into baggy chinos. If you do opt for a tighter t-shirt or set of swim trunks, be sure to counter it with a looser fabric to keep the silhouette looking modern.

 

Summer separates


Images via Luxury Man and Zara

Beachwear can be a nice way to experience with softer tones without feeling too self-conscious—after all, what says summer like a nice cheerful colour?

A patterned swim short offers the opportunity to experiment with a louder design that you may wear in your normal wardrobe, or pair a soft chino pair of shorts with a cashmere knit and boat shoes for a transitional look.

 

All out formalwear

all out formalwear
Images via The Style City and Well Dressed Man

For those who are ready to embrace the trend wholeheartedly, you can’t go wrong with a great statement mens suit.

A refreshing take on wedding or formal attire, there is an abundance of styles on the high street but we would encourage paying a little extra for a truly special occasion—this checked Paul Smith suit (above left) would be perfect for a country wedding.

 

Our favourites from the high street:

high street favourites

 

Read more fashion tips from Jenessa Williams

Keep up with the top stories from Reader’s Digest by subscribing to our weekly newsletter.

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more fashion and beauty stories

Enjoyed this story? Share it!

 

This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you. Read our disclaimer

Loading up next...
Stories by email|Subscription
Readers Digest

Launched in 1922, Reader's Digest has built 100 years of trust with a loyal audience and has become the largest circulating magazine in the world

Readers Digest
Reader’s Digest is a member of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (which regulates the UK’s magazine and newspaper industry). We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice and are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism. If you think that we have not met those standards, please contact 0203 289 0940. If we are unable to resolve your complaint, or if you would like more information about IPSO or the Editors’ Code, contact IPSO on 0300 123 2220 or visit ipso.co.uk