Ways to wear: Pastels for men
1st Jan 2015 Fashion & Beauty

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
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
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:
Read more fashion tips from Jenessa Williams
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