When updating your wardrobe with brighter hues, pastels are a must-have. A closer examination of men’s fashion trends reveals that pastels have become a staple in recent seasons. Whether it’s Milan Fashion Week, London Fashion Week, or a Spring or Fall collection, pastels consistently make an appearance.
How to Wear Pastel Color Outfits
When it comes to incorporating pastel hues into your wardrobe, understanding your skin tone plays a crucial role. If you have a warm undertone, characterized by olive or yellow tones, hard pastels like peach, lemon, or dull red are ideal for creating a stylish look. On the other hand, those with cool undertones featuring pinkish or peach undertones will benefit from softer, more muted pastel shades such as green or purple.
For individuals with darker skin tones, pastel clothing can be a fantastic way to add a pop of color and make a statement. When it comes to layering pastels, the key is finding combinations that work harmoniously together. A slim-fit lilac blazer paired with a white or grey tee underneath can create a chic look, while a lemon top with an oversized baby pink coat is likely to fall flat.
To avoid looking like you’re wearing multiple scoops of gelato, opt for earthy-toned pants or simple monochromes to ground your outfit and balance out the pastel accents. In the office setting, a pastel blazer can be a great way to add some visual interest to your attire, especially when paired with a crisp white shirt and black oxfords. Meanwhile, fashion-forward individuals often opt for pastel dress shirts as a statement piece at work.
Ultimately, incorporating pastels into your professional wardrobe can be a great way to stand out without sacrificing style or professionalism.
↓ 23 – Pastel Styling for Beginners
For those new to incorporating pastel hues into their wardrobe, it’s essential to start with a solid foundation by pairing these soft colors with neutral shades such as black, charcoal, or navy. This will not only create a visually appealing contrast but also allow the pastel tones to truly shine. When it comes to accessories like hats, ties, and socks, it’s crucial to exercise caution and opt for pieces that complement the pastel color of your shirt.
For inspiration, take a look at our article 15 Ways to Wear White Button-Down Shirts for Men.
↓ 22 – Double Pastel Look is Complex
When incorporating pastel hues, it’s crucial to consider their layering potential. Combining multiple pastels may not always yield the desired result, as this can lead to a cacophony of colors. For individuals with cooler undertones, experimenting with different frequencies of amethyst and beach blue can create a stunning visual effect. To balance these bold combinations, it’s essential to incorporate neutral elements, such as shoes or a jacket, to tone down the overall look.
One exemplary way to pull off this style is by embracing the refreshing charm of mint-green attire during holiday seasons. This palette particularly flatters cool skin tones and can be effortlessly paired with crisp white athletic joggers and a pastel-colored tee. The resulting ensemble exudes a playful, festive aura that’s perfect for special occasions.
↓ 21 – Suits for Work
When incorporating pastel suits into your work attire, it’s crucial to strike a balance between style and professionalism. For more formal industries, consider adding a touch of pastel to your inner shirt or tie to inject some personality without straying too far from traditional neutrals. In contrast, creatives in the art and design field can push the boundaries by incorporating pastel-hued blazers or pants into their everyday look.
If you’re looking for inspiration, check out our curated list of 30+ men’s suits combinations that exude a sharp, stylish vibe.
↓ 20 – Shoes with Pastel Ensemble
When it comes to pairing shoes with a pastel outfit, attention to detail is crucial. While oxfords in neutral shades like charcoal and black can easily complement most pastel hues, it’s essential to consider the color of your pants as well. A safe bet is to match your shoes to the tone of your trousers.
However, if you’re feeling bold, you can also opt for a bolder shoe choice that either complements or contrasts with the brighter tones in your outfit, but be prepared for a look that’s not without its risks.
↓ 19 – What to Wear with Pastel Colored Pants
When exploring pastel tones, individuals with Indian or African descent often opt for hues like lavender, bronze, and brown sugar, alongside various maroon and navy shades. While earthy tones and peachy pink may not be the most conventional choices for dark skin tones, it’s essential to remember that personal style ultimately takes precedence over rigid guidelines.
Those who feel confident in their ability to pull off an unconventional color palette are encouraged to take a risk and try something new. For inspiration, check out our 30 Casual Outfits Ideas For Black Men.
↓ 18 – With Saturated Tones
While pastel shades often pair beautifully with themselves, thanks to their saturated tones, there’s nothing stopping you from experimenting with contrasting colours instead. Think of it like combining a sky blue blazer with ink blue pants – a harmonious match made in heaven. Alternatively, you could opt for a bold move and pair a faded pink shirt with bronze jeans for a striking look that’s sure to turn heads.
To complete the outfit, try pairing either option with neutral loafers in a metallic finish, adding a touch of understated sophistication to your overall ensemble.
↓ 17 – Amp Up Your Streetstyle with Hard Pastels
When it comes to pairing hard pastels with other hues, subtlety is key. Consider combining them with softer pastel shades or neutral tones like beige or white. This will help temper the intensity of the bold color. Alternatively, pair a hard pastel suit with a plain white or light-colored dress shirt to create a stylish contrast. To further dial down the vibrancy of the colors, opt for accessories in matching shades to create a cohesive look.
↓ 16 – Create a Vintage Look with a Pastel Pallete
Evoke a timeless charm by combining a soft, chalky blazer with crisp whites: pair it with a classic white button-down shirt and clean-cut white cotton slacks. To complete the retro aesthetic, top off your ensemble with a vintage-inspired hairstyle and add a touch of nostalgia with matching shoes.
↓ 15 – Shorts for Beach
When it comes to dressing for the beach, men’s fashion often takes a cue from the vibrant colors and laid-back vibe of the seaside. One stylish combination is pairing soft-hued cargo shorts or pants in shades like aqua green, asparagus, or mist with bold neon-colored tops and shoes. For instance, you could opt for a simple tee topped with a button-down shirt in a chalky tone. Alternatively, why not try pairing a semi-formal striped pastel pink dress shirt with aqua-colored swim trunks?
Finish the look off with some sleek Gucci loafers in jet black for a stylish touch. With these beach-inspired outfits, you’ll be sure to make a splash.
↓ 14 – For Pale Skin Tone
For those with a lighter complexion, earthy tones and cherry blossom shades are perfect for making a statement. The combination of bold pink hues and calming beach blues can create a stunning visual effect when paired with crisp white or beige bottoms. This contrast adds an extra layer of sophistication to the overall look.
↓ 13 – Jackets
↓ 12 – Party Attire
↓ 11 – Fall Outfit
To craft a flawless fall ensemble, start by selecting a pastel-hued top – think hoodie, jacket, sweatshirt, or sweater – with soft, chalky tones that evoke the season’s subtle beauty. Pair this essential piece with straight-cut trousers in a bold, sassy hue to make a stylish statement. Alternatively, opt for monochromatic grey or charcoal denim pants that subtly nod to the weather’s changing hues.
Meanwhile, consider the following 15 colors to incorporate into your fall wardrobe for men: [list of 15 colors]
↓ 10 – Printed Shirts
When the weather warms up in spring, a printed pastel shirt or patterned pastel blazer can make for a stylish addition to your wardrobe. To truly rock these trendy pieces, you need to have an eye for prints that are on point. Pair them with black or skin-toned pants and keep the look grounded with plain white sneakers. For added visual interest, consider keeping accessories minimal – too many additions can make the overall look feel overwhelming.
↓ 9 – Athleisure Look
Pastel hues have become a staple in modern men’s athleisure fashion, particularly in the realm of graphic sweatshirts. The soft, calming tones of mint and rose create a visually striking contrast when paired with crisp white sneakers. Whether you’re hitting the gym or running errands, incorporating these subtle shades into your wardrobe can add a touch of sophistication to your overall look.
↓ 8 – Semi-Formal
↓ 7 – Casual Ensemble
Elevate your style game by pairing high-end fashion-inspired sweatshirts in soft pastel hues with casual cargo pants and sneakers for a laid-back look. Alternatively, opt for breathable pastel tees that will keep you cool on scorching summer days while still making a statement. When it comes to styling cargo pants, there are endless possibilities – here’s a rundown of 17 Ways to Wear Cargo Pants.
↓ 6 – Denims
↓ 5 – For Big Guys
When it comes to dressing well, size is not everything. In fact, bigger guys can look super stylish by pairing bold pastel blazers with darker, color-neutral pants that provide equilibrium to the outfit. Pastels have a tendency to add volume, so it’s essential to balance them out with black or charcoal bottoms. For big men, hard pastels like pale blue, mint green, and soft pink are particularly flattering.
If you’re looking for inspiration, check out these 20 road trip fashion essentials that will help you pack smart.
↓ 4 – Goth Look
↓ 3 – Men’s Dress Shirts
Men’s semi-formal wedding attire can be elevated by incorporating subtle yet striking chalk-inspired colors. This can be achieved through various means, such as pairing a pale pink or yellow dress shirt with a sleek black blazer and trousers, or opting for a chalky-colored suit with a crisp white or beige inner shirt. This versatile style allows grooms and wedding guests alike to add a touch of whimsy to their formal wear while still exuding sophistication.
↓ 2 – Floral Shirt
Pairing floral pastel shirts with dark, bold-colored pants creates a striking combination that’s perfect for a vibrant and lively atmosphere. The contrast between the delicate florals and the edgy pants adds a touch of sophistication and playfulness. While it may take some confidence to pull off this look, those who can make it work will undoubtedly turn heads in public. For instance, here are 25 ways to wear floral shirts for guys that showcase their unique style and flair.
↓ 1 – With Skinny Pants
