Pastel Punch

Pastels make an appearance every spring, usually showing up in the girliest of ways. But this year is a little different. Lilac, sugar pink, mint and buttercup are back, but they’ve developed a definite edge. They’ve left behind their usual territory, florals, and instead started to crop up on statement leather pieces. Sporty details on gym shorts and sweatshirts give even the girliest colours a new-found coolness, and stop it all from looking too cute. These are my favourite pieces for spring: some are affordable, some definitely aren’t, but they all make summer feel a little closer.

1. Faux leather jacket, Zara

Spring/Summer 2014 has only just started, but Zara’s duck egg faux leather jacket is already a high street hit. The biker shape, the quilted details at the shoulder and wrist, the unexpected colour…this is the spring jacket to really fall for.

2. Sunglasses, TOMS Beachmaster

The ultimate feel-good sunnies, these come in a pretty pink shade and their purchase will help TOMS support eye doctors all over the world, as they offer care to those who can’t afford it.

3. Earrings, Mode Musthaves

With a cluster of gems in sugar-sweet pink and silver, these earrings are a more elegant take on pastels. But their size stops them from looking too demure or girly, and means you can pair them with graphic windowpane checks or athletic-inspired pieces.

4. Watch, New Look

This lilac watch is an easy way to dip your toe into the trend. The colour will pop against Spring/Summer’s minimalist white pieces, and it has a definite sport luxe feel.

5. Gingham crop sweat, Jaded London

Available from Topshop, this crop top takes two potentially saccharing trends (gingham and pastels) and somehow makes them feel cool again. Wear it with a white skort or a pair of wide-legged culottes for new-season style.

6.  Zip top clutch, Fossil

A soft spearmint colour, combined with minimalist details and textured leather makes this Fossil clutch a Spring/Summer staple.

7. Wool sweater, Sister by Sibling

Until the warm weather properly arrives, this lightweight sweater will brighten greyish days. Christopher Kane showed similar pieces in his Spring/Summer 2014 show, emblazoning ‘Petal’ in lace letters across a mint-toned sweatshirt.

8. Leather drawstring shorts, Givenchy

These pale pink leather shorts just made it onto my mental wishlist for spring. If you can justify the price tag, wear them with simple monochrome pieces and a pair of slip-on trainers.

9. Assorted nail polishes, Topshop

Topshop are all over the pastels trend, right down to the details. Try working them together in a nail art design – I like these Easter stripes but some overblown florals (think Christopher Kane again) would work too.

10. Shoulder bag, Valentino

Another one for the wishlist, Valentino is continuing its ‘Rockstud’ theme with this chain shoulder bag. Oversized studs run across the top, adding a grunge edge to baby pink leather.

11. Lace-ups, Vans

Doubling up on the pastels, these classic lace ups will look great with a pair of torn-up boyfriend jeans.