Should a grown woman ever wear pink? Er, yes! Granted, certain pink items can be tricky to feel comfortable in when you reach your 30s. The hue usually associated with Barbie can still seem problematic, but there are 101 ways you can wear pink. It’s actually less about what style or shade the item is and about the way you style it.
The sugar-sweet trend is huge for S/S 17, and it's one we’re fully on board with. In fact, after a bleak winter, we’re looking forward to stepping away from black and embracing colour in its most fun form. So whether you opt for head-to-toe pink (it’s not as OTT as it sounds, we promise) or just touch on the trend with well-chosen candy-coloured accessories, here’s our guide on how to wear pink when you're a grown-up.
Keep reading to see our tips, and shop some of our favourite pink pieces…
Step #1: Pink Accessories
On Lou: Balenciaga jacket; Stella McCartney Stretch Cady Top (£365) and Tamara Pants (£400); Prada Zig Zag Leather Shoulder Bag (£1450).
The easiest way to buy into the trend is by accessorising. You can add a jolt of the cheery hue to your outfit with almost any add-on under the sun: A scarf, pair of shoes or a bag (Prada and J.W.Anderson being our favourites within the designer realm this season) are particularly good for giving an old outfit an instant S/S 17 update. One is enough, but we won’t judge if you pile it on…
On Em: Gucci loafers.
On Em: Prada Ribbon Leather Shoulder Bag (£1980).
Step #2: Blush Pink
The soft, girly hue feels far more approachable than its punchier siblings, and it looks great in big or small doses. It’s more flattering on a range of skin tones and works best in super-pretty pieces, like a pleated blouse, a pair of heels or full-length swishy dress. We’re both obsessed with this particular shade.
On Em: See by Chloé dress; Saint Laurent shoes.
Related: These 4 Colour Combinations Will Make Any Outfit Look Instantly Cooler
Step #3: Bright Pink With Everyday Basics
If you want to opt for bolder hues in the pink spectrum, we’d recommend introducing a simple, unfussy piece into your wardrobe by mixing it with your everyday basics, denim, knits and tees. Like a fuchsia blazer with your favourite jeans, or layering a cerise slip dress over a black roll-neck. Simple, right?
On Em: Ellery Technopriest Dress (£430); & Other Stories Ribbed Turtleneck Sweater (£45); Saint Laurent shoes.
On Lou: Rachel Zoe Aero Blazer (£355); & Other Stories Wool Sweater (£39); Frame Le Mix Original Boyfriend Jeans (£440); Gianvito Rossi Suede Pumps (£530).
On Em: Topshop Boutique Leather Aviator Jacket (£325).
On Em: Topshop Females of the Future T-Shirt (£15); Tory Burch Cove Sequinned Skirt (£495).
Related: Everyone Looks Attractive in This Colour, and Science Can Prove It
Step #4: Head-to-Toe Pink
We’ve worked out two super-easy ways to do full-on pink pink and still feel completely casual. First up, pair a long-line girlish dress with a simple pair of sneakers (this will be golden all summer long). Secondly, try mixing different shades of pink together to break up the look and keep it feeling laid-back rather than formal. Clashing pinks always look the best when mixed amid a variety of fabrics and prints, so get creative!
On Em: & Other Stories dress; Common Projects Original Achilles Sneakers (£265).
On Lou: Joseph Open Back Cashmere Sweater (£275); Topshop Unique Evelyn Skirt (£155).
Next up, Lou & Em’s ingenious 30-something uniform.
Don’t forget to check out the girls’ latest fashion adventures on their website, A Style Album.