Color Stories: Pastels You’ll Love at Any Age

There’s a timeless charm in soft colors, and pastels have a way of feeling both polished and playful. Whether you gravitate toward pale pink, lavender, or the season’s favorite butter yellow, these hues can easily work at any age—it all comes down to the styling. Today, I’m sharing a breakdown of outfit ideas that show you exactly how to wear pastels at any age, using classic silhouettes, modern pairings, and a few standout accessories to bring it all together.

How to Wear Pastels at Any Age

💗 Pretty in Pink

A pale pink linen dress is endlessly versatile, and adding a soft cashmere sweater around the shoulders gives it an elevated, polished twist. Silver sandals and a quilted bag bring in texture, while pearl jewelry makes this outfit feel effortlessly refined.

💜 Lavender Suiting

Recreate a Similar Look

Lavender feels unexpected yet sophisticated when worn as a suiting moment. Whether you’re heading to brunch or a casual meeting, pairing tailored separates with soft wedges and gold accessories strikes just the right balance of structure and ease. How to wear pastels at any age? Start with tailoring.

💙 Dusky Blue Tones

Recreate the Look Above

Though it’s not pastel, you can recreate the lavender look above in dusky blue. Matching linen pieces give you that monochromatic look that feels modern and pulled-together. Wedges and gold jewelry finish this look with subtle glam.

💖 Dressed Up in Pink

Kelly: Embroidered Mimi Mini Dress | Similar Straw Clutch | Black Ankle Strap Heels

Sometimes a dress says it all—especially in a standout shade of pink. My embroidered look is elegant with a touch of glam, while Kelly’s mini version is playful but still polished thanks to sleek black heels and a structured clutch.

💚 Mint Magic

Wide Leg Linen Pants | Linen Sweater | Jewel Slide Sandal | Oversized Sunglasses

Mint is a refreshing pastel that flatters just about everyone. Pairing it with ivory or white creates an easygoing palette that feels light, crisp, and ideal for warmer days, but don’t be afraid to go monochromatic with mint-on-mint! Add bold sunnies or a straw tote for a resort-ready finish.

How to Wear Pastels at Any Age

Style Tip: When wearing pastels, balance softness with structure. Pair flowy fabrics or pale colors with tailored pieces—like a crisp blazer or structured handbag—to avoid looking too sweet or washed out. This contrast keeps your pastel looks feeling modern and grown-up.

💙 Chambray Style

Polo Ralph Lauren Chambray Blouse | Slim Straight White Denim | Veronica Beard Via Leather Flat Slide Sandals | Similar Belt | Diamond Straw Tote

Chambray is a pastel that behaves like a neutral. It brings softness without feeling overly sweet, especially when paired with white denim and leather accessories. This is one of my favorite weekday looks—effortless, polished, and ready for anything.

💛 Butter Yellow – The Pastel of the Moment

If there’s one pastel having a moment right now, it’s butter yellow. Soft, sunny, and surprisingly easy to wear, it pairs beautifully with ivory, denim, and natural textures. Whether it’s in the form of a blouse, a flowy skirt, or even accessories, this is the pastel to try if you want to freshen up your spring wardrobe.

Top Row LtoR: Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater | Gap Linen Oversized Shirt | Ann Taylor Linen-Blend Long Vest | Gap Factory Oversized Poplin Shirt

Middle Row LtoR: Superwide Status Pant in City Twill | Maeve Colette Cropped Wide Leg Pant

Sea NY Butter | Emmet Poplin Midi Bubble Dress | J.Crew Elena Mini Shirtdress

Bottom Row: Madewell Mary Jane Flat | Lily Pulitzer Slice of Sunshine Earrings | Chico’s Lemon Drop Earrings | The Brigitte Satchel

💙 Casual Blues

Cashmere Blue Crochet Top | Varley Highwaist Blue Shorts | Slip On Sneakers

This pastel-on-pastel pairing proves that casual doesn’t have to mean boring. The crochet detail adds texture and charm, while the sneakers keep things comfy and fresh. It’s the kind of look you’ll want to wear on repeat.