Nine ways to introduce pastels to your wardrobe this season

At minimum introduce a pop of pastel with a well-chosen accessory

Thu, 03 Apr, 2025 - 02:00

Annmarie O’Connor

Colour therapy: fashion woo-woo or feel-good philosophy? Discuss.

Here’s the thing. I’m typically clad in black until the mercury matures to its early twenties, even then my preferences lean towards neutrals. However, at ieStyle Live 2024, I wore a buttermilk yellow beaded gown from Cork’s vintage haunt, Miss Daisy Blue. Associated with happiness, optimism, and well-being, the soft hue made me feel like a summer’s day on a rather cold October evening.

Style Editor Annmarie O'Connor with the 'Dressed with Personality' winner Carol Brick of HerMoney on the catwalk. Picture: Larry Cummins

Here's why. Research suggests that when our eyes connect with a particular colour, the brain releases a cocktail of feel-good chemicals that can potentially impact our bodies and minds. Pale pink, soufflé-light lilac, sweet peach: if pastels are said to allude to new beginnings, why not emerge minty fresh from the doldrums of sartorial hibernation?

Where to start is the question, especially when finding the right colour. A simple tip is to put the garment next to your complexion in the mirror. If it washes you out rather than warms you up; then you’ve got your answer.

That’s not to say, baby blue is out of the question. Layer your favourite hue with a neutral like this season’s earthy brown or autumn’s promise of cherry red for a juicier vibe.

Alternatively, go a shade darker than usual – for example, swap pistachio for sage green - which gives a grounding warmth with high-contrast white and black or when worn head-to-toe. Sinead Keary’s satin suit separates are a great place to start. At minimum introduce a pop of pastel with a well-chosen accessory. Easy and breezy, that’s how we like it.

1. 'The Sarah' wrap blazer; 'The Sandra' satin trousers