Let's talk pastel tones

Pastel tones have seen a resurgence in our wardrobes during the last few years. They bring softness and femininity and are a great way to subtly add colour to your wardrobe if you are more of a minimalist girl.

Because they are subdued, you can seamlessly replace your favourite neutral tones with touches of pastel. Very delicate, they will also bring extra sweetness to your outfits.

Pastel tones swooped into people’s lives after World War II and brought a new feeling of hope, freshness and new found serenity just as the first sun rays of spring feel after a cold and grey winter.

During the 30s/40s, there was a shortage of colour dye for anything that wasn’t part of the war effort, which resulted in predominant earthy tones.

Bright, bubble gum, romantic pastels were therefore welcomed with enthusiasm into people’s lives in all forms after the war. From kitchen furniture and wall paints to pretty day dresses and accessories, they were all the rage!

Not only did they look great indoors but were also great for outdoors! And aren’t pastels just the best colour to wear for a spring/summer picnic? 1950s people certainly thought so! Fresh, down to earth, and pretty, they’ll make you bloom like a flower in the countryside.

Picnics are a very traditional and simple event where you get to reconnect, enjoy some sunshine, fresh air, and time with your family and friends, and of course good food. Therefore, a pastel palette, with it’s retro and gracefully modest look, is perfect for the occasion.

Above, you may take inspiration from some idyllic 50s summer outings in which the peaceful, loving and fun atmosphere is at its peek in elegant clothing.

Pastel and Gingham are deeply correlated together in France’s fashion history. Who else than the French icon Brigitte Bardot could have been more influential to make them both so immensely popular?

Gingham powder pink dresses were very impactful in her life and career. From her debut as a model for ELLE magazine, to her bridal dress designed by Jacques Esterel for her wedding, Bardot incarnates a romantic and elegant woman.

She also wore a gingham pastel blue dress for her film “La Mariée est trop belle” in 1956, exuding a duality of sensuality and girliness.

Pale blue is actually one of my favourite pastel colours.

True symbol of warm summer days, it replicates the sky we stare at dreamingly when lying in the grass… And reflects the water we plunge into so eagerly…

Pale blue suits anyone and everyone, giving a subconscious sense of calm and serenity when one wears it. Furthermore, it looks beautiful with any pattern, such as classic thin/wide stripes, gingham or houndstooth.

Not only reserved for relaxing summer days by the sea; it is also a great colour for winter, matching the frosty and icy weather. In a wool fabric, it gives the very chic allure of a confident woman. Because it is not the typical winter colour, it will make you stand out in a subtle and sophisticated manner!

A great way to include pastels would be to layer them with your favourite neutral items. As shown in the photos above, adding a pastel polo-neck and matching jacket to a black dress completely changes the look, giving it a certain sweetness and freshness. Pair it with a beret and knee boots and you’re good to go with that “je ne sais quoi” that makes it so elegant!

Here, the vintage textured houndstooth in pastel blue and white, with it’s engraved buttons on lilac, really gives that retro Chanel look. Just click on the link and it’ll take you straight to it!

Featured with the houndstooth jacket, you’ll find this vintage skater dress with it’s beautiful Art Nouveau style embroideries.

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You’ll find above a selection of all the vintage pastel items available in my shop that will bring a breeze of freshness into your lives!

The link will take you to my shop’s homepage, if you have the Depop app, choose the colours “pink, blue and green” in the filter and you’ll get access to that selection (and more…).

Good news is, as a newsletter reader, you get an exclusive discount. Just send me a message (on Depop or Instagram) with the code TWV15 and I’ll apply 15% off for you!

Finally, if you were thinking of adding pastel as an accessory, here are 6 ways to style a head scarf which will add “pizazz” to your outfit!

Two more videos will be coming out on my social media soon about pastel in our society and how to add pastel accessories to your wardrobe, so stay tuned!

I hope these pastel tones started your Sunday off with softness and beauty. And as usual, feel free to respond to this email to chat about vintage culture or share your feedback.

Lots of love,

Jamila Xx