Column: How to dress like an Easter egg

This title might look like a joke, and this time last year, it would have been a joke.

But it’s not.

Unless you’re fashion illiterate, you’re well aware of the biggest “trend” for spring: pastels.
I, for one, am a huge proponent of pastels.

Give me a pair of tangerine skinny jeans, a baby-pink sweater and lemon-yellow sandals, and I’m a happy camper.

(True story: I own all of those things.)

Pastel colors are traditionally associated with babies, Easter and/or the 1950s, a time where soft-pink poodle skirts and icy-blue cardigans reigned
supreme.

I often reference the 1950s as one of my favorite fashion decades, perhaps because I’m a sucker for those full silhouettes and retro charm.

So when I look at today’s pastels, I don’t see anything childish or youthful about them. Instead, I’m blissfully reminded of 1950s sock hops and ultra-feminine shapes.

Not to mention those prim little cardigans — you might not like them, but I find cardigans impossible to hate.

But today’s take on pastels is refreshingly modern. It’s not as if we’re going to wear poodle skirts and granny cardigans every day.

As much as I might want to.

Instead, pastels are being applied to trendy silhouettes, such as skinny jeans, tailored blazers, silk blouses, chunky wedges and oversized clutches.

On simple, uncomplicated shapes, pale colors look chic rather than sugary.

I love the idea of spicing up a neutral outfit with a pair of mint-green loafers or a blush-pink tote — it strikes the perfect balance between trendy and timeless.

But this is a trend focused entirely on color, so what’s the point in playing it safe?

In their spring 2012 runway shows, Giambattista Valli and Louis Vuitton expertly mixed multiple pastel hues.

Models floated down the runway in color-blocked pastel shift dresses with playful details, such as oversized eyelets and dainty sequins.

Combining periwinkle, peach and aqua suddenly seems progressive and fashion-forward.
On these colorful ensembles, accessories were chic and neutral.

There was the occasional colored shoe, such as the mint-and-metallic Mary Janes at Louis Vuitton, but most designers favored simple T-strap sandals or pumps to create quiet contrast with the girly pastel hues.

Try the look yourself by putting together your simple pastel basics.

Wearing pink skinny jeans with a mint-green pullover or yellow flats with a baby-blue sundress isn’t just chic and retro; it’s ridiculously easy.

Skip the heavy jewelry, throw on your cardigan (just kidding) and you’re out the door.

­— emfarra@indiana.edu