Pastel Color Combinations and the Accessories to Pair
- Words by
- Julio Arco
- Published
- Reading
- 4 min
The pastel pairings that work most reliably are colors of similar softness: blush with mint, lavender with sky blue, butter yellow with peach. Keep the lightness level close, then let one neutral or metallic accessory tie the look together.
Below you'll find which pastels sit well together, how to finish each combination with jewelry, bags and shoes, and how to keep a soft palette from looking flat.
What pastel colors go well together?
Pastels are tints: the CAES Field Report on color theory explains that adding white to a color makes it lighter, and that is called a tint. Because every pastel has white in it, they share a similar softness, which is why so many of them get along.
The same source notes that value is the lightness or darkness of a color. When two pastels have a close value, neither one shouts over the other. That is the simplest rule for any two pastel color combination: match the lightness, vary the hue.
Pastel pink and mint green
Pink and green sit opposite each other on the color wheel, so they contrast without clashing at this soft level. A blush top with mint trousers, or a mint dress with a blush bag, reads fresh. Gold warms both; I'd avoid heavy black accessories here, since they pull attention away from the colors.
Pastel blue and lavender
These are neighbors, so the pairing feels calm. Green and blue are cool colors, and the same CAES source says they usually evoke relaxed and calm feelings. Silver jewelry suits this pair well, and a white or pale gray bag keeps it airy.
Other pairings to try
- Butter yellow with powder blue
- Peach with lilac
- Pale pink with sky blue
- Mint with lemon
- Lavender with cream
How do you build a pastel color combination outfit?
Start with two pastels and one neutral. A lavender top, mint skirt and cream shoes is a complete outfit, and the neutral gives your eye somewhere to rest.
Through the lens of evidence-based design, I'd think about surface as much as hue. A matte cotton and a glossy satin in the same pink do not read as the same color, because the surface changes how light reaches your eye. Mixing a soft knit with a smooth fabric adds depth without adding another color.
If you prefer one color head to toe, see comfy pastel hues styling tips for tonal looks that stay easy to wear.
Which accessories suit pastel outfits?
Metallics
Gold warms peach, yellow and mint. Silver cools lavender and sky blue. Rose gold sits well with blush and lilac. Keep one metal per outfit and the look stays clean.
Neutrals
Beige, cream and nude shoes and bags let the outfit color carry the look. A mint dress with beige sandals and a cream handbag is a dependable formula for daytime events.
Pastel on pastel
A blush dress with a powder blue clutch works when the shades differ slightly in hue or texture. Matching them exactly can look flat, so vary the material: suede against smooth leather, for example.
One bold accent
A coral bag with a pale yellow dress, or emerald earrings with blush, adds energy. Limit it to one piece. Two or three bold items start to compete with the pastels.
How do you match accessories to your style?
Romantic
Try a pale pink midi dress with pearl drop earrings, a blush clutch and nude heels. Delicate pieces suit the softness of the color.
Casual
A pastel romper or a mint tank with denim shorts pairs well with white sneakers, a straw crossbody and a bucket hat. Beaded bracelets add playfulness.
Minimal
A lavender suit with thin silver earrings, a white clutch and simple mules feels sharp. Keep jewelry small and let the color do the work.
Bold
A sky blue skirt with a red handbag and large gold hoops makes a high-contrast look. If that appeals, styling accessories with high-contrast outfits goes deeper, and Barbiecore pastel hues outfits covers the pinker end.
Pastel combinations for dresses
A single-color pastel dress is the easiest canvas. Pick the accessory color from the cool or warm side of the dress: cool pastels (blue, mint, lavender) take silver and white, warm ones (peach, butter yellow, blush) take gold and tan.
For a two-pastel dress, such as a floral print, pull one accessory color from the smaller shade in the print. A pale blue bag with a pink and blue dress ties the two together.
Tips to keep pastels from looking washed out
- Coordinate rather than match. A tone near the outfit color looks more deliberate than an exact copy.
- Add texture: woven bags, metallic finishes and ribbed knits give soft colors some depth.
- Go lighter in summer with straw and open shoes. In spring, scarves and neutral loafers work well.
- For fall or winter, pair pastels with darker pieces such as a chocolate brown bag or black boots.
- Layer delicate necklaces or stack thin rings instead of wearing one heavy piece.
For outerwear in these shades, see bright outerwear in pastel tones, and for a gentler, more romantic take, soft girl pastel hues styling tips.
Frequently asked questions
What are two pastel colors that would look good together?
Pastel pink and mint green, or pastel blue and lavender, are dependable pairs. Choose shades of similar lightness so neither dominates.
Which pastel color is best?
It depends on your wardrobe and how the shade looks next to your skin. Try a few in natural light near your face and keep the one that looks clear rather than washed out.
Can I wear bold jewelry with pastel outfits?
Yes, when the outfit is simple. A solid pastel dress with chunky gold earrings or one statement necklace works well.
Can I wear pastels in fall or winter?
Yes. Pair them with deeper accessories such as a brown bag or black boots, and add heavier textures like wool or suede.
Filed under Accessory Trends
