Candy fashion
I want Candy
Go super-sweet with fashion’s addictive
trend for pastels.
Lisa Haynes reveals how to indulge.
One of this season’s biggest colour trends should carry a health warning for its sugar content.
With shades of lemon sherbet, parma violet, candyfloss pink and minty blues, the high street is resembling a retro sweet shop.
Catwalk designers have gorged on icy sorbet hues through to juicy confectionery shades, leaving fashion followers wanting more.
This saccharine palette is the ideal way to work ladylike chic with a fresh, feminine edge.
So satisfy your sweet tooth with this spring’s pastel style.
Sorbet block
There’s no need to be greedy with this season’s pastel selection. Wearing one flavoursome single hue is enough to create a bold impact.
These sugared almond shades can look cheap when mixed with harsh, dark colours like black, so stick to neutrals like vanilla, cream or Imperial Mint white.
If you just want a one-piece taster, try detailing like girly lace, organza or embellishment to add extra interest.
Up your sugar content by colour-blocking your outfit in the same shade top-to-toe so that every piece is in the same pastel - just make sure your chosen colour complements your skin tone.
Keep the rest of your outfit clean and simple to really pack a (tropical) punch.
Candy stripe
If you like the idea of mixing up your pastels with minimum effort, the candy cane look has got it licked...
Stripes in a mouth-watering selection of pale shades like lilac, raspberry, lemon and lime do all the pastel combining for you.
Stick to bolder stripes to make a dramatic impact, or smaller, random stripes like Blackpool rock for a more subtle approach.
If kaleidoscopic pastels are too sickly sweet, just stick to one pastel hue combined with a neutral colour. Beware - horizontal stripes can add the illusion of width, so hunt out a pastel-packed vertical stripe if you’re feeling cautious about a certain area.
Dolly mixtures
When just one pastel doesn’t hit the sweet tooth spot, opt for a multi-coloured confectionery approach.
The pastel trend offers effortless colour combinations to tantalise - try a peppermint tee with a peachy skirt, or a bubblegum pink jacket over a spearmint blue dress.
This is all about being creative and teaming pastels together in colour-blocked layers.
For a girly take, try combining similar tones like violet, lavender and rose.
If the thought of dolly mixing these sugary hues feels daunting, look for ombre, graduated washes of pastels that move from one pastel into another on a dress or top - it’s like elegant tie-dye for grown-ups.
Pick ‘n’ mix
If you get indecisive about your candy cravings, you can get a sugar rush from accessories.
This season’s bags and shoes are decked out like an ice cream parlour of irresistible sorbet shades. Opt for the restrained approach of just one pastel accessory teamed against a plain backdrop or overload on the calorie count with an all-over candy-coloured ensemble.
Pick up extra pastel points with a Neapolitan approach. Look for pieces that combine three different shades to give your outfit a delicious lift. Pastel jewellery may get lost against your skin unless you’re dark-skinned or sporting a summer tan, so stick to bolder pieces like sunglasses or scarves.
Confidence booster
If you’re looking for an ego boost, your underwear drawer can help, according to a new study. The University of Manchester has proven a clear link between a cleavage-enhancing bra and increased confidence - prompting the study lead, Professor Geoff Beattie, to call for a stop to “unnecessary boob jobs”. The research was commissioned by Gossard for the launch of the new Super Egoboost bra, £34 (sizes A-G). Gossard head designer Stacey Lindsay said: “We knew how stunning cleavage in a well-designed, well-made bra can boost confidence and give our customers the feel-good factor - but it’s terrific to actually have the scientific seal of approval!”
Recessionista alert
Summer sunshine dazzling you? Cast your eyes over TK Maxx’s designer sunglasses, with up to 60% off the RRP. Whether you want a colourful Marc Jacobs-style frame or this season’s Anna Sui-inspired cat eye shape, prices start from just £12.99 (RRP £70). Available at stores nationwide and selected styles available online at www.tkmaxx.com
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