How To Work The Pink Trend For SS14

It’s official: Pink is having a renaissance.

No, not the singer. We are of course referring to this season’s hottest hue. From pastel and subdued shades to bright neons and flamingo pink, it’s the shade on everyone’s (pink) lips.

Not only was it named Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2014 (the specific shade was ‘Radiant Orchid’, a pinky lilac), it’s also the 10th anniversary of Mean Girls – the film that coined the phrase, ‘On Wednesdays, We Wear Pink.’

So to look totally ‘fetch’ in pink without looking overly girly, follow our expert styling tips below.

The right pink for you
 
“Pink is a fantastic cross-seasonal colour, which has retained its popularity from AW2013 through to SS2014, where it will remain a staple in our wardrobes,” said Christine Fitzgerald – Head of Commercial at ShopStyle.co.uk.

“It’s a beautiful, feminine and summery colour that will look stunning if you get it right.”

To nail it, make sure you pick the right shade of pink for your skintone, with blondes suiting most pink shades but darker skintones particularly rocking bright neons.

“More often than not, blondes can do pink justice in all its hues, from magenta and fuchsia to candyfloss and blush rose, but be careful not to overdo it with the Barbie look - mix the pink with complimentary colours for a fresh feel,” Christine told us.

“Darker skin and hair colours look fantastic against neon shades. If you’re a red head, especially if you have fair skin, take extra care to avoid clashing. I’d recommend a very soft pastel pink.”

Shades of pink

Wearing any on-trend shade is something of a minefield because while one hue can brighten your complexion, another might completely drown you out.

We spoke to Fiona Wellins from Colour Me Beautiful about how to navigate pink into your SS14 wardrobe.

Hot pink – This shade evokes drama and glamour and is perfect for a summer occasion dress. It’s best suited to those with cool skin tones.

It’s a standout colour so doesn’t require much accessorizing, but if you like to be creative, clash it with a bold-coloured shoe or necklace.

Blush pink – This is a softer pink tone but still looks striking. It suits mid to light-brown and blonde hair – but not warm skin tones, who suit bright coral-toned pinks best.
 

Pastel pink –

Fashion is still having a love affair with pastel pink, but just because it’s on-trend it doesn’t mean you have to wear it.

You may be drawn to baby pink shades but it has to work with your colouring to make it a successful look. It suits lighter, more delicate colourings – so light to dark blonde hair and paler complexions.

Flamingo pink –

Pink is a very feminine colour which is why a lot of women are drawn to it – but flamingo pink isn’t your typical pink. It’s a lively shade that needs confidence to pull it off.

It’s best suited to those with quite a striking colouring (say dark hair and bright eyes) – whereas those with a softer look (light hair and pale skin) can find the shade too overwhelming.

Orange pink – Coral and orange-toned pinks are best suited to those with warm skin tones and are perfect for colour-blocking with. Warm skin tones can wear the full range of coral-coloured hues.

How to accessorise

The brighter shades of pink won’t need much accessorising as they are such stand-out hues, but if you like to put together dramatic looks, you could clash the outfit with a different coloured shoe or necklace.

Colour blocking is also key with styling pink and you can have a lot of fun with it so don’t be afraid to experiment with bright blue and zesty yellow shades.

“Remember, you can always wear flamingo pinks in your accessories to pep up an outfit without having to heavily invest in the colour,” said Fiona.

Inspired by pink? Check out our pick of the top pink buys on the high-street and you’ll be looking fetch in no time.

Just remember to wear it on Wednesdays.

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