Spring Summer 2026 Trends Report - Instalment 2
We’re diving into the pastels trend. They’re everywhere, but so many of us buy them and then never actually wear them. I even saw an Instagram reel where someone said every spring they grab a pastel piece… and it always ends up on their Vinted pile. Why? Because we’re not quite sure which shades suit us, or how to style them so we feel like ourselves in them.
First up, think about second-hand options if you fancy something a little outside your usual comfort zone. It’s an easy way to try a colour or texture without committing too much.
Next, it helps to know which colours in fashion really work for your wardrobe. This only works if you’re confident in your colour palette—but there’s a simple cheat: think warm or cool tones. If your veins look more blue, you lean cool; green veins? Warm.
Below are the pastels I think will suit you, plus a few fresh links I’ve spotted recently. Just so you know, these brands aren’t affiliated—they’re just things I’ve seen out and about that I love!
Cool‑tone pastels:
• Powder Blue / Baby Blue – crisp and effortless for tops or shirts.
• Lavender / Lilac – soft, dreamy and surprisingly versatile.
• Mint Green (cool version) – fresh and light without feeling sugary.
Uniqlo - 3D Knit Seamless Ribbed Square Neck Jumper £24.90
H&M Fine-knit cardigan
Cardigan in a soft, fine-knit viscose blend with buttons down the front and ribbing around the neckline, cuffs and hem. £12.99
ALIGNE - Parker V Neck Tie Blazer SALE £106.99 - Tie-Waist V-Neck Blazer
Warm‑tone pastels:
• Butter Yellow – creamy, glow‑enhancing and very spring‑appropriate.
• Pistachio Green (warmer version) – gentle with an earthy feel.
• Tickled / Blush Pink – soft and warm on the right undertones.
ASOS DESIGN crew neck cardigan with raglan sleeve detail in buttermilk £26
NEXT - Friends Like These Pink Premium Tailored Linen Rich Shorts £235
ASOS - ARRANGE co-ord cami crop top in orange £50.00
Pastels are lovely, aren’t they? I’ve tried to give you a guide to the different tones so you can pick the ones that work for you, but honestly, getting it just right on your own can be a bit tricky. Here is how to work out whether you are warm or cool toned by yourself:
How to Tell if You're Warm or Cool Toned
1. Check your veins
Blue or purple veins = Cool-toned
Green veins = Warm-toned
2. Compare gold and silver jewellery
Silver looks more flattering = Cool-toned
Gold looks more flattering = Warm-toned
If you get mixed results, you may have a neutral undertone.
Not sure whether you're warm or cool toned? I use professional colour analysis in my style packages to identify your undertones and discover the colours that suit you best. Find out more here.
