Punched up pastels: From pink to mint and baby blue, menswear is all about the softer shades this spring
By Jenny B. Davis
Brad Pitt. John Legend. Jake Gyllenhaal.
What do these men have in common? Fame, good looks and career success, of course. But there’s something else they have in common — something more fashionable. From shirts to ties to suits, they’ve all proudly worn pastels. And you can do it, too. Here are several ways to sport the season’s most favored hues in a variety of styles — yes, even when Easter’s over and you’re not playing golf.
Men’s Flying-T Thorn Stopper pearl snap shirt, Tecovas
LIGHT IS ALRIGHT
Austin-based Tecovas is perhaps best known for its handcrafted boots, but it also specializes in western-style staples, including the iconic pearl snap shirt. Light-washed denim is a classic color option ($88), but the brightly striped cotton twill version is also an inspired choice this spring ($98), as is the business-ready pink pearl snap in crisp cotton Oxford cloth ($98).
Tecovas
2341 N. Main St., Fort Worth
Southlake Town Square
300 Grand Ave. East, Southlake
tecovas.com
TRY A TIE
Why do interlocking Gs elevate every look? The answer is Gucci. The latest Gucci collection from the just-appointed creative director Sabato De Sarno channels color, and this elegant G-motif tie in a decadent dose of baby blue doesn’t disappoint. Crafted in Italy, it’s 100% silk and boasts the brand’s distinctive bee-logo label on the back ($220).
Gucci
The Shops at Clearfork
5174 Monahans Ave., Fort Worth
gucci.com
ZIP DRIVE
Mizzen+Main has perfected the blend of function and fashion, as shown by its Keeton quarter zip in a shade the brand calls “sky heather.” This midweight pullover may bring the baby to blue, but it’s definitely designed for adults: it’s loaded with genius design features like angled side panels and an arm gusset made to provide an increased range of motion ($148).
Mizzen+Main
Southlake Town Square
311 Grand Ave. East, Southlake
The Shops at Clearfork
5231 Monahans Ave., Fort Worth
mizzenandmain.com
At New York Fashion Week in February, Laurence Basse sent men down the runway lavished in pastel shades of leather.
RUNWAY READY
“Project Runway” all-star Laurence Basse entered fashion as a model in Paris and emerged as an international fashion designer. At her New York Fashion Week runway show debut in February, she continued her signature focus on hard and soft aesthetics, sending men down the runway lavished in pastel shades of leather like this standout ensemble.
By special order, laurencebasse.com
GO GINGHAM
Southern Tide has pastels on lock this season, adding accents to everything from shirts to swim trunks. But our favorite has to be the Coastal Passage Pelham long-sleeved sport shirt in “geranium pink” and “marine blue” made from a lightweight, classic gingham fabric ($128). While gingham is as storied for summer as seersucker, Southern Tide gives their fabric blends a modern upgrade, via stretching and wicking.
southerntide.com
HOW TO DO THE HUE
Men can be hesitant about embracing a pastel palette, says Roy Rizwan, owner of Xar Clothier in Southlake Town Square. But soft shades like lavender, mint green and baby blue “not only add a pop of color to your wardrobe, but also exude a sense of sophistication and elegance,” he says, especially in spring. Here’s his advice on how to get the look with confidence and style.
Start small.
If you’re new to pastels, experiment by adding accessories like ties, pocket squares and socks, which lend subtle yet chic accents to your complete look.
Mix and match.
You don’t have to go all in right away. Pairing pastels with neutral classics is an effortless way to update an everyday look. Rizwan points to a pastel pink shirt as the perfect refresh for navy pants.
Confidence is key.
“Own your style choices and wear pastels with confidence, knowing that you’re expressing your unique personality and flair,” Rizwan says.