Spring Summer 2011 was all about colour blocking- the more the better. Jewel colours like emerald green, ruby red, sapphire blue, as well as acid yellows, orange and fuchsia were all the rage. They had to be worn together, each outfit a cauldron of bright hues. For 2012 swap your jewels with ice cream.

Pastels have been edging into fashion for the past few seasons, but in 2012 they have become a fully-fledged trend. The general public tends to associate pastel colours with either the Queen’s famous outfits or children’s clothes, so why did the design zeitgeist decide to bring them back on the catwalk?

I believe it’s for two main reasons. As we know well, fashion feeds off contrasts, so it’s only apt that after a season of block colours and strong hues, the complete opposite would be explored by the fashion set.

Also, the 1950s are a very strong trend for SS12. This overarching style has helped legitimize pastels. Think full skirts, blouses, lace socks, think Olivia Newton John in Grease, think lemon yellow and peach pink.

So pastels and ice cream colours are THE colours this season, but how to wear them? Many consider pastels a bit washed out, wet colours, and yes, if you limit yourself to a pinkie t-shirt over a pair of jeans it will look a bit naff. Either embrace the 50s trend by matching your outfit form head to toe, even make up and nail polish, or mix and match your pastels, lemon yellow with light pink, or mint green with light blue for a slightly edgier way to rock the pastel trend.

Styled by: Yuri Ahn

Written by: Valentina Zannoni

Cedits: Dolce&Gabbana

Dolce&Gabana Makeup

Dolce&Gabbana Perfumes

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