How to Wear Pastel Tops in Fall and Winter

Pastel tops usually get packed away once summer ends, but they don't have to be. A soft blue sweater or a lilac blouse can look fresh and grown-up in fall and winter when you pair it with the right colors, fabrics and layers. This guide shows you how to wear pastels in cold weather without looking like you forgot what season it is.

Why pastels work in fall and winter

Fall wardrobes lean on brown, black, camel and gray. Those shades are easy, but they can feel heavy by November. A pastel top breaks that up. It brightens your face, makes a dark coat look less serious and gives a simple outfit a little personality.

The trick is texture and contrast. In spring, pastels are usually light and floaty. In fall, the same colors look right in chunky knits, ribbed fabrics and longer sleeves, worn with darker or warmer neutrals.

The best pastel colors for cold weather

• Pastel blue: the easiest one to start with. It goes with denim, gray, black and camel.
• Lavender and lilac: lovely with charcoal, black and cream, and a nice change from the usual burgundy.
• Light green: pairs well with khaki, brown and other earthy tones.
• Soft pink and blush: looks warm next to camel, chocolate brown and burgundy.
• Pastel yellow: works best as one bright piece under a neutral layer.

Start with pastel knits

A pastel sweater is the simplest way to wear this trend in fall. Knits read as cozy no matter the color, so a soft shade feels seasonal right away.

The cable-knit sweater vest

Our Cable-knit V-Neck Sweater Vest is a great layering piece. It has a classic cable knit and a V-neck, and it comes in Pastel Blue and Light Green as well as Khaki, Peacock Blue and White, in sizes S to L.

Try it over a white collared shirt with dark jeans for a polished weekday look. On colder days, layer it over a fitted long-sleeve top so the pastel sits right in the center of the outfit.

The cold-shoulder cable knit

For something a little more playful, the Cable-Knit Cold-Shoulder Sweater comes in Lavender and Pastel Blue, plus a Pumpkin shade if you want a classic fall color too. It's 100% acrylic with a moderate stretch. Wear it with high-waisted jeans or a dark skirt, and add a jacket when you head outside.

The cropped bow sweater

The Bow V-Neck Long Sleeve Cropped Sweater has a tied bow detail and a shorter length that works well with high-rise pants and skirts. Choose Pastel Blue for a soft look or Deep Rose and Green for something richer. Sizes run S to L.

Wear pastel blouses under fall layers

You don't need to give up your favorite blouses when it gets cold. Put them under the layers you already own.

Lace and flounce sleeves

The Lace V-Neck Flounce Sleeve Blouse has lace detail and flounce sleeves, and it's opaque, so you don't need a cami underneath. It comes in Pastel Yellow, Lilac, Dusty Pink and Carnation Pink, along with White, Black and Gum Leaf, in sizes S to 2XL. Wear it under a long cardigan or a blazer so the sleeves peek out at the cuffs.

Swiss dot for the office

The Swiss Dot Notched Neck Three-Quarter Sleeve Blouse has a notched neckline, buttons and three-quarter sleeves. The color list is long: Pastel Blue, Blush Pink, Lavender, Cream and Moonlit Mauve are all soft options, and there are darker shades like Forest, Purple and Black too. Sizes run S to 2XL. Tuck it into wide-leg trousers and add loafers for an easy work outfit.

6 pastel outfit ideas for fall and winter

1. Pastel blue sweater vest, white shirt and dark jeans. Add brown boots for a preppy fall look.
2. Lavender knit with charcoal pants. Gray and lavender is one of the easiest pastel pairings there is.
3. Blush blouse under a camel coat. Warm neutrals make pink look cozy rather than sugary.
4. Light green sweater with khaki or brown. It feels earthy and seasonal.
5. Pastel yellow lace blouse under a black cardigan. One bright piece against black looks intentional.
6. Tonal pastels. Pair a pastel blue top with light-wash denim and a cream coat for a soft winter look.

Finish with the right jacket

Your jacket can make or break a pastel outfit. A denim jacket keeps things casual, a sherpa coat adds cozy texture and a faux fur coat dresses it up for evenings. If you're deciding which one to get, our guide to women's fall jackets: denim vs sherpa vs faux fur walks through when to wear each.

Shoes and bags matter too. Brown leather, black boots and cream sneakers all keep pastels feeling seasonal.

A few quick styling tips

• Keep it to one or two pastels per outfit, and let neutrals do the rest.
• Pick heavier fabrics like cable knit and ribbing when it's cold out.
• Check the measurements on each product page before ordering, since fits vary from cropped to relaxed.

Ready to add some color to your cold-weather wardrobe? Browse our full women's pastel clothing collection.

FAQ

Can you wear pastel colors in winter?

Yes. Pastels look great in winter when you wear them in warm fabrics like knits and pair them with darker neutrals such as charcoal, black, camel or brown.

What colors go with pastel tops in fall?

Denim, gray, charcoal, black, cream, camel and brown all go well with pastel tops. Pastel blue and lavender are especially easy to pair with gray and denim.

How do I keep pastels from looking too summery?

Choose longer sleeves and heavier textures, add a fall jacket or coat, and wear boots or loafers instead of sandals.

Which pastel is easiest to start with?

Pastel blue. It goes with almost everything you already own, from jeans to a black coat.