Pretty in ethical pastels SS18

Ooooh… lemon yellow tie front wide leg culotte from Nobody’s Child

For Spring/ Summer 2018, the fashion world is offering up all manner of pretty pieces in the softest, most flattering gelato inspired colours.

But if you’re committed to buying ethical fashion the thought of shopping cheap, throwaway trends is counter-intuitive. If you’re wanting to add some on-trend colour, you don’t have to go head-to-toe pastels! Mint, fuzzy peach, dusty pink and baby blue all look great with your existing black, white or tan basics.

Steal her style! – Karlie Kloss showing how to pair pastels with olive green and keeping the accessories light.

To add a touch of pastel, pair a top in your favourite faded shade with a pair of white linen trousers or skirt. Olive green and navy work well too as a good base for adding pastels.

Keep the look fresh and light with delicate styles – such as strappy sandals and a small clutch or shoulder bag – if you want to wear dark or bright accessories from your existing wardrobe. Personally, I love the contrast of white or tan with pastels and would steer clear of beiges, greys and more earthy shades.

A combination of different pastel shades works too. Layer up a shabby chic rainbow by pulling together all your old and new pastel items. Don’t forget faded blue denim jeans and jackets which look brilliant contrasted with yellows and pinks and finished with your shiniest white eco-trainers.

Floaty fabrics create a feminine look: beautiful maxi dress from BaliElf

Luxe fabrics work brilliantly to emphasize delicate colours. Consider sueded silks for their muted, peach-skin softness; chiffon for the addition of translucent colour (think a draped scarf or floaty overskirt): or crushed, coloured linen. Embroidery is still strong as a trend and can add some depth and texture.

From Badgley Mischka’s fashion week offerings… barely there makeup and bright red lips work so well with pale and pretty clothing

Colour advisers suggest you choose shades which contrast with your natural skin tone to compliment your complexion: Try blushed pink or apricot near the face if you have olive skin, yellows and melon for pale, cooler tones, and icy blues or soft sage for those with a rosier complexion.

Before you dash out the door, give your makeup a moment’s thought. Pearlescent glosses or dewy matt lips in cashmere colours can accentuate the prettiness of pastels. But alternatively, don’t hesitate to go bold with your lipstick. Bright red lips create impact against an otherwise understated palette and look to be a top SS18 makeup trend when worn with otherwise minimal makeup.

Last but not least, if you want to avoid sweatshop fashion:

• Buy quality, not quantity – spending more money on a garment that is thoughtfully made will improve it’s longevity and reduce your contribution to clothing landfill
• Look for brands that promote their business ethics – credentials such as Fairtrade and certified organic are found on labels, or you can easily research ethical policies online
• Ask online or instore #whomademyclothes
• Join the ethical fashion conversation by sharing your favourite finds on social media with #fashionrevolution, or tag @kate.adores in your image
• Follow the links from the images to shop the clothing shown in this article

Dresses in sorbet-soft colours from Outsider fashion: blue lightweight linen tunic and peach bamboo and silk draped dress