How to Incorporate Soft Pastels into Fall Outfits: Embracing Cozy Elegance with a Touch of Whimsy
When the crisp autumn air rolls in, we often find ourselves reaching for the rich, earthy tones that feel quintessentially fall—burnt oranges, deep burgundies, warm browns, and mossy greens. But what if you’re like me, someone who loves the soft, dreamy world of pastels? Can we wear these light, ethereal hues when the leaves are turning golden and the skies are growing grey? Absolutely! Just like adding cream to a strong cup of coffee, incorporating soft pastels into your fall wardrobe creates a perfect balance of cozy warmth and delicate whimsy.
In this post, I’ll share some of my favorite ways to seamlessly blend pastels into your autumn outfits, keeping the Cottagecore vibe alive with a little touch of elegance. Let’s dive in!
Layer Pastels with Earthy Neutrals
Think of pastels as the dainty frosting on a sturdy cake. By pairing soft pinks, lavenders, or baby blues with neutral tones like beige, camel, or chocolate brown, you create a foundation that feels rooted in fall while adding just enough lightness. I often start with a staple like a cream sweater, which feels like wrapping myself in a warm blanket, and layer it over a lavender dress. It keeps the softness of summer alive while blending into autumn’s comforting tones.
You can also try pastel cardigans over classic fall neutrals like dark denim or taupe skirts. The key is balance—let the pastels peek through without overwhelming the warmth of fall.
Play with Texture to Ground the Pastels
Soft pastels can sometimes feel a little too summery, but by mixing textures, you can root them firmly in fall. Imagine a blush pink silk blouse paired with a chunky knit scarf or a baby blue dress under a cozy camel wool coat. These textural contrasts are like blending crunchy leaves with the soft petals of a flower—an unexpected but beautiful pairing that makes both elements shine.
This is one of my favorite tricks because it plays into that French Country Cottagecore style I love so much. There’s something so charming about mixing delicate fabrics like lace or satin with heavier, rustic textures like tweed, corduroy, or wool.
Use Pastels as Accent Colors
Just like the wildflowers that persist into the early days of autumn, pastels can be sprinkled into your wardrobe as small pops of color. One of the easiest ways to do this is through accessories—think pale mint scarves, blush pink handbags, or powder blue berets. These subtle hints of pastel add a touch of freshness without overtaking the deeper fall tones.
I often reach for pastel scarves and gloves when the weather cools. They feel like small luxuries, much like finding the last blooming rose in a garden readying for winter. It's also a gentle way to transition into colder months, holding onto a bit of summer’s lightness while embracing the change in season.
Pair Pastels with Moody Florals
I love a good floral print, and fall is the perfect time to swap out those bright summer blooms for moody, darker florals that still carry a hint of pastel. Look for prints with muted roses, delicate violets, or soft blue forget-me-nots against a deep plum, navy, or olive background.
A lavender floral midi dress with a long cardigan and ankle boots creates a look that’s cozy yet refined, bringing in both the softness of pastels and the richness of fall. It reminds me of walking through a flower garden in late October—some blooms are fading, but others still hold onto their color, offering a gentle contrast to the muted surroundings.
Bring in Blush with Outerwear
Fall is the perfect time to invest in pastel outerwear, especially when coats or jackets are cut in classic fall-friendly styles. A blush trench coat or a soft blue pea coat can serve as a refreshing change from the typical dark outerwear we often see this season. Not only does it keep things feeling light, but it also creates a standout statement that instantly elevates an outfit.
Whenever I wear my blush-colored wool coat, I feel like a cozy marshmallow amidst a sea of dark neutrals, and that little contrast always brings me joy. Outerwear is often the first thing people see, so why not have it reflect a softer side of fall?
Mix Pastels with Warm Metals
One way to bring pastels into the fall while still keeping things cozy is by pairing them with warm metallics like gold, bronze, or rose gold. These metals add a richness that balances the lightness of pastels. I love the look of a baby blue sweater with gold jewelry or a soft pink dress paired with bronze shoes.
It’s a bit like decorating a holiday table—those delicate touches of sparkle elevate the whole scene and make it feel special, without taking away from the warmth and comfort of the season.
A Season of Soft Balance
Incorporating soft pastels into your fall wardrobe is like adding a dollop of whipped cream to a pumpkin pie—it’s an unexpected twist, but one that complements the season perfectly. Whether you’re layering with neutrals, playing with texture, or adding small pops of pastel through accessories, the key is to balance the softness with the richness and warmth of fall.
For me, wearing pastels in autumn is a way of carrying a little lightness from the warm months into the cooler, cozier days ahead. It’s about finding beauty in contrast, much like watching the last pastel-colored sunset of summer blend into the rich autumn twilight.
How do you like to wear pastels in fall? Let me know your favorite combos, and let’s keep embracing the beauty of soft and cozy style!
– Brooke
Hello Gorgeous Threads
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Welcome!
I’m Brooke, a homeschool mom with a deep love for French Country elegance and a growing passion for Cottagecore. My journey began with a fascination for the timeless charm of French Country style, and as I embraced the beauty of simplicity, I naturally gravitated towards Cottagecore. Over time, I’ve woven these two aesthetics together, creating a cozy, sustainable home that reflects the best of both worlds. From baking and gardening to curating unique, eco-friendly pieces for my shop, I’m dedicated to savoring life’s simple pleasures and sharing them with you. I’m thrilled to connect with like-minded women and offer consignment services to help cherished items find new homes. Thank you for joining me on this journey—I can’t wait to share more about the enchanting blend of French Country and Cottagecore living with you!
