In our ongoing review of the key fashion trends of spring summer 2023, our menswear correspondent noticed an interesting new trend that might be just under the radar now. But we think it’ll be big in just a few short weeks, so we’re sharing this insider view now so you can get in on this trend if it suits you. Ya heard it here first: “power” pastel colors are a hot new trend in men’s luxury designer fashion, and these are the best accessories and apparel to buy now, including sweatshirts, jackets, sunglasses, hats, and more. Barbiecore for all!
it’s time to embrace power pastels (especially pink and purple)
It’s time to rethink pink. While we’re at it, let’s reexamine purple, too. No longer relegated to ethereal Easter garb and Ladurée macarons, this spring, softer palettes take a harder stance.
Power pastel colors are a top designer trend right now in Men’s fashion, our edit of best looks, including jackets, sunglasses and hats.
Of course pastels in menswear aren’t totally new. Take a stroll down Savile Row or Jermyn Street and you’ll see stacks of rosily tinted dress shirts, ties and jaunty pocket squares. Purple has been synonymous with royalty and imperial reign for hundreds of years. Preppy polos and salmon pants have long been staples at Princeton and Hyannis Port. But this wave feels fresh. The colors have lost their starch, rolled up their sleeves, and shaken off their upper crust associations. Pastels for the people!
Power pastel colors are a top designer trend right now in men’s fashion. From left: Craig Green, Paul Smith, Tom Ford, Dior Men, Neil Barrett, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy
From the palest corals to dusty mauves, pinks and purples popped up all over the spring men’s runways in the kind of clothes that traditionally evoke utility. Head-to-toe uniform-like looks (including the bags) at Craig Green, zippered windbreakers and bucket hats at Hermes, gingham trenches at Prada, double-kneed cargo pants at Louis Vuitton and smart, fluid tailoring at Dior all evince an unexpected approach to My Little Pony hues.
Here, we offer 20 of the best ways to bring these rosy colors into your spring rotation (without looking like an extra in the Barbie movie).
10 ways to embrace the power pastel trend in men’s fashion this season
1. Jersey Felpa Sweatshirt by Valentino
We can’t talk about pink without talking about the man putting the color front and center: Pierpaolo Piccioli at Valentino. Maybe it will be your signature color, too? Start with this sweatshirt.
BUY NOW – $2,550.00.
2. Stripe Rhythm Shirt by Wales Bonner
Wales Bonner is deftly turning tropes of classic British design on their head, seen here in just about the coolest SSBD we’ve seen on any side of the pond.
BUY NOW – $530.00.
3. Curly S Water Short by Stüssy
Want to dip your toe into the pink vibe? These swim shorts are a good place to start.
BUY NOW – $65.00.
4. Light Pink Overdye Shorts by Sacai
Sacai’s shorts ride that very fine line between pale salmon pink and khaki, echoing their workwear details.
BUY NOW – $595.00.
5. Uneven Dye Crew Socks by Anonymousism
Tie-dye chunky pink socks + suede Birkenstocks. *Chef’s kiss*.
BUY NOW – $32.00.
6. Air Force 1 ‘07 LV8 by Nike
Your box-fresh AF1s are blushing.
BUY NOW – $130.00.
7. Cotton and Cashmere Corduroy Overshirt by Mr P.
Turns out luxe corduroy is the perfect vehicle for a dusty rose color.
BUY NOW – $355.00.
8. Magenta Crinkle Reps Nylon Jacket by Stone Island
Stone Island has been on a colorful tear lately and we’re here for this lilac swerve.
BUY NOW – $780.00.
9. Pink Outershirt Leather Jacket by Rick Owens
The patron saint of goth subverts pink’s sweetness in this jacket.
BUY NOW – $2,520.00.
10. Pleated Pants in Coral by Versace
Pair these pooling trousers with outsize sneakers and a loungy camp shirt from Tony Soprano’s closet.
BUY NOW – $990.00.
11. Dealean Clear Square Sunglasses by Jacques Marie Mage
Jacques Marie Mage is doing all kinds of inventive things with sunglasses. You can’t help but pay attention with this rose-tinted pair.
BUY NOW – $750.00.
12. Orchid Purple Organic Cotton Hoodie by Pangaia
Since its inception, Pangaia has been pastel-curious with their palette of Earth-friendly hoodies. Snap up one in “Orchid Purple” or “Sakura Pink”.
BUY NOW – $165.00.
13. Leather Hoodie by Loewe
OR you could go full bubblegum with Loewe’s straight-from-the-runway luxe leather hoodie.
Power pastel colors are a top designer trend right now in men’s fashion.
BUY NOW – $7,750.00.
14. Pink Floral Shirt by Dries Van Noten
Fuchsia florals where they should be—in the deft hands of Dries.
BUY NOW – $520.00.
15. Neck Pouch by Supreme x The North Face
A petite Supreme-ly useful hit of pink courtesy of the season’s biggest collabs with this neck pouch.
BUY NOW – $72.00.
16. Grain de Poudre Leather Card Case by Saint Laurent
FYI black AMEX cards look great in pink with this leather card case.
BUY NOW – $275.00.
17. Made in UK 991v1 Sneakers by New Balance
The muted mauve suede uppers on these NBs take them well out of “dad sneaker” territory.
BUY NOW – $259.99.
18. Symbole Rectangle Frame Sunglasses by Prada
Honestly, feel free to wear these Prada shades inside.
BUY NOW – $520.00.
19. Madison Logo Cap by Carhartt WIP
The workwear icon’s giving us cotton candy with this logo cap.
Power pastel colors are a top designer trend right now in men’s fashion.
BUY NOW – $58.00.
20. Double Breasted Linen and Silk Blend Suit Jacket by Canali
Leave that khaki suit in storage and get this suit jacket.
Power pastel colors are a top designer trend right now in men’s fashion.
BUY NOW – $2,275.00.
Power pastel colors are a big trend in Men’s fashion this season
So, power pastel colors are a top designer trend right now in Men’s fashion, and that’s our take on the best looks out there, including jackets, sunglasses and hats. Ready to rethink pink, dear reader?
