In the not-so-distant past, pastels were strictly considered springtime colours. But why wait for warmer weather when the fall/winter runways have been awash in soft shades? There is no better recipe for standing out in a crowd than the season’s blush pink, baby blue, powdery purples and buttercup yellow separates. Get your hands on some of the best pastel staples to look all-year-round fantastic.

The winter blues (a.k.a. grays and blacks) bringing down your wardrobe? Here is a solution for you: pastels. Powdery pinks, baby blues, airy lavenders, light corals and cool mints are trending, and they provide a pretty counterpoint to the edgy leather and velvet staples that most of us rely on to get us through the season. Moreover, they are an instant mood lifter to combat actual winter blues. Pastel colours make for the perfect choice for a casual and bright winter look, as they are ideal to lighten dull days and dark nights. There is something reassuring and safe about these mouth-watering shades. With names like sherbet, sorbet and candy floss, they remind of the fresh growth of spring.

If the idea of incorporating these quintessentially springtime shades into your wintry mix can be scary. Instead of worrying, start small. Start with accessories, shoes, bags, watches, shades, one piece at a time, before you move on apparel.

Baby blue was just made for denim. Team an oversized top with jeans, or pair a tailored version with purple skinnies and cut-out boots. If you are wary of looking as pretty as a picture, give your look a little edge with a plaid shirt, or black leather pants. Offset with camel or brown to add warmth and define with a contrasting collar. Another tip – layer your pastels. Go with differing shades of the same colour, or mix them up, and introduce some white for softness. Swap summer chiffon for pastel knits that are tailored or oversized, with a clunky necklace for depth. Accessorise with black, white or animal prints. Alternatively, keep your chiffon and team with a sweater, or opt instead for grey lace with pink, lemon or blue. This is a trend with endless nuances, and is guaranteed to bring tranquillity. Here are some of the pastel staples you can flaunt this season.

Milky accessories

If you're a self-proclaimed pastel-phobe, start out with small, easy accessories like a multicolored clutch. Also, learn to invest in higher-quality pieces when it comes to essentials. Case in point: you are always going to need sunglasses, even in the winter months. Select a pair of specs that will shield your eyes throughout the snowy season and transition straight into springtime. This winter, try unexpected ways to inject colour into your outfits, like with blush heels.

Winter-white timepiece

Accessories need not always be blingy. This season, mix it up with a bright white timepiece – an easy and subtle way to pull off the winter-white look.

Delicate top

When it comes to working pastels into your outfits, an easy trick is to start with the innermost layer — adding heavier elements on top balances out the soft shade. "I like pairing pastel colors with leather pieces and chunky accessories, like a gold chain necklace," suggests Ramirez on how to toughen up a delicate hue.

Ombré ensembles

Ombré dyed clothing is like a chic, elegant version of tie-dye except that it is a much more grown-up look. Tie-dye gives us a 90s feel, and even though it is being paraded on the runways these days, it is not for everyone. Pastel ombré, however, is a delicate and feminine trend that anyone can flaunt easily.

Powdery pants

We think of pastels as a spring colour, but it is always about how you wear them. You can pair pastel pants with leather to edge them up a little. Invest in jeans that have a slight tinge of lavender, which can be worn with a classic moto jacket and Chelsea booties to winterise the look, or go with a powdery shade of blue and team the jeans with a casul tee and patent leather bag.

Soft blazer

A tip for all the lady office executives: Definitely incorporate pastel into a blazer. It is still professional and can be easily taken from day to night. It doesn’t make your look as harsh as a basic black blazer, yet not too casual.

Icy-hued knitwear

Look for pieces with heavier fabrics instead of light chiffon. Knitwear, cashmere, wool – get them all in pastels to lighten up your blacks and grays. Plus, the weightier composition will make these springtime shades look right at home in the winter months.