Nothing says feminine like girly pastels. But how do you wear them without looking like a human cupcake?

-Think about color. Black and darker colors look heavy with pastels. Mixing pastels with other pastels usually looks good. I like wearing pink or lavender with mint green or sky blue with lemon yellow. For shoes, go with tan or grey. Gold jewelry usually looks better with pastels than silver.

-Go with sophisticated details and silhouettes. Cinch the waist of your dress with a belt or tuck your top into your skirt or jeans. Look for fabrics like lace and chiffon.

-Lots of shoes go with pastel looks. Oxfords, ballet flats, and ankle boots pair well with casual looks. Heels or wedges go well with formal looks.

-Go for the unexpected. Try a leather jacket or oxfords or even a fedora hat.

-Keep your makeup simple. Pale lipstick, mascara, tinted moisturizer, and pale pink blush are probably all you will need. If you want a more dramatic look, wing your eyeliner to make a cat eye. For hair, try braids or a cute bun. If you’ve got short hair, try a hat, a cute headband, or slick your hair back with gel.

How do you wear pastels? Do you wear them year-round? Tell me at [email protected].

Marie Chaney is an 18-year-old studying fashion and journalism at LSU. She wishes she could wake up one morning to find everything she’s ever pinned on Pinterest in her closet.