Love me, love me not – pale wash jeans – Who should wear them. How to wear them

Pale vintage jeans, a fashion blogger favourite! They’ve made it big and stores are awash with light blue denim in a variety of cuts and treatments inspired by the 80’s and 90’s. If you haven’t already bought a pair, you’re probably thinking about it.

This trendy pale shade originally resulted from dark indigo blue fading over time and it became the hall mark of an enviable pair of vintage jeans. This look is now achieved through heavy industrial washing giving us an instant vintage look off-the-peg.

It might be surprising to learn, that despite the ubiquitous status of denim in fashion, pale, washed out indigo blue does not suit everyone. While navy blue is a fairly universal shade, and suits most, its sister colour, pale indigo, is another animal all together.

Colours can be our best friends or worst enemies. Just like people who constantly say negative things about us, unflattering colours just don’t have a place in our lives and should be kept at arms length if we want to feel good about ourselves.

Let’s dive right in then and discuss who should be wearing this hue and who should rather be looking at other fashionable alternatives. Firstly, let’s talk about the colour itself. Pale indigo is light, cool and mostly muted in appearance. How good this colour will look on you will depend on how dark, warm, or striking your own physical colouring is.

For “lights” and “cools” it’s a green light

If you have light blonde hair – these jeans are absolutely for you! Others who can own this colour with pride are those with a “cool” appearance with hair that is silver grey or white. Ash brown brunettes with blue or grey eyes get in on the action too. The coolness of this colour will compliment your colouring.

Ryan Moreno   / roman-khripkov on Unsplash Left to right 

For “brights” and “muteds” – proceed with caution

Those with a striking appearance with dark hair and bright eyes, may also be able to wear the crisper shades of the colour, as long as you contrast it with another bright or strong shade. But you should avoid the duller shades of denim.

The opposite is true if you have muted colouring, with a low contrast appearance. You might have light brown or dark blonde hair, think Jennifer Anniston or Brad Pitt. For you, it’s safest if you stick with soft, medium blues and stay away from the icy, crisp versions.

David Hurley / Omoda shoes on Unsplash Left to right 

For “Deeps” and “Warms” it’s a red warning light

Now for the bad news! For those who have dark hair and dark eyes, pale washed denim is underwhelming against your depth and strength of colouring. There are better fashion options for you. Opt for the latest styles in darker washes or black. If you already have bought a pale pair, cheat and wear them with a black top to strengthen the colour scheme and flatter your face.

Likewise for those with gorgeous warm colouring and fiery red or strawberry locks, these icy jeans will not relate to you well and drain colour from your face. You deserve to look your best, so rather choose richer shades such as navy blue, or royal blue that will restore colour to your face and set off your hair colour. If you are looking for a trendy, pale denim alternative, ivory is a great option to consider. If you already have a pair of the icy blue jeans and want to wear them regardless, wear them with a warm colour that suits you – try ivory and gold jewellery for instance.

Nicolas Steave / Brooke Cagle on Unsplash Left to Right

Shopping for jeans can be a trial at the best of times. Knowing which colours suit you and which options to choose from can save you a considerable amount of time, money and sanity! Flattering colours will make you the star of the show, instead of your outfit. Embracing your inner superstar will help you to radiate confidence wherever you go.

Now you know which colour to buy, watch out for my next article on which of this season’s key jeans styles are best for your figure type.

About the Author

Faye Hofmann is qualified in Fashion Design and Colour Analysis and has worked as fashion designer, trends consultant and personal stylist. Since she started in the fashion world 20 years ago she has had much experience translating fashion trends into successful styles for large corporate retailers, boutiques and individuals.

Currently operating out of central Switzerland, one of her of her greatest joys is using her expertise to help others look and feel their best.

To learn more about what colour & style can do for you, visit www. fayehofmann.com

 

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• pale vintage jeans
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• trendy pale shade
• vintage jeans