Pretty in pink

How to rock the season’s hottest hue, no matter your age

‘I’ve never dressed my age and I hope I never do!” Lisa Tant, vice-president, fashion editor at Holt Renfrew, is clearly against the notion that women must dress according to their age.

Indeed, “it’s all in how you style yourself,” she says. “Dressing by your age, in and of itself, isn’t modern. What’s modern is how you put yourself together.”

That said, pink is probably one of the season’s biggest trends and probably its most baffling as well — at least when it comes to wearing it confidently.

Whether it’s mixing printed pieces with hints of pink or choosing a single pink statement piece, the bottom line, according to Tant, is that “pink can look really chic if it’s worn well.”

Here’s how to tackle the hue in a way that works for you.

In your twenties

Wearing any colour from head to toe is definitely tricky, but when it comes to pink, it’s particularly tricky. The key is to avoid looking cheesy, or like you just stepped off a Nickelodeon set, which can be difficult for anyone over the age of 30. To get this youthful look, opt for opposing shades of pink: pastel pink and fuchsia is a fail-safe combination. Finish with eye-catching accessories. Zara mini skort, $59.90

In your thirties

Contrary to what you may think, dressing in your 30s can be quite tricky. Sure, 40 may be new 30, but on the one hand, wear something too revealing and you run the risk of veering too close to cougar territory; on the other hand, don something dowdy and you’re aging yourself prematurely. The solution? Look for dresses that have something playful about them — from a scalloped trim to a youthful bow detail — and team with pared-back accessories such as oxford shoes or a basic clutch. Eliza Faulkner’s Ilsa dress, $595 at Eugene Choo

In your forties

If you’re worried about looking over-the-top in a pink ensemble, avoid florals and lace, advises fashion editor Lisa Tant. ‘In general, the older you are, the simpler you’ll want your shape or silhouette,’ she adds. ‘A bold pink topper looks great on someone who’s in her 30s or 40s, but I personally hope I’m still wearing those when I’m 80.’ Look for pieces with forgiving silhouettes: a dropwaist dress in magenta, for instance, or a halter dress in salmon are easy and flattering takes on the pink trend. Wilfred sonnet dress, $185 at Aritzia

In your fifties

‘Powder pink almost always looks great on an older woman,’ declares Tant, ‘as it’s gentler on the skin tone.’ In fact, it looks fabulous on young girls, as well, which is why styling is really key. ‘A younger girl might wear a baby pink cashmere sweater with ripped denim shorts,’ says Tant, ‘but Julianne Moore, who’s 53, is obviously not going to wear booty shorts.’ Instead, a mature customer should look for skinny jeans in the hue, then offset them with easy accessories in eye-popping brights. Pants, from $485, and sweater, from $675, at MaxMara

In your sixties

While it is by no means true in all instances, most women will feel they have more body issues to disguise than their younger counterparts. Waterfall cardigans, boyfriend blazers, and loosely draped pants are easy to wear and are ‘great for an older woman who wants to hide her bum,’ says Tant. For a more fashion-forward option, try a blush pink motorcycle jacket with a slightly longer fit. Loft blush suit $118 jacket, pants $79.50

In your seventies

If in doubt, a classic buttonup shirt is the ultimate style essential. Look for one in a subdued, light pink candystriped pattern, or go for a bolder geometric print to stand out from the crowd. Pair with dark denim and sandals for a look that’s both ageless and age appropriate. Banana Republic fitted shirt, $74