The Pink Dress Trends To Try This Winter
It’s overwhelmingly girly, provocatively punk, powerful, rebellious, demure and always fun. Think PINK. The colour of a million shades and nuances. From the delicate pale powder of boudoir seduction to candy kitsch Barbie frivolity and hard-hitting neon extremism, we’re now beyond the millennial palette and into bolder, wilder times. Pink is confident. It’s frivolous. It’s the ultimate antidote to black.
Marilyn, Marie Antoinette, Gaga, Madonna – all gregarious, sensual, show-stopping individuals. If you are a bow lover, it’s a given this is your shade. Pink is joyful, blooming, extravagant and most fashionistas’ dream. Pushed even further into our consciousness this year by the Met Gala’s larger-than-life theme – and a host of VIPs channelling their inner camp – pink is the ultimate scene stealer.
I recently hosted my birthday party. ‘Colouramadrama’ was the dress code and pink was by far the most popular choice of attire, from tiered tulle to fuchsia satin creations. If you still doubt today’s relevance of this oh-so-sweet colour in the fashion world, think of Pierpaolo Piccioli’s sublime takeover at Valentino, where his recent couture dramas have been punctuated by pink sensations. With the festive season about to take hold, now is the time to create your own fashion moment and plan your entrance with this most expressive of shades. The only question is: which pink lady will you be?
80s Minis
Think Balenciaga, Saint Laurent, Attico – a fierce, high-octane, 80s disco moment. The shorter the skirt and more puffed sleeve, the better. This isn’t for the faint hearted but, if you’ve got the legs and the nerve, it’s fashion heaven. And a great look for dancing the night away in. Rotate Birger Christensen has the best on offer: its metallic, cross-body dress in neon pink is the most daring example. Zara has a softer version with waterfall skirt detailing. A similar look from & Other Stories has a touch of the Pre-Raphaelite about it and feels bold but effortless. Retrofête’s fully ruched skirt is an ode to the 80s in its purist form. Go all out with metallic shoes or matching pink and add some ear candy, but be sure with that shoulder drama to keep your hair modern and neat. The Elnett needs to be kept at home.
1. Pink Jacquard Mini Dress, £280 | Rotate Birger Christensen
2. Metallic Pink Mini Dress, £210 | Rotate Birger Christensen
3. Barbara Ruched Silk Mini Dress, £730 | Retrofête
4. Satin Puff Sleeve Mini Dress, £85 | & Other Stories
5. Textured Long Sleeve Mini Dress, £40 | River Island
Ethereal Elegance
This is where diaphanous, dreamy, delicate pale pink goes ethereal and beautifully boho. Transparency, delicate embroidery and delicious draping are the order of the day. These are seriously beautiful dresses for a significant occasion. Needle & Thread always delivers with a barely-there pink and stunning detailing at reasonable price points. It caters for plentiful body shapes with high-waisted or A-line styles. I’m also slightly obsessed with its sheer, embroidered or tiered tulle capes. The Outnet is a must for evening gowns – this Temperley design feels modern and daring with its cut-out back and statement side slits. Self Portrait always creates wearable drama and this long elegant gown wouldn’t look out of place with a matching veil in homage to Gwen Stefani’s rebellious bridal moment.
1. Pink Chiffon Maxi, £360 | Self Portrait
2. Snowdrop Gown, £550 | Needle & Thread
3. Anya Embellished Gown, £350 | Needle & Thread
4. Valentina Sequin Midaxi, £279 | Needle & Thread
Retro Show-Stoppers
These are the outrageous, glorious Funny Face show-stoppers, with languid retro appeal. Think rippling chiffon, acres of fabric, drama and major swoon levels. Valentino is, of course, the outright winner – with a price tag to match. Carolina Herrera’s more paired-down coral gown is more wearable but retains its vintage drama; and Gucci is in on the pink game in its usual masterful, fearless way. At the other end of the budget scale, Sister Jane offers an affordable and incredibly pretty pale pastel dress that hits the ankle and not the floor. Forever Unique has a fun, neon ruffle gown worthy of Margot from The Good Life – ever the fashion icon.
1. Ruffle-Collar Cape-Sleeve Silk-Chiffon Gown, £6,400 | Valentino
2. Ruffle Ready Bow Midi Dress, £115 | Sister Jane
3. Floral Fil-Coupé Gown, £3,580 | Caroline Herrera
4. Long Sleeve Maxi Dress With Pussybow Neckline, £60 (was £100) | Forever Unique
French Fancies
Bows, volume, ruching – this is a little bit of frivolous rococo heaven, where pale, pristine, pastel pink is queen. Go full in shape to feel flamboyant, but make sure it’s a wearable midi length to avoid Marie Antoinette territory. Roksanda’s mastery with the blouson sleeve makes this dress an absolute thing of beauty and reminds me of Norman Parkinson images. Stine Goya’s side-tie dress is super flattering and in a darker, sophisticated shade. On the high street, both Arket and & Other Stories do a more paired-down, modern version but with enough volume to stand out and make the most of their icy tones. Sister Jane’s sensational and well-priced bow dress is back in stock and is basically what fantasy fashion dreams are made of. Accessories should be lady-like and delicate to keep things light and frothy – or toughen up with black. And don’t forget leopard print is a fun, underrated friend of pink. I often pair up pink dresses with leopard shoes or a vintage leopard coat for an eccentric spin.
1. Tiered Volume Maxi Dress, £195 | Sister Jane
2. Embroidered Hem Midi Dress, £210 | Stine Goya
3. Fife Balloon Sleeve Midi Dress, £995 | Roksanda
4. Pintucked Taffeta Midi Dress, £995 | Simone Rocha
5. Lustro Gathered Dress, £89 | Arket
6. Pintucked Taffeta Midi Dress, £995 | Simone Rocha
Simple Slips
Never underestimate the power of a simple slip dress. It’s such a versatile piece – worn under a chunky knit for day, a blazer for night – and a pink option makes a playful change from monochrome. Galvan’s one-shoulder dress feels modern and dressy. Ganni’s floral version gives it a romantic, bucolic twist – heaven with a cable-knit sweater and chunky boots. H&M has done a long cami gown in an exquisite shade of dusky pink that feels formal and understated. Zara’s is a loud asymmetric fuschia version with red lace inserts for a wild night out. Avoid going too glitz with these dresses: ditch the bling jewellery; keep paired down with a cashmere layer and a red lip.
1. Floral Silk Slip Dress, £259 (was £370) | Ganni
2. Taylor Dress, £180 (was £225) | Ghost
3. Cosa Tied Strap Crepe Dress, £150 | Tigerlily
4. Cropped Roxy Dress, £1,150 | Galvan London
5. Contrasting Lace Dress, £99.99 | Zara
6. Long V-Neck Dress, £49.99 | H&M
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