How pastel pink can brighten up your winter wardrobe

Models wear creations for Prada women's Fall-Winter 2015-2016 collection. Picture: PA

How many items of pink clothing do you have in your wardrobe?

Not many is probably the answer: Barbie’s favourite colour evokes everything from mild dislike to outright fear, but even the most ardent chromophobe will be rethinking their stance when they clap eyes on the rose-tinted AW15 collections.

Prada led the pack, with all but a handful of looks featuring the frosted hue, from salmon trouser suits to leather opera gloves and silk Mary Janes.

Also in Milan, Dolce & Gabbana’s ode to motherhood included blush capes and shift dresses, made all the more girly with the addition of red rose embellishments.

But it’s not all about flashy fuchsia and ultra-feminine styling - crisp minimalism and ladylike chic are the buzzwords this season.

And when the sugary shade looks this good, you’ll be dying to indulge your sartorial sweet tooth.

PINK ALL OVER

“The shade of pink that is most popular with the fashion pack right now is a pale, pastel pink,” says Veronique Henderson, managing director at Colour Me Beautiful, who advises that Prada-style head-to-toe rose is best for those with lighter hair colours. “If your overall look is more muted, then you have a soft colouring and can embrace a powder pink, blush or even salmon.”

A sharp Sixties or Seventies style coat is an easy way to tap into the trend. Pair it with pleat-front trousers if you want to go all-out or match with a similarly cool-toned grey rollneck or jumper dress.

• Jane Norman Pale Pink Zip Detail Boucle Coat, £70 (www.janenorman.co.uk)

• Phase Eight Madison Trousers, currently reduced to £48 from £69 (www.phase-eight.com)

• River Island Pink Leather Pom Pom Gloves, £25 (www.riverisland.com)

FIZZY MIX

For an equally fashion-forward take on the trend, create a patchwork of pinks by mixing different shades in one ensemble.

“If you have light colouring [fair hair with blue eyes and light skin], then you could try mixing warm and cool coloured shades of pinks together, apricot and salmon pink with powder or opal pink,” suggests Henderson.

The key to keeping in step with the season’s minimal vibe is to choose block-coloured pieces in soft and silky fabrics - think satin, cashmere and neoprene, and avoid chintzy prints.

• Marc Cain Ash Rose Fine Rolled-Neck Pullover, £175 (www.marc-cain.com)

• Chloe Lewis Edit Pink Satin Cami Top, £26 (Little-Mistress.com)

• Mademoiselle R Wide Leg Trousers with High Waist and Zip Fly, currently reduced to £17.40 from £29 (www.laredoute.co.uk)

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

If icy hues leave you feeling washed out, you’ll be pleased to hear the season’s pink palette isn’t limited solely to the sherberty end of the spectrum.

“If you have deep colouring, then pink is a great colour for casualwear, but you’ll need to go a little stronger than the pale tones seen on the catwalks,” says Henderson.

Likewise, if you’ve got red or black hair, steer clear of pinks that lean towards white or grey, instead you want warm-toned blush or coral.

Or you could cheat a bit and choose an item that isn’t worn near your face: a bag is a great way to grab a colour trend if you’re feeling timid.

• Nude Judo Wrap Jacket, £45; matching Pencil Skirt, £39; Bibi Peep Toe Heeled Boots, currently reduced to £25 from £45 (www.missselfridge.com)

• Oliver Bonas Coral Double Layer Pleated Hem Top, currently reduced to £17 from £39.50 (www.oliverbonas.com)

• Radley Keats Grove Light Rose Medium Zip-top Grab Bag, £229 (www.radley.co.uk)

THE PERFECT MATCH

What to pair with pink now? It’s easy to mix with dark staples, so think black cigarette trousers or a grey midi skirt with a pink silk blouse.

“If you’re a red head, then try coral and salmon pink, these look fabulous worn with golden brown and moss green,” says Henderson. “If you’re blonde, try wearing it with a contrasting colour, so baby pink with plum would be a fabulous combination.”

• Candy Top, currently reduced to £79 from £99; Daxton Skirt, £79 (www.damselinadress.co.uk)

• Knitted Jacket, £255; Silk Top, £155; Over-dyed Trousers, £189; Trainers, £129; Belt, £65 (www.marc-cain.com)