How to Style Pantone’s Pink Quartz for Winter and into Spring and Summer

Pantone recently declared that Rose Quartz and Serenity are the two colors of the year for 2016. Describing Rose Quartz Pantone wrote, “The soothing, calming nature of colors in the Spring collections are led by Rose Quartz, a persuasive yet gentle tone that conveys compassion and a sense of composure. Like a serene sunset, flushed cheek or budding flower, Rose Quartz reminds us to reflect on our surroundings during the busy but lighthearted spring and summer months.” Rose Quartz isn’t a big surprise to me; for the past couple of years rose gold jewelry and accessories have become quite popular and this past year we saw blush pink on many runways and featured by many retailers. Even I, one who isn’t a big wearer of pink, purchased a pale blush blazer.

Pink is considered a tough color by many; too much and you feel like Elle Woods from Legally Blonde, too bright and you feel like Barbie, and many feel it is a “soft” color and not the best choice when in the workplace. But a soft blush pink like Pink Quartz can be extremely flattering to many skintones and surprisingly versatile. Below are some Pink Quartz separates I’ve found online, and how I would style them to break all pink stereotypes.

How to Style Pink Quartz Sweaters, Knits, and Blouses

A rose quartz top is an easy piece to incorporate into your wardrobe. The first row of the collage is of casual knits you can add to your wardrobe now.

• I love incorporating a print or design on a pastel like Rose Quartz; alone it can feel a bit too bubblegum and the design breaks it up. The ‘Darling’ sweater from ELOQUII and the Paris print sweater from Halogen are both sweet and feminine without being twee; pair with a darker color of denim or a black skirt or skinny trousers to balance the soft shade. Don’t be too matchy-matchy with this pink; choose shoes that either match your bottoms or else bring in a pattern (like these flats) or a non-pink metallic (like these sneakers). To keep the look from being too precious, steer clear of super sparkly statement necklaces, hair bows, or anything else that reminds one of Blair Waldorf.
• Blush pink and Rose Quartz are the ivory from last fall; wear in the same manner when it comes to knits like this Lands’ End cable turtleneck or this boucle cardigan from PJ Salvage. To dress up, style with soft gray or ivory; to make casual pair with dark denim.
• A sleeveless top is an easy way to incorporate Pink Quarts into your wardrobe now and have the piece easily transition into spring and summer.  This drapey shell with a grey print from Modcloth can be worn under a blazer or cardigan for the office or paired with skinny jeans for the weekend.  You can even wear with a grey sequined skirt for a night out!  This v-neck sleeveless blouse from Vince Camuto is a wardrobe workhorse; pair with trousers and skirts in black, navy, grey, ivory, cream, wine, or olive for the office.  Slip under your suit, or style with a pencil skirt and heels for Date Night.  A pale blush color like this is a great base for prints like snakeskin, leopard, and polka-dots.  The subtle shade keeps the print from looking too extreme for the office.
• A long-sleeve blouse or shirt is equally as versatile; this wrap-front blouse from BCBG Max Azria looks quite at home at the office; pair with pencil skirts, trousers of all cuts, and slip under blazers.  However, this is a top that can transition to after hours and weekends with ease by pairing with some “girlfriend” jeans and D'Orsay pointy toe flats or a pair of heels.  This relaxed boyfriend-style shirt from ASOS can accomplish the same things; tuck into trousers or a skirt for the office, but on the weekend wear untucked with faux leather leggings or half-tucked with girlfriend jeans.

How to Style Pink Quartz Jackets, Blazers, and Coats

As someone who doesn't wear pink regularly, I couldn't believe how versatile I found a blazer in such a color.  Pink Quartz is a shade that works well with a wardrobe of neutrals and will highlight black, white, and navy in a sophisticated manner different from jewel tones or primaries.

• Pink Quartz is a great alternative to neutrals and this trenchcoat from London Fog (has a detachable liner – perfect for travel!) proves it.  Just as versatile as beige but more fun, a classic shape and styling makes this a piece you can wear during Pantone's year of Pink Quartz but also stylishly don it for years to come.
• As I mentioned, I have found a pale pink blazer extremely versatile.  This open front blazer from Halogen has a modern cut and would look fantastic paired with your office trousers or slipped over a sheath dress, but could also look smart with jeans and a band tee or simple tank.  This Italian flannel blazer from Talbots has more classic of styling; wear to the office with a cashmere shell and trousers, or on the weekend with a Breton tee and dark denim.
• I love mixing tough with tender, and this faux leather moto jacket from GUESS does it well.  This would be fantastic over a black, grey, olive, or cream dress for the office, or slip over an oversized shirt or blouse and pair with skinny jeans and booties for the weekend.  Pale pink works well with other subtle shades; mix with nude, ivory, tan, dove grey, cadet blue, peach, and candle for an elegant and modern feel.

How to Style Pink Quartz Pants and Skirts

A bottom in Pink Quartz is a great way to wear this popular color now but have it transition nicely into the spring.  Pale colors like this may seem appropriate just for the warmer months but can be winterized quite easily.

• I adore this pink sequined pencil skirt from ELOQUII!  Pair with a black turtleneck, black tights and boots or booties; tuck in a crisp white shirt and add metallic pumps; wear with a band tee and booties; rock it with a classic striped tee and ankle boots.  A sequined pencil skirt, especially in a soft shade like Pink Quartz, can really go with much more than you would imagine.
• A pair of twill ankle pants in soft pink are equally as versatile.  These from Brooks Brothers are a classic fit and right now on sale for a very nice price.  Style now with a grey cashmere sweater and suede flats; when it warms some switch out the sweater for a denim shirt or a cotton pullover.
• A Pink Quartz skirt can be a great addition, even if it's not sequined!  This softly pleated one from ASOS is an easy addition.  Wear with boatneck, crewneck, or turtleneck sweaters (it would look darling peeking out of a chunky cableknit, or sleek with a fitted merino) and tights, pair with a cardigan and striped knit, style with a leather moto jacket or a crisp blazer for schoolgirl chic.
• I don't love colored denim… unless it's a skinny jeans like the NYDJ ‘Nichelle' ankle jean (though I also like these distressed skinnies from J Brand and these pull-on skinny jeans also from NYDJ).  Wear with a Breton top and flats, a chambray or denim shirt in any color wash with tan or grey suede ankle boots, with a black blazer and white v-neck and black flats, with a white silk blouse and metallic heels and statement necklace, with a cashmere turtleneck in a neutral and tall boots, with a band tee, grey or black boyfriend cardigan and Chucks.  The possibilities are endless!