How To Pull Off Those Tricky Pantone Pastels

In December, Pantone announced that Rose Quartz and Serenity were to be the Colors of The Year for 2016. Now, pastels can be sorta intimidating, but I promise you that these two pair amazingly well in an outfit. In fact, I'm gonna go ahead and say that Rose Quartz and Serenity are the only two colors that you need to be wearing. While they may look great on their own, they look even better together. Putting the two of them together is the easy way to upgrade your style in 2016.

According to Pantone's website, the two colors pair well because they "demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace." From a fashion perspective, these colors work well as a pair, because they are both soft, muted shades that don't overpower one another. They are simple enough to be understated, yet elegant enough to make an impact. Wondering how you can wear Pantone's latest color choices? Here are seven ways to rock them from head to toe in 2016.

1. Putting On The Glitz

Top, $40, glamorous.com; Pants, $168, net-a-porter.com; Shoes, $420, matchesfashion.com; Bag, $306, harveynichols.com; Watch, $645, ca.forzieri.com; Earrings, $50, silkfred.com; Bracelet,, $100, tradesy.com; Sunglasses, $570, avenue32.com

Shine bright from head to toe with this show-stopping outfit.

2. Pinking Of You

Sweater, $43, withchic.com; Pants, $20, zara.com; Shoes, $150, jades24.com; Tote, $2,767, farfetch.com; Earrings, $32, lastcall.com; Bull Ring, $17, nordstromrack.com; Gold Ring, $497, theoutnet.com; Sunglasses, $1,105, neimanmarcus.com

Cozy clothing has never been so on-trend. Mix and match different textures and styles to create the perfect lazy-day outfit.

3. Jackie O'My

Dress, $1,750, Stylebop.com; Coat, $63, choies.com; Shoes, $140, styletrend.com.au; Purse, $1,390, stylebop.com; Earrings, $44 nordstrom.com; Necklace, $26, johnlewis.com; Sunglasses, $457, fwrd.com

Upgrade the traditional Jackie O look by adding more structured pieces — and Pantone 2016 colors, of course!

4. Yachting About

Shirt, $32, withchic.com; Shorts, $175, stylebop.com; Shoes, $69, lordandtaylor.com; Purse, $295, nordstrom.com; Watch Set, $175, nordstrom.com; Sunglasses, $110, spenceclothing.com

Add a bit of prep to your step by pairing casual oxford-style shoes with pleated shorts and a chambray button-down.

5. Business Casual

Blazer, $225, yoox.com; Pants, $335, theoutnet.com; Top, $32, riverisland.com; Shoes, $115, johnlewis.com; Bag, $1,390, nordstrom.com; Ring, $92, theiconic.com.au; Bracelet, 1stdibs.com; Necklace, $60, nordstrom.com

Who said office attire had to be boring? Step up your traditional work outfit by adding a fun pair of printed pants paired with structured jewelry and a textured clutch.

6. Wishing For Spring

Top, $295, stylebop.com; Skirt, $57, houseoffraser.co.uk; Shoes, $23, lulus.com; Clutch, $70, lastcall.com; Necklace, $245, neimanmarcus.com; Ring, $68, metroparkusa.com

One of my favorite ways to wear the Pantone colors is paired with similar, brighter colors. I love the way this offsets the more muted tones. Add some edgy jewelry, and you'll turn heads in no time.

7. Girl About Town

Top, $76, theoutnet.com; Cape, $845, bonadrag.com; Pants, $430, matchesfashion.com; Shoes, $150, jades24.com; Crossbody Purse, $140, tradesy.com; Earrings, $131, notonthehighstreet.com; Watch, $44, oasis-stores.com

Dream about spring with this gorgeous outfit.

Clearly, these two shades were meant to be a pair.

Images: polinaloves/Fotolia; emily-mcclure/Polyvore