Pink’s New Look

Left: A denim jacket with bell sleeves takes the sweetness out of pink. $345, farfetch.com. Right: From Victoria Beckham for Target, a fuchsia twill tank top ($26) and matching flared trousers ($40), target.com.

Left: See life a little rosier in shades with pink/plum frames ($99) from seeeyewear.com and locations in D.C., Pittsburgh and suburban Philadelphia. Right: Get a bright pink pout from an easy-to-apply lip crayon. $37, chanel.com.

You’ve gotta be in the black to splurge on this petal-pink Runwell bicycle ($2,950) from shinola.com and 1631 14th Street NW, D.C.

Left: Don’t save these SJP fuchsia satin pumps for dressy occasions; pair with blue denim for an unexpected pop of color. $395, netaporter.com. Right: From the new Coach and Rodarte limited edition collection, a pink shoulder bag studded with floral appliqués and brass, coach.com.

Left: Shocking pink Kayu straw clutch with red stone top closure. $205, modaoperandi.com. Right: Not so sure about pink, pair a wrap dress ($95, &otherstories.com and 3241 M St. NW.) and with a black leather moto jacket.

Left: The ideal spring layering piece made of a lightweight, semi-sheer blend of cotton, cashmere and silk. $145, cuyana.com. Right: Silk-satin trench coat from Michael Lo Sordo is a scene stealer. Tone the bright pink down with navy underneath. $910, netaporter.com.

FLASH BACK to Kay Thompson playing the editor of a fashion magazine in 1957’s “Funny Face.” “Banish the black,” she commands and declares that in her next fashion spread, “Everything goes pink!” Fast forward to spring 2017 when Thompson’s same dictum is on trend. Fashion’s fascination with pink is making its statement on everything from dresses, jackets and coats to handbags, hats and shoes.

Skeptical?  Well, consider the pink, cat-eared pussy hats worn at the women’s protest marches in D.C. and other cities this past January. And that tomorrow, April 12, is the International Day of Pink, a day to celebrate diversity and raise awareness about all forms of bullying.

Pink doesn’t have to be saccharine sweet, too girly or clichéd.  Find a  shade that flatters you and stick with clean-lined shapes. Stay away from ruffles. Use shocking pink bags and shoes as wardrobe energizers. And, if the thought of pink gives you hives, wear that wrap dress or satin trench over black or navy.

See our roundup of pink clothing and accessories to surprise your wardrobe with this spring.

—Janet Kelly
Janet Kelly recently posted about  spring-ready coats and jackets.