Pink is a more contentuous colour than any other; some love it, some hate it but most are shrug–the–shoulders ambiguous about it. Most don’t really mind it but when there is a perfectly good non-pink palette of colours out there to choose from most will give it a wide berth. To me it evokes childhood memories of spun sugar coloured starched frilly dresses, sherbet hued bunny rabbits and sparkly fuchsia tiaras - all things I vehemently disliked as uncool.

Since I was a tomboy, pink only crept into my life around 18, when I developed an obsession with the 80s. Living in the East Village of New York City listening to punk rock and early electronic music while vintage shopping Patti Smith and Blondie sartorial references, pink came in as a sash here and Nars Schiap lipstick there - gateways that led to a patent kitten heel and then full blown crystal encrusted bodycon worn with a military jacket . Slowly my perception of the colour changed until it became a hue that akin to red gets one noticed.

This season, pink plays on the 70s with dusks and dirty pinks, paired against browns, floral prints, or traffic-stopping brights.

Above: Long sleeves and a covered up decolletage balance this dress out perfectly with its mini length in an outrageously decadent pink. Alex Perry dress, Gianvito Rossi sandals and Alexander McQueen clutch from Miss Louise.


Balance out a pretty dress with studs and flat, mannish sandals. Balenciaga dress and Valentino bag from Cosette and Coach sandals.

Choose dusky pinks when pairing with suede and browns then add a brighter coloured accessory for a touch of unexpected pop. Lover bra and shirt, Frame Denim culottes from Edward Imports, Max Mara bag, Mania Mania crystal necklace and vintage Prada sandals.

Pale pink doesn’t need to be sweet – it is a modern shade that plays well with neutrals and monochrome. Nicholas skirt, Gary Bigeni top and Chloe wedges

Photographed by Alice Wesley-Smith

Pink has turned subversive this season in the many incarnations that bear interesting names; there is powder pink, sideshow rose, new york pink, champagne pink and silver pink that work beautifully tonally with the quirkily named beiges such as desert sand and cosmic latte, brown shades such as camel, fawn and wheat, whites such as ivory, seashell and linen and that is without even getting into equally gorgeous shades of taupes or greys!

Truly the possibilities are endless and the combinations so incredibly complimentary and utterly chic, that the new nude is not only a new world of countless amalgamations but a trend that looks timeless, expensive, pulled together and stylish.

This powdery pastel pink dress, above, is like the 21st century rendition of a sexy Studio 54 number with it’s voluminous sleeves and daring thigh split – just made for cutting the rug! (Dion Lee dress, Dawn is Mine choker, Christian Louboutin shoes)

The perfect dress for work must be one that strikes a balance between feminine, sharp, practical and chic – this one, above left, covers all the bases plus it’s a slick light shade of slate. Pair with nudes for an immaculate tonal finish. (Karen Walker dress, Emilio Pucci bag, Stuart Weitzman shoes)

The best way to accessorise nudes this season is with gold tone jewellery, pops of bright red and rose flushed cheeks. (Clockwise from bottom left: OPI nail lacquer in Big Apple Red, Dawn is Mine choker, Pushmataaha serpent bracelet, Twenty One Degrees seahorse bangle, Dior Diorblush cheek creme in Bikini, Mac lipstick in Lady Danger, Mania Mania necklace, Monica Vinader bracelet)

3 more looks await on Vogue.com.au here!

Spring is nearly upon us here in the southern hemisphere and with it the new season. Let's talk about some of the upcoming trends in fashion and make up all the while utilising jewellery star Ryan Storer's gorgeous new season pieces.

White out with sheer chiffon that shimmers. Best paired with a cream fisherman's sweater , romantic white lace or poking underneath grungy layers. Use Yves Saint Laurent's Dare to Glow Voile Fondant Illuminateur in Naughty Pink to highlight the brows, cheekbones and cupid's lip and finish with with Tom Ford's lipstick in Blush Nude. Add a suitably beautiful statement earring for a look that is more fallen angel than saint.

Pink carries on into the next season as the shade du jour. Yes pink is romantic, feminine and pretty but it can also be punk and tough - it is exactly this versatility that is it's greatest allure. Add tough luxe accessories like this vicious ear cuff and toughen up a too -safe outfit , then finish off with some grey eyeshadow like the Fashion shade in Too Faced eyeshadow collection and Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Paimpol.

The new season has gone to dots! Stripes are out as all things polka dotted take the crown as the new print du jour. Let the lip lead the way whilst you keep the rest of the make up minimal. Train Bleu lip pencil by Nars is a modern way to wear a classic matte lip - it's more beautiful than it is gothic. Add an edge with a stunning neck cuff and all eyes will be on you.
Fabrics from Broadwick Silks London, bikini top Dolce and Gabbana .

All jewellery by Ryan Storer
Self shot using the Nikon D7000