Pink dresses are the best way to embrace summer's most mood-boosting shade

It’s set to be one of Autumn 2022’s biggest colour stories. But right now, any one of GLAMOUR’s edit of the best pink dresses will become your smartest fashion buy of the entire year - and beyond. 

For Autumn, Valentino dedicated an entire collection to the peppy colour. Creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli created a specific shade - PP pink - which has been registered by the international colour matching service, Pantone. There were countless other evidences of pink in every hue at Versace, Michael Kors Collection, Burberry, Chanel, Lanvin, Richard Quinn and Prada. Pink looks particularly striking worn head-to-toe, if you’re looking for a modern way to wear the shade.

But if you want to mix it up, what colours can you wear with pink? Pink is a particularly versatile shade... For a delicious colour mix, wear hot pink with emerald green or pale pink with mint or lime (try it, it really works.) Other similar toned pastels like lilac, peach or sky blue will offset light pink shades and crisp white is a winner with every shade of pink on the spectrum. A white blazer slung over a hot pink silk slip dress (plus strappy white sandals) is a seriously cool way to dress for cocktails. 

Pink is a perfect pair for the cottagecore trend. Albaray’s square-neck dress is a winner all summer long, while Sister Jane’s dress features an adorable bow at the back. But, like we said, pink is versatile. It's time to shelve any notion that pink = ‘girly.’ 

Up until WW2, pink was mainly worn by baby boys, so the concept it's a ‘female’ shade is only a recent invention. Strong shocking pink, fuchsia or magenta can make a major statement in a simple silhouette (they were the catwalk's favourite pink tones) and they feel as powerful as a black dress, any day. Pink has also been proven to have a calming effect on us, mentally, and wearing pink close to your face is as much of a boost to any skintone as a dose of blusher. Talk about dopamine dressing. Also, pink is such a happy shade, you can't help but smile when you see it, or gas up your friends if they choose the cheery colour for their outfits…