How Dark-Skinned Men Can Rock Pastels with Style

A Styling Guide by CandidMen

Pastels - those soft, ice-cream-like shades of lavender, mint, blush, or sky blue—aren’t just for brides anymore. They’ve taken over Indian menswear too. But for men with deeper, melanin-rich skin tones, wearing pastels can feel risky:

“Will I look washed out?”

“Is it too feminine?”

“Will it suit my body tone?”

At CandidMen, we’ve styled thousands of Indian men for weddings and special occasions, and here’s what we know: pastels can look unbelievably elegant on dark-skinned men - when done right.

This guide will help you wear pastel suits, bandhgalas, sherwanis, Indo-westerns, and kurta-bandi sets with absolute confidence.

Why Pastels Work for Dark Skin (With a Twist)

Dark skin naturally offers *contrast, which means pastels can **pop beautifully*—but only when styled with depth and balance. The mistake most men make? Wearing flat pastel fabrics without layers, contrast, or texture, which causes the color to blend into the skin tone.

So the goal is: Pair softness with structure. Contrast with richness.

HOW TO WEAR PASTELS BY OUTFIT CATEGORY

1. Pastel Suits

Perfect for summer weddings, formal receptions, and cocktail functions.

Best Colors

• Powder blue
• Dusty rose
• Mauve-lilac
• Mint green (for semi-formal)

Styling Tips

• Go for *2-piece or 3-piece suits* in pastel tones with *textured or shiny fabric* (avoid thin poly-cotton).
• Anchor the pastel with a *darker pocket square*, lapel pin, or brooch.
• Add depth with brown/tan loafers-not black.

Don’t wear pastel suits at night unless there’s strong ambient lighting or photography.

2. Pastel Bandhgalas

An excellent pick for grooms and brothers-of-the-bride.

Best Colors

• Sage green
• Lavender
• Cream-peach with gold embroidery

Styling Tips

• Choose bandhgalas with embroidered collars or metallic buttons to break monotony.
• Opt for asymmetrical cuts or jacket lapel detailing to add structure.
• Pair with darker churidar or jodhpur trousers to avoid a “washed-out” look.

Looks stunning when paired with light gold or ivory juttis.

3. Pastel Sherwanis

Ideal for grooms who want a subtle-yet-regal look.

Best Colors

• Blush pink
• Pistachio green
• Light beige with pastel embroidery

Styling Tips

• Layer with embroidered dupattas or contrast safa (turban) in maroon, gold, or rust.
• Add a statement brooch or layered mala to create royal contrast.
• Choose sherwanis with tone-on-tone threadwork or zari for depth.

Pastel sherwanis shine best in *day weddings or outdoor venues*.

4. Pastel Indo-Western Outfits

Great for sangeets, receptions, or haldi-mehendi events.

Best Colors

• Ice blue
• Dusty peach
• Pale lavender with darker piping

Styling Tips

• Go for angled hems, pleated silhouettes, or structured shoulders.
• Add contrast buttons or dark drapes (maroon, navy, bottle green).
• Metallic detailing (in rose gold or antique gold) adds polish.

Pair with ivory mojaris and a matching pocket square to complete the look.

5. Kurta-Bandi Sets in Pastels

Perfect for guests, haldi ceremonies, or intimate events.

Best Colors

• Lilac
• Powder mint
• Light coral

Styling Tips

• Choose coordinated kurta-bandi sets, not standalone pastels.
• The bandi (vest) should have texture—like quilted cotton, embroidery, or vertical patterns.
• Pair with white or cream churidars (we provide full sets for try-on).

Pro styling touch: Match your bride's outfit tone subtly using pastel accent embroidery - not full-on matching.

What to Avoid with Pastels (Especially on Dark Skin)

• Flat pastel cotton without lining or detailing - it’ll blend into your skin.
• All-pastel looks with no anchor - always add depth through accessories or structure.
• Silver accessories - opt for gold or rose gold to match warm undertones.
• Low-light venues - pastels may look faded unless well lit.

Bonus: Pastel Coordination with Bride’s Outfit

If your bride is wearing a pastel lehenga (like lavender, blush, mint):

Don’t wear the exact same pastel. Instead, go for:

A deeper tone of her pastel (e.g., she wears blush → you wear mauve)

Contrast neutrals with a pastel accent (e.g., ivory sherwani with pastel safa)

Textural match over color match (e.g., both wear chikankari or floral embroidery)

This shows you're in sync without looking like twins.

Real Outfit Ideas (All Available at CandidMen)

Final Word

Dark-skinned men CAN rock pastels - you just need the right layering, texture, and styling support. At CandidMen, we specialize in helping you look premium and on-trend for every function, without the stress of shopping or tailoring.

Or visit our Delhi, Hyderabad, or Bangalore showrooms

Get styled by experts who know how to work with your skin tone