These are not your great-aunt’s pastels.

By now, we all know that florals and pastels for spring aren’t an original idea. But, this year, the tones have taken a turn. They’re on the edge between pastel and something more vibrant. Often, the pastel effect comes from the textures of the materials or the overlaid effects in designs.

Personally, I’ve been favoriting a mono-tone layering. Think light pink with crimson or lavender with periwinkle. I find something in the same color but, a different hue.

I’m also noticing a lot of colorways that are inspired by nature — gardens, deserts, and lakefronts. The colors feel like they’re pulled from a setting.