In life, it’s easier to do something if you’re clear about the reason you are doing it. Right now you are finding out about the pastel clothing trend because wearing it will make you cool. You will be in style, up-to-date and on-trend. But all this might be pretty meaningless until you look at it this way; wearing clothes that show you know what’s what in the style stakes might make you a hit with women, and other men might respect you. Sorry, even more of a hit with the ladies, and even more respected. Of course.

First off, let’s get one thing straight. No one is asking you to get in touch with your feminine side, so just calm down. You may not believe it but you can wear pastel colours in a masculine way, and you’re about to find out how.

Many of the latest trends for men mix up traditional style categories: take the printed shirts that combine a masculine cut with floral patterns, or the male re-imagining of the classic woman’s staple piece, the belted mac, as seen in Louis Vuitton’s A/W 2012-2013 collection. New styles, such as the polo shirts available from High and Mighty men’s clothing retailers now combine sporty, masculine shapes with easy-to-wear, flattering pastel shades.

These two terms are key. To get the most wear out of an item of clothing you want it to go with as many different pieces from your wardrobe as possible – ie, be easy to wear. While a bright orange suit jacket may make you stand out in a crowd, you’ll pretty much have to dress all in black to balance it out. Pastel colours can go together without looking clashy, or can be worn with whites, blacks, denims, or even with a splash of bright colour if you’re the type who likes to be one step ahead of the game.

Unlike that aforementioned bright orange suit jacket, pastel clothing are flattering so won’t leave you looking washed out. While you want to look on-trend, you don’t want the trend to be wearing you! Pastel yellows can play up a tan, making you look healthier, while light pinks can add warmth to a paler complexion. If you wouldn’t know your complexion from your elbow, just try out a few colours and you’ll see straight away which ones bring out the colour of your eyes/make you look younger/play down those dodgy grey strands in your beard.

If you’re not feeling ready to jump straight in to the peachy-toned sweaters, how about starting yourself off with a powder blue shirt or blazer? That way, if you’re out with the guys you’re simply wearing a light denim-style shirt, what of it? But if there are ladies present: “Yeah, I am rocking the latest pastel trend, thanks for noticing.”