Cometh the Spring, cometh the sugary colours – and it’s no different this season. Catwalk confections of lilac, lemon and lace were a big feature at the Spring Summer 2013 shows and are almost an even bigger feature now as they hit shop floors. But, pretty as they are, pastels often throw up some dressing conundrums – pairing them together (as this season dictates) can prove a bit of a sartorial minefield, choosing the right shape for a lemon yellow lace confection, another – and how to do head to toe pink when you’re past the age of 12, yet another still. Luckily, pastels for 2013 come with slight modifications. Texture, colour blocking and minimal shapes all play a part in dragging them out of little girl territory and into the here and rather hip now. Here are three catwalk inspired ways we’ll be working the look. Click through our gallery for images of the looks detailed below.

1. Try a bit of texture: Taking your cue from Erdem, the young British designer and current king of lace, textured pastels (be they lace or jacquard) lend a little bit of edge to a simple, pretty coloured shift. Throw in some colour popping accessories and a pair of minimal shoes, and you’ll add just enough edge to your outfit to counterbalance the sweet.  Images: Catwalk, Erdem SS13, Innes embroidered organza dress by Erdem, white Givenchy heels and agate earrings by Kenneth Jay Lane all at www.net-a-porter.com, floral jacquard dress by Osman at www.matchesfashion.com and Kotur’s Margo fluorescent jacquard minaudière available here.

2.  Minimal chic: One way of making sure your pastels still mean business is by opting for sleek, minimal looks in soft neutral colours that are as slick and they are pretty. Mrs Beckham is the champion of this look, of simple, structured shift dresses cut with sporty details and that fall beneath the knee. Finish with sleek chrome accessories (that lend a touch of the tough,) and you’re set. Images: Catwalk, Victoria Beckham SS13, nude silk Emilio Pucci dress and Roland Mouret Belmont dress at www.net-a-porter.com, Joomi Lim crystal and spike earrings from www.matchesfashion.com, Everly pumps by J Crew and Kotur Morley in embossed metal croc available here.

3. Trophy Trousers: As Jenna Lyons at J Crew has been ably modelling for seasons now, there’s nothing like a statement trouser to spruce up a daytime outfit. Jacquard pastel pants with a touch of the brights about them work well colour blocked with similar shades to give a look that’s pretty but not too dressy. Pair yours with a simple silk tee and some vintage inspired accessories and you have the look down pat. Images: Catwalk, J Crew SS13, jacquard trousers by www.topshop.com, silk T shirt Theyskens Theory at www.matchesfashion.com, nude pumps by J Crew, necklace from Aurelie Bidermann at www.net-a-porter.com, and Kotur JB Renna sequinned Bonnet available here.