In the pink

When it comes to formal and occasion-wear, hot pink isn’t typically a first choice. But as Kim Kardashian proved, this colour can be quite versatile

Kim Kardashian’s maiden turn as the host of Saturday Night Live made waves for more than one reason — the first, most obvious, was her self-aware and surprisingly self-deprecating, tongue-in-cheek monologue. The second was the parade of hot pink Balenciaga pieces she wore throughout the day. From a long puffy, sports-inspired coat, to a fitted catsuit overlaid with a boxy blazer, to a feather-and-spandex number for the after-party, Kardashian demonstrated the versatility of the colour, while staying true to her signature aesthetic. “As a colour, hot pink is vibrant and denotes enthusiasm and playfulness. It is energetic and can be sported by both men and women in various ways, in formal, casual and occasion-wear,” says image consultant and personal branding expert Mihika Bhanot. 

Mark Ronson’s all-pink suit. Pic/Facebook

Pair it right

Hot pink works well with lighter neutrals such as cream, beige, or even grey, Bhanot explains. While these shades tone down the pink, darker shades like black or navy blue will further accentuate it. Choose the rest of the outfit based on the look you’re aiming for. Bhanot adds that the hot pink element of your outfit should be the ‘inspiration piece’, based on which you build the rest of your look. Other colours that pair well with hot pink are dark green, or other vibrant colours such as neon yellow, turquoise or cobalt blue, or even orange, which creates a very trendy colour-blocking effect, suggests fashion stylist Mitali Ambekar.

As accents

In very corporate settings, hot pink can make an appearance in accessories, as an accent colour. “A hot pink tie or belt, for instance, when paired with a relative sombre suit, can let you showcase your personality while still adhering to a stricter dress code,” Ambekar says. If you work in a creative field, Bhanot recommends using a slightly larger splash of hot pink, in the form of a tee, for instance, that’s paired with printed pants and a solid blazer. She recommends choosing prints that have smaller motifs, to avoid the piece competing for attention with the hot pink element of your outfit.

Mitali Ambekar and Mihika Bhanot

Bold and monochromatic

In a stark move away from the more sedate colours that were typical of formal setting, hot pink suits are quickly gaining in popularity in the power dressing arena. Take American politician Nancy Pelosi, who is partial to her pink pantsuits, which she colour-coordinates with matching masks, or singer Mark Ronson who recently wore a hot pink suit to the red carpet. “Monochromatic looks can streamline your silhouette and are quite flattering. If you aren’t ready to jump into the deep end of the all-hot pink pool as yet, wear a tonal look where you combine complimentary shades of pink — the lighter shades soften the look, with the brighter tones acting as the highlight of your ensemble,” says Ambekar. She also suggests sporting the colour in athleisure looks, such as tracksuits for both genders.

Up the drama

Since hot pink is a very eye-catching colour, it pairs excellently with other pieces that have a dramatic flair, says Bhanot: “Ruffled and pleated skirts, distressed jeans and bell-bottom pants, for instance, all work well with a hot pink top. You can contrast a hot pink top with another pop of colour in the form of bright footwear and wear a more muted bottom to let these be the focal points of your look.”

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