Wearing pink for a date seems about as unexpected as wearing sequins on New Year’s Eve. But then we saw gorgeous blush looks on Alexa Chung and Cate Blanchett, and we began to reevaluate our aversion to the color. Seen on the runways of countless cool designers (including Alexander Wang and Isabel Marant), this universally flattering hue is making a comeback that is infinitely hipper than in seasons past. We’ve rounded up plenty of inspiring pink outfits, from the red carpet to the street, that read “downtown” rather than “ladies who lunch”. Click through to see them all and snap up some of our editor-approved blush separates.

For more Valentine’s Day stories, gift ideas, and giveaways, click here.

Alexa Chung

For the London launch of her eyeliner collaboration with Eyeko, Chung wore a Burberry Prorsum Double Angora and Wool Caban Coat ($2595), Burberry Prorsum English Lace Tiled Shirt ($795), Burberry Prorsum English Trellis Lace Pencil Skirt ($995) and the brand’s Metal Bow Detail Kitten Wedges ($795).

Tip: A buttoned up shirt and pencil skirt combination make girly pink feel cool. Mussed hair and a leopard print shoe give it an edge.   

Suki Waterhouse

At the BAFTA Los Angeles Britannia Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in November, Waterhouse wore Emilia Wickstead’s Miranda Dress (no longer available) with pearl detailing and matching pale pink pumps. The textured fabric and mock turtleneck bring the color into chic territory.

Tip: Barely-there makeup with a slick, low bun oozes self-confidence.

Cate Blanchett

Unsurprisingly, Blanchett took another red carpet by storm, choosing a Givenchy S/S 14 draped halter-neck gown for the Screen Actors Guild Awards on January 18th. The muted sequin trim on the bodice and halter give a futuristic twist to the traditional Grecian silhouette.

Tip: A modern cut prevents pink from feeling too sweet.

Zosia Mamet

To celebrate the UK premiere of Girls, Mamet chose a strapless, blush jumpsuit from Elisabetta Franchi’s F/W 13 collection. The gentle color and rich fabric looked chic with minimal accessories and a brown, smokey eye.

Tip: A strapless, body skimming jumpsuit requires virtually no extras. Nude pumps, a stack of delicate rings, and a pave bracelet will do the trick.

Fashion Zen

This look demonstrates how texture cuts the sweetness of this color. Try a fluffy topper like this one over a basic blouse and skirt combination.

Fashion Zen

Arty Filles

Instead of reaching for a camel coat, try a blush topper—like the Zara Studio version pictured here—to soften a leather shift dress and basic black pants.

Arty Filles 

Eat. Sleep. Wear.

Rather than relying on red or orange for a pop of color, choose a pink scarf and sunglasses to wake up your basics. Finish with a cat-eye liner and heeled ankle boots for your next drinks date.

Eat Sleep Wear 

Vanessa Jackman

The chunky, open weave sweater reads low-maintenance, while the blush color adds a dash of femininity. Perfect for wearing with leather pants or jeans for a casual date.

Vanessa Jackman 

Balmain Spring Summer 2014

Chloe Spring Summer 2014

Isabel Marant Spring Summer 2014

Alexander Wang Spring Summer 2014

Blazer:

Pair this jacket with a white crew-neck tee and leather pants.

By Malene Birger Brinda Stretch Jersey Blazer ($575) Pale Pink 

Dress:

Pair this dress with a sleek gray coat and ankle boots.

Rachel Antonoff Grace Dress ($268) Pale Pink 

Tee:

Pair this blush tee with skinny jeans and a leather jacket.

Iro Clay Tee ($136) in Light Pink 

Pajama Blouse:

Pair this blouse with gray jeans and stilettos.

10 Crosby Derek Lam Double Collar Blouse ($138) in Light Pink 

Peter Pan Top:

Pair this top with a flippy skirt and cardigan.

Accompany Shimmering Wood Pulp Blouse ($118) in Bird of Paradise 

Pants:

Pair these pants with a concert tee and a denim jacket.

Jennfer Lopez at Kohls Cuffed Chiffon Pants ($54) in Blush 

Sweater:

Pair this sweater with a pencil skirt and lace-up heels.

Zara Cable Knit Sweater ($60) Pink 

Pencil Skirt:

Pair this pencil skirt with a charcoal v-neck sweater.

River Island Lace Pencil Skirt ($75) in Light Pink 

Clutch:

Pair this clutch with a bateau-striped sweater and black pants.

Kotur Margo Tulle Floral Applique Clutch ($495) in Light Pink 

Sandals:

Pair these sandals with boyfriend jeans and a filmy blouse.

Marian Sandals ($197) in Peach

Coat:

Pair this coat with a leather shift dress.

Sheinside Notch Lapel Long Sleeve Pockets Coat ($59) in Beige