Easter is about a week away and in many western tradition, people put on their best new outfits on that Sunday. According to fashion critic Robin Givhan, the history of the Easter ensemble derives from the philosophy of wearing one's Sunday best to the glory of God. 

"On Easter, style expectations are ratcheted up several degrees in recognition of the day's outsize religious significance. There's an element of spring fever, too, in the way that the Easter wardrobe serves as a harbinger of daffodils and tulips -- no matter if there is often a bone-piercing chill in the air and, occasionally, snow on the ground," Givhan wrote in the Washington Post. 

In the 1870s, the tradition of the New York Easter Parade began. This is where women put on their newest and most fashionable clothing walked between the beautiful gothic churches on Fifth Avenue. The parade became one of the premier events of fashion design, a precursor to New York Fashion Week, if you will. It was famous around the country, and people who were poor or from the middle class would watch the parade to witness the latest trends in fashion design. Soon, clothing retailers leveraged the parade's popularity and used Easter as a promotional tool in selling their garments. By the turn of the century, the holiday was as important to retailers as Christmas is today.

But more than that, these traditions which included spring cleaning and wearing new clothes to signify renewal and optimism are similar to what the Chinese observed and practiced to celebrate the coming of spring.This symbolises not only new beginnings but also an indication that being thankful that they have more than what they need. 

Speaking of Spring and Easter, we wanted to highlight four colours that are not only on trend this year, but also in line with the welcoming of the spring season and Easter. 

It's time to be in pastel...

1. Rose Quartz

Name one of two Colour of the Year by Pantone, Rose Quartz is a soft pink that is calming and pretty feminine. Tip: If you can't get exact colour matches, go for blush tones or very light pink. 

To off-set the girly look, go with something rugged. Pairing a soft pink/rose quartz top with a pair of denim skinnies will give the look some edge. 

(clockwise, from left) Balmain quilted jacket; Lanvin satin bow pumps; Valentino satin diamante evening bag; Sabina Barone quartz chandelier earrings.

2. Limpet Shell Blue

A shade of aqua that leans toward the green family, Limpet Shell is clear, clean and defined. Suggestive of clarity and freshness, its crisp and modern influences evoke a deliberate, mindful tranquility.

A somewhat similar shade was made famous by Oscar-winning actress Lupito Nyuong'o at the Oscars two years ago. The shade of her Prada gown was named Nairobi Blue.

This looks great on its own or as accents to a black ensemble. While

(clockwise, from left) Chloé leather jacket; Jimmy Choo patent leather pumps; Smythson travel wallet; Lalique Crystal glass earrings

3. Buttercup Yellow

To contrast the majority of the Spring/Summer palette trends that leaned more toward calmness, a few diversions from the theme emerge that offer a contrast. With Buttercup yellow, there is a symbolism of a shining beacon; a happier, sunnier disposition.

Great tip: Start your Monday by wearing a top or a dress  in this bright Buttercup Yellow shade. Colours can be a form of therapy and the brightness of this hue will chase the blues away. 

(clockwise, from left) Hermès Birkin in Jaune; L'wren Scott sheath dress; (unbranded) Citrine ring; Lanvin Patent stretch flats