7 Brides Who Totally Pulled Off Pastel Hair

1. Choose New Haircut or Color, Not Both

Changing up your hair is one of the most drastic and empowering changes a gal can make to her appearance. Hilary made the move by coloring her locks a gorgeous mermaid blue, then stopped there. While a bold color can be shocking, it’s still easier to soak in when paired with a signature cut. Play it safe and chose either a new cut or color for your initial makeover, then once you’re settled, see if an even bigger leap actually suits you.

2. Try Out Trends In Neutral Colors

Stepping outside of your sartorial comfort zone can be scary, so if you’re looking for one final push before you try a new look or jump on a trend, take Hil’s approach. We're loving satin skirts right now, but instead of wearing a crazy print or bright color, she opted for a burnt orange and white sweater, which makes her entire outfit feel chicer.

3. Add a Statement Lip to Your Look

Adding a daily pop of lipstick not only pulls together your look in an instant (score!), but gives you another way to show off major personality. Hilary’s been spotted more often than not with a red lip that complements her ear-to-ear smile and adds an element of classic beauty to her sometimes-edgy look. You can’t go wrong with a versatile red, but it’s not the only wear-everywhere statement-making shade out there: we’re swooning over spring’s corals, hot pinks and even moody berries too.

4. Brush Up on Easy Fashion Girl Hacks

One of the easiest ways to get noticed in the wardrobe you already have (aka the one your old self wore to death), is to wear it differently. Hilary’s picking up on savvy styling in this snap by draping her cardigan over her shoulders. Just like that, she looks all kinds of elegant (the fashion-girl move almost blinded us from noticing she’s sitting on the steps of her trailer — it’s that good). Apply these style hacks to your old clothes to give them new life: knot your tees, cuff your jeans, even wear your skirts over pants (seriously).

5. Don't Be Afraid To Mix It Up

Hilary does a great job of mixing different styles and patterns to create a 'fit that's all her own (like pairing a skater girl beanie and sweater with trousers and Mary Jane's). Don't be afraid to change up your usual outfit formulas to experiment with your style. As long as it feels like you, it's great!

1. Corset Gowns

Corsets have been taking over the fashion world, including bridal style! You can keep that sophisticated bridal style with the added texture of a corset top. With the off the shoulder straps and lace-up detail, it's an unexpected choice that's still super classy. (via Rebecca Schoneveld)

2. Lace Wedding Dresses

Lacy dresses have been around since the turn of the century, but designers are continuing to find ways to make them look brand new. The semi sheer look, slit, and strappy silhouette add a modern edge. Plus it has pockets! (via Rebecca Schoneveld)

3. Open Backs

Summer brides don't normally need to worry about it being too cold, so it's the perfect time to show a little more skin. A plunging neckline can be fashion forward and very flattering, but open backs or sides are where it's at this season. (via Rebecca Schoneveld)

4. Monochromatic Texture

What this trend may lack in color, it makes up for in appliqués, embroidery, and more. It's perfect for turning heads, but it won't clash with the decor, no matter your color palette. (via Rebecca Schoneveld)

5. Puff Sleeves

This dress is perfect for any bride who wants to feel like a princess on her wedding day. The asymmetrical pleats and leaf fabric design are great for gals who want to keep things romantic and chic at the same time. (via Rebecca Schoneveld)

6. Delicate Hair Accessories

Hair accessories aren't just limited to spring music festivals. We've seen tiaras, headbands, and decorated clips incorporated into wedding looks this year. Keep things simple by adding all the jewelry to one side of your 'do, but feel free to mix up pattern. (via Rebecca Schoneveld)

7. Simple Dresses + Statement Veils

With lots of brides opting for low-key dress designs, long and intricate veils are making a comeback. Decorated veils (like this starry one) are a fantastic way to add detail to your look without having to deal with a variety of other accessories. (via Rebecca Schoneveld)

8. Sheer Bodices

Embroidered floral bodices might be a bit out of your comfort zone, but with padding in the bust area and plunging sides, it's a classy and modern choice for any bride. (via Rebecca Schoneveld)

9. Minimalist Everything

Minimalism has been a lifestyle trend lately, and we predict that beautifully simple gowns will be new go-tos for brides. We love this tiered skirt and cinched bodice for any and all weddings this summer. (via Rebecca Schoneveld)

So let’s start from the beginning. Paris Geller (played by Liza Weil) joined the GG crew in Season 1, right as Rory Gilmore (the show’s sort-of protagonist) walked into Chilton Academy, a private school where Paris was attending, for her first day. A far cry from Rory’s relatively timid and soft-spoken personality, Paris tore up the screen with her high-strung personality and immediate rivalry with Rory (Rory did not feel the same), who Paris viewed as the only candidate who could possibly challenge her spot at the top of the class standing. As the year progresses, the two become friends, which of course Paris still highly questioned.

The rest of their high school experience is plagued with repeated ups and downs, from Paris’s parents’ highly publicized divorce to their joint student government campaign and, most notably, Paris’s C-SPAN meltdown, courtesy of a Harvard rejection fueled by what she can only assume to be wide-spread knowledge that she lost her virginity. Despite losing the Valedictorian slot to Rory (which Paris comes to terms with after finding out Salutatorians tend to be more successful), Paris walks across the graduation stage and accepts her diploma from the school’s headmaster, to which she iconically quips, “no hard feelings.”

Fast forward to Paris’s first year at Yale, a school she knew Rory was attending but had no intention of ever seeing again. Not to the surprise of Paris’s life coach, the two frenemies were placed together as suitemates, a pairing that ultimately served as a catalyst for lifelong friendship. Throughout college, Paris pursues pre-med and pre-law degrees, joins the Yale Daily News alongside Rory, dates an elderly professor (he passes away, leaving Paris to grieve), moves on with the editor of the Yale Daily News, Doyle McMaster, and potentially saves Rory from abandoning Yale forever by admitting to Lorelai that Rory is the only person who ever listened to her, challenged her and motivated her.

Paris then proceeds to become the editor of the Yale Daily News, a position in which her power-hungry tendencies took full-force, resulting in a forcible resignation, kick Rory out of their shared apartment, let Rory move back into their shared apartment (now with Doyle), be accepted to a slew of prestigious medical and law schools. She ultimately chose to attend med school and break up with Doyle, to which he refused, and tells Rory that they’re on their own but she can still do great things (Of course this doesn’t last, the two are meant to be best friends.)

Somehow this doesn't even scratch the surface of the character of Paris. As you can tell, Paris is a fiercely loyal, protective woman who fights for herself to no end. She (literally) doesn’t care what other people think (so long as they’re not within her immediate circle) and never stops pursuing her dreams, no matter how many times she probably should have. She is the epitome of feminism in modern television — perhaps taken to an extreme — and serves as a necessary counterweight to Rory’s floundering sense of self.

So long as she keeps her need for perfectionism in check, Paris has one of those few personality types whose wild ambition and outspokenness is directly beneficial to her success, a success that she, and only she, can define. Sure, she has an exaggerated sense of self-importance, but when balanced by Rory’s soft-but-straightforward approach, Paris can quickly reset, reevaluate and move forward.

That's the thing with Paris — she’s always moving forward. She doesn't get into Harvard? Tough. She takes a few days to wallow before considering her other options: Yale, Columbia and Princeton. She doesn’t know whether to choose med school or law school, so she takes stock of her bearings, reflects on her past dreams, and makes a clear, concise decision that she moves forward with.

Her brutally honest nature (both internally and externally) is exactly why Paris works. She’s generous when needed, comfortable with giving tough (and oftentimes tougher) love, is able to express vulnerability with the people she loves, doesn’t allow outside influences to affect her path and never let’s someone (especially a man) tell her she’s less than (*cough, cough*—Rory). For an early 2000s show, she showed women that there is power in education. There’s power in stepping away from a caretaker role. There’s power in expressing your opinion, no matter your age.

There’s no doubt in my mind that she’s inspired countless women over the years — after all, she’s inspired me! Even though she’s had her controversial moments, she’s always been a cheering voice for women, even if it’s behind her resting grimace. For these reasons, and so many more, I am hereby deeming Paris Geller the best of Gilmore Girls — the heroine, perhaps, and a feminist icon to all.