You don’t need to be a fashion expert to look cute! Here is some wardrobe inspiration any mom can use.
I’m going to be honest with you – I don’t know my color type. I’m not familiar with the differences between dark winter color palettes. However, I do know how to use a search engine, and I am aware of the colors that work best for me.
If you have a will to learn and a natural curiosity for what looks best on you, you’re on the right track!
Take it from me. I’m a mom to two beautiful children. I have struggled with dressing a very pregnant belly and the ever-changing body that is postpartum. And I learned that as my children grew (read: became mobile), I needed more forgiving fabrics that could withstand new demands.
I felt like every few months, my wardrobe was changing, and I had to trudge through a thrift store just to find something that “worked.” In short, it took a while for me to feel “cute” again.
I hope that this blog post encourages you to keep things simple, but take the risk of trying something new. I think that you’ll find just trying something new (and actually buying it for yourself!) may give you some confidence, joy, and peace.
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Table of Contents
Fashion Breakdown – Deep Winter Color Palette
Gallery – Deep Winter Palette Outfits
Deep Autumn Color Palette – Compare and Contrast
What I’m Working With
Y’all know that I am a brunette. What you might not know is that I have an olive skin tone. That means, ideally, I actually work better in dark autumn color palettes.
If you are either of those things, many of the outfit colors and inspiration I write about in this blog post will work for you. If you aren’t either of those things, scroll to take a look at how you can apply what I’m writing about in this blog post.
But what’s fashion if it isn’t exploration and trying new things?
I adapted an open-hand approach to fashion after I became a mom. With every baby, my body changed. When I had to change my diet to improve my health, my body changed.
Change, coupled with encouragement from older women, helped me to see that dwelling on whatever size I thought was ideal was a waste of time. When that gave way, I realized that I didn’t need to focus on any particular cut, color, or style, either.
Don’t get me wrong – I have my favorites. There are particular styles or brands I seek out over others. But I’m not beholden to anything. And I’m always willing to try something on.
What is a Deep Winter Color Palette? Fashion Breakdown
According to fashion and color theories, if you do not have dark hair and a pale skin tone, you can’t work with a dark winter palette. I say try something before you say you don’t like it.
Navy is a color that looks beautiful on anyone. If you find a brand or a texture that flatters you, try a piece out in navy and see if it suits you. Especially if you go thrifting as I do! You don’t have to be destined to a deep winter color palette because of the genes God gave you to enjoy any of these tips, jewelry, or pieces.
That being said, let’s better understand what we’re talking about.
A deep winter color palette focuses on high-contrast, deeply saturated colors. Think charcoal grey, navy blue, cranberry red, and emerald green.
The contrast focuses on the wearer’s dark hair and pale skin tone (hello, winter!), but silver and platinum metals also provide contrast.
For all my blonde friends, you can achieve the same icy appearance, but it’s key that you focus on those deep colors and avoid neutrals like beige or brassy tones. Fashion experts say neutrals can lean toward washed-out looks.
A deep winter fashion palette almost has a focus on luxury. So when considering textures and fabrics, consider velvet or leather. Silk and heavy wool also make the list. These fabrics are perfect for the coldest months of the year – especially wool!
Neutrals in the deep winter color palette include off-white, black, charcoal grey, and navy blue.
Finally, if the idea of mixing and matching stresses you out, choose a flattering dress or a beautiful coat in one color. That pop of color makes a statement!
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A Note on Skin Color
I’ve touched on this already, but it bears repeating – some rules were meant to be broken.
With search engines, it’s all too simple to see what others have written about when it comes to fashion advice. I encourage you to search a deep winter color palette and your skin tone, and see what inspiration pops up!
Just remember that nothing beats natural beauty. What makes you feel confident and comfortable?
Scroll down to see how I pair deep winter fashion pieces with an olive skin tone.
Deep Winter Palette Outfit Ideas
My personal style sways between comfort and casual to glam and cheerful. I love statement prints, comfortable pieces, and jewelry.
However, I also need to be ready to bake up a storm or play soccer in the backyard with my kids. So I’m not kidding when I say I emphasize comfort. I’m always on the lookout for pieces that are easy to wash, wear, and are cute.
My ideal fabric is 100 percent cotton. They’re breathable and wearable. However, you’ll notice that I break that rule during the winter. I play around with silk and other fabrics.
Fashion experts say deep winter wardrobes complement those who have blue undertones in their hair, skin, or eyes.
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Do you have any deep winter outfit ideas or tips? Comment on this blog post and let me know!
Deep Autumn Color Palette – To Compare
I think there is a natural contrast in the dark winter versus deep autumn color palettes, and I wanted to point that out here.
Deep autumn is usually touted for being dark but warm. The most common example is something like gold jewelry and coral blush to complement an olive skin tone. A dark winter will use silver jewelry and a pink blush to complement a cooler skin tone.
The color scheme for a deep autumn will lean toward dark olive, rust, mustard yellow, and other warmer colors. Dark neutrals like chocolate brown and a richer charcoal are common for this color palette.
Deep autumn wardrobes are comprised of golden browns like coffee brown, bronze, or wood brown.
Capsule Wardrobe Tips
A capsule wardrobe is a smaller wardrobe consisting of mix-and-match pieces you consistently wear. We aren’t talking about formal dresses. We are talking about timeless, versatile pieces.
Staples in a capsule wardrobe are things like denim jackets or pants, comfortable shirts of all lengths, and a cardigan or two. Shoes are usually functional. And you do own a little black dress or a few skirts you wear for an elevated look.
A capsule wardrobe usually doesn’t have a bunch of clothes adhering to any particular color palette. The idea behind it is to curate a wardrobe you can wear year-round.
Capsule wardrobes are a great tool for a busy mom because they reduce decision fatigue. They are also comprised of pieces you absolutely love, so you aren’t ever worrying or questioning your wardrobe.
Creating Your Overall Look
The most accurate way you can create a flattering wardrobe for yourself is to try things on, do a bit of research into cuts and colors for your skin tone, and truly enjoy what you wear. If you don’t enjoy it, it’s not worth wearing!
If you know that you need to go shopping for a new wardrobe, you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on it! Check out tips for living off one income (without credit cards) for my best thrifting inspiration.
Do you have any deep winter outfit ideas or tips? Comment on this blog post and let me know!
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