Pale Pink – of All Things – Gets an Autumn Flavor
The whole pink family — light to darker — is a fashion favorite at the moment, and its versatility makes it a favorite every season for me and for my client work. We don’t typically think of this blush tone as a cool-weather option, but just see how beautifully it really can work …
This set – a cotton blend ruched tank top and lightweight linen-blend cardigan – were wonderful all summer with pale-wash or off-white denim on the bottom. And now my darker bottom garments and weightier accessories carry them right into cooler days. Possibly the most obvious pairing is pink + gray.
It was fun to play the refined vibe of the sweater against the more rustic tone of distressed, faded black jeans and chunky suede ankle boots. I found the silver wire-wrapped rose quartz pendant at my local craft store. Instead of wearing it on a chain, I gave it some extra heft by rolling a chiffon bandana on the diagonal and sliding the fabric tube thru the generous bale (technical term for the hook-on part) and tying it behind my neck. Repeating the bottom color at the top of a look keeps the visual impact of the outfit vertical and “eyes-up”.
For dressier occasions, I can trade the jeans for a heather gray ponte pencil skirt, tapered from hipline to hem for figure flattery and elongation. If you sew any part of your wardrobe, this is the easiest project ever, using the Magic Pencil Skirt from Pamela’s Patterns and tapering an extra inch (at least). If you are buying a pencil skirt or already own one, it is TOTALLY worth the time and trouble to have your tailor do the job.
Gray tights and suede pumps create color continuity below the waist and the more refined, silky scarf repeats the outfit colors while easily anchoring focus near the face. A nude leg would be a slightly dressier, more traditional look; I like the tights for cozy warmth and a definitively Fall statement.
As they say in the infomercials, “But wait! There’s more..”
Pink + brown might not be the most obvious pairing, but with a linking accessory it falls right into place. I built two outfits with the same 3 pieces – the pink set and a brown ponte pencil skirt – and used the accessories to define a dressier look and a more rustic version.
Nude hosiery, a brown mock-croc kitten heel pump, narrow metallic-finish leather belt and silky scarf in brown + pink + pale blue define an elevated look. Obviously I could substitute a narrow ponte pant and skip the legwear. Because the color temperature is slightly less cool than some of our combos, I opted for bracelets (and earring, not shown) in a gold/silver mix.
For the more relaxed look I traded in opaque brown tights and ankle boots, a chunkier belt with a hint of Western silver hardware, and a larger crepe scarf to wear over one shoulder and caught in front by the belt – serape style.
Can you play with your paler colors to create cool-weather combinations in your own closet?
Great! I have a light peach cardigan that may pair well with my newly acquired, medium gray pants. Clearly, shoes, accessories, scarves, mixing in fall tones will be necessary to make this combo fly.
Thank you, I’ll try it,
Sounds like you have a lovely combination. And you probably have a gray shoe to wear with the gray pant (could even do black in a pinch.) The scarf will be the make-it or break-it element.
I so want that ruched top and cardigan! And the last two outfits – those scarves = yummy!
I’m inspired to play with my closet – thanks!
Funny thing – I didn’t buy those 2 together – just a lucky random match. Have fun in your closet – and send pictures!
I love the idea of the tights & boots, but with my colors, it is very challenging to find even footwear that isn’t too dark or of the wrong hue, let alone tights!
As I recall Nancy your Key Neutral is Taupe, right? Agree that taupe has been tough to find in any ac essories for at least the lat few years. Good news is – that with so many women no longer coloring their hair thanks to the pandemic – there are a lot more taupe tresses walking around and retail is starting to respond with more taupe offerings. Keep an eye on my new “Retail Reconnaissance” feature where I’ll post my best “inds” every week, and know that I’m especially noticing taupe when I spot it.