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Color Palette Challenge: Exploring New Colors In Your Wardrobe

Invest in high-quality clothing items, and build a versatile wardrobe that can be mixed and matched in multiple ways.
March 16, 2023
By Amy Melton

Are you looking for a new and fun challenge?

Here’s a good one for you, and I just completed it. It’s called the Color Palette Challenge!

This sustainable clothing challenge is about choosing a color palette that best fits your style.

I wanted to complete this challenge as a fun way to explore my closet to the fullest. I usually wear black, white, dark blues, and greys. My style is pretty simple, and I love to wear form-fitting pieces that make me feel confident.

For the challenge, Oliver Charles invited me to field test their new 100% yak wool collection, which included the Natural Brown Yak Wool Sweater, Rust Yak Wool Beanie, and Teal Yak Wool Scarf.

I used these pieces and a few others to curate a few everyday outfits. These pieces were in different colors, but they were all within the color palette that I had chosen.

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When I first got my hands on those three awesome pieces, I wasn't entirely sure how to mix and match them in my outfits. But after some experimentation, I discovered tons of fun and creative ways to rock them in my daily wardrobe!

For me, this challenge was all about exploring new color combinations that I don't usually wear, like brown and teal. And the best part is, there's no pressure to get everything "right" - the key is to have fun with it!

If you're considering trying out the Color Palette Challenge, don't stress about getting it perfect. Just enjoy the journey and let your creativity shine!

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How To Participate In A Color Palette Challenge

If you're up for it, simply take a look at your calendar and pick a week where you have the mind space to challenge your wardrobe. Then, follow these simple steps, and you'll be all set! It's really easy, and I promise it'll be a ton of fun!

  • Take a look at the colors you already have in your closet and choose 3-4 that you love.
  • Once you've chosen your colors, use an online site like Canva to display them. It's a great tool for creating a mood board and will help you keep track of the colors you want to wear. I use Canva all the time when creating my closet mood board. I keep the mood board while picking out my pieces to curate outfits. 
  • Now it's time to plan your outfits! Lay out the pieces you want to wear from your chosen color palette on your bed so you can see them all together. Remember, accessories like beanies, scarves, belts, and jewelry can also be part of your outfits.
  • Create around 5 different outfits using your color palette. You can mix and match the pieces you have to make new and interesting combinations. For example, one outfit could be a sweater, jeans, and boots, while another outfit could be a simple top, leggings, ankle boots, and a beanie.

Go ahead and give Collor Palette Challenge a try! It's a fun and creative way to play around with the clothes you already have in your closet.

To give you an idea, my first outfit for the challenge was my new Natural Brown Yak Wool Sweater with light-wash jeans, white sneakers, and my Teal Yak Wool Scarf. I used whites, blues, and browns from my color palette to create this first outfit. Check it out above.

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The Versatility Of Earth Tones

For my next outfit, I decided to focus on using rust, white, and creams as my main color scheme.

I started by pairing my Natural Brown Yak Wool Sweater, which has a lovely texture and a warm, earthy color, with a lighter-colored shacket in brown and cream.

These pieces are both simple and understated, which makes them incredibly versatile and easy to mix and match with other items in my wardrobe.

To complete the look, I added a pair of light-wash jeans, which provide a nice contrast to the darker colors of my top layers. And, of course, no winter outfit is complete without a cozy beanie - I went with a Rust Yak Wool Beanie that matches the warm, earthy tones of my sweater.

Overall, I'm really happy with how this outfit turned out. It's comfortable and practical, but it also looks stylish and put together. Whether I'm running errands, meeting friends for lunch, or just hanging out at home, I know I'll feel confident and comfortable.

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Neutral Colored Winter Wardrobe Staple

I'm excited to share with you another outfit that I recently put together using some simple, neutral-colored pieces. For this look, I started with my Natural Brown Yak Wool Sweater, which has quickly become one of my go-to wardrobe staples. Its warm, earthy tones pair perfectly with other neutrals and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

To add a little contrast to the outfit, I decided to match the sweater with a pair of white jeans. Some people might shy away from white during the winter, but I actually love wearing it this time of year - it's a nice change from all the dark colors that are typically associated with the season.

To finish off the look, I added a Teal Yak Wool Scarf. This scarf is not only incredibly soft and warm, but it also adds a pop of color to the outfit without being too overwhelming. Plus, it complements the natural brown tones of the sweater perfectly.

Overall, I think this outfit is a great example of how versatile, simple clothes in neutral colors can be. By mixing and matching a few key pieces, you can create a whole range of different looks that are perfect for any occasion. Whether I'm running errands, meeting friends for coffee, or just hanging out at home, I know I'll feel comfortable and stylish in this outfit.

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How I Dress Up My Natural Brown Yak Wool Sweater

I absolutely love the last outfit I created. This time, I decided to pair my Natural Brown Yak Wool Sweater with a houndstooth skirt, tights, and ankle boots.

One of the things I love about this outfit is how versatile it is. My brown sweater is a classic piece that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion, and the houndstooth skirt is a great example of how a simple pattern can be incredibly versatile as well. I've owned this skirt for several years now, and I always find myself reaching for it because it goes with so many different colors and styles.

For this particular outfit, I paired the skirt with a pair of black tights to keep my legs warm in the cold weather and added some ankle boots to complete the look. The end result is a stylish and comfortable outfit that's perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether I'm heading to work or out for a night on the town, I know I'll feel confident and stylish in this outfit.

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Tips For Succeeding In The Color Palette Challenge

The Color Palette Challenge is fun, but It can also be a bit daunting, especially if you're not familiar with color theory or working within a limited color range. But don't worry; here are some tips to help you succeed.

  • Familiarize yourself with color matching: Before you start the challenge, take some time to play around with color matching. I use Adobe Color to test analogous, complementary, monochrome, and color palettes.
  • Start with versatile neutral colors: When choosing your color palette, consider starting with a few versatile neutral colors. These colors can help anchor your outfit and make your other colors pop.
  • Look for inspiration: Check out blogs like The Vivienne Files, Pinterest boards, and Instagram for inspiration. Pay attention to how people use color in their outfits and try to incorporate similar techniques into your own looks.
  • Just Go For It: The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll become with working within a limited color palette. But at the end of the day, there's no wrong way to challenge your wardrobe.

    Don't worry too much about getting everything perfect right away. Just dive in and give it a try! By taking on the Color Palette Challenge, you're already taking a step towards expanding your style horizons and trying something new. So go for it and see where your creativity takes you!

The Color Palette Challenge is a fun and exciting way to express your personal style and experiment with color. By following these tips, you'll be able to create outfits that are unique, visually beautiful, and showcase your fashion sense. Remember to have fun, step out of your comfort zone, and let your creativity shine!

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The Benefits Of The Color Palette Challenge

One of the best things about this challenge is that it gives you the opportunity to wear colors that you may not typically choose.

During the challenge, I tried out the Natural Brown Yak Wool Sweater from Oliver Charles, and I have to say, it's one of the most comfortable and sustainable pieces of clothing I've ever worn. Made from 100% Tibetan yak wool, it's not itchy, warm, and eco-friendly.

Not only is the Color Palette Challenge a fun way to mix up your wardrobe, but it's also a great opportunity to support sustainable and ethical fashion practices.

By focusing on a limited color palette, you can really think about investing in quality, sustainable pieces that you'll wear for years to come. Here are 3 benefits that I experienced from taking on this challenge.

  • The Color Palette Challenge can have a positive impact on my personal finances. By limiting my wardrobe choices to a specific color palette, I am motivated to utilize the clothing items I already own instead of continuously purchasing new ones.

    This approach helps me save money, particularly if I tend to follow the latest fashion trends. Additionally, the challenge enables me to pinpoint gaps in my wardrobe, helping me make smarter purchases and avoid overspending on unnecessary items.
  • As an individual concerned about the environment, I recognize that fast fashion significantly contributes to environmental waste.

    The Color Palette Challenge serves as a great tool to decrease waste by encouraging me to repurpose and reuse the clothing items I already own. Instead of constantly buying new clothes, the challenge inspires me to get creative with my existing wardrobe, ultimately reducing the number of garments that end up in landfills and positively benefit the environment.
  • By taking part in the Color Palette Challenge, I can simplify my wardrobe by narrowing down my options. I no longer have to deal with decision fatigue when choosing what to wear in the morning.

    By having a set of colors to work with, it is easier for me to create stylish and cohesive outfits. Moreover, limiting my choices motivates me to invest in high-quality clothing items that can be worn in various ways, allowing me to build a versatile wardrobe.

Overall, I highly recommend giving the Color Palette Challenge a try. It's a great way to experiment with fashion and discover new styles while supporting sustainable and ethical fashion practices.

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Color Palette Challenge Review 

Overall, this challenge was really helpful for me in terms of trying out different colors that I wouldn't normally wear.

I would definitely recommend it to anyone who's been sticking to the same color palette for a while and wants to mix things up a bit. It's fun to experiment with new colors and fabrics, and you never know, you might just discover a new favorite color along the way!

Join others taking Oliver Charles clothing challenges in their Facebook group.

Want to learn more about the challenge? Check out Victoria's Color Palette Challenge experience.

Amy Melton enjoys writing about fashion and wardrobe styling. She has been writing about these topics for a while and loves sharing her knowledge with others. Amy used to focus on quantity when shopping but has since shifted to prioritizing sustainability and quality. She hopes to help others find what they are looking for in the fashion world through her writing on topics such as capsule wardrobes, outfit repetition, style, sustainability, and travel.

If you believe that every good wardrobe starts with owning less and owning better, consider buying yourself an OLIVER CHARLES sweater.
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