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Shades of Us: Finding Myself in My Father’s Skin

July 14, 2025
By Nica Noel®

When I was a little girl, I used to look at my reflection and wonder why my skin looked more like my father’s than my mother’s. I didn’t have the words for it back then, but what I was grappling with was colorism. Society has a way of assigning value based on complexion whispering lies that lighter is better and darker is less-than. For years, those whispers followed me into dressing rooms, photo shoots, and moments when I just wanted to feel beautiful.

But here’s the truth I’ve come to embrace: my father’s skin is not something I inherited it’s something I carry with pride. It tells a story of strength, resilience, and legacy.

In this week’s episode of Living Proof, I share that story the pain, the questions, and the healing. And here in Nica’s Closet, I want to continue that conversation through fashion.

Our closets are more than just collections of clothes. They are declarations of who we are, where we come from, and how we see ourselves. Whether it’s a bold print, a rich brown tone, or a statement tee that says, “I define my beauty,” every piece is a form of resistance against the lies we were told.

Here are three ways I use fashion to embrace my shade and my story:

Wearing My Melanin with Pride
I gravitate toward colors that complement and celebrate my skin tone earth tones, deep plums, mustard yellows, and rich terracotta shades. These hues don’t hide me they highlight me.

Statement Pieces with a Purpose
I love a good graphic tee with meaning. Words like “Rooted,” “Melanin Magic,” and “Unapologetically Me” aren’t just cute they’re powerful.

Confidence is the Best Layer
Healing from colorism starts on the inside, but what we wear can help us feel strong on the outside too. I remind myself that every outfit is an opportunity to walk in self-love.