Discover Your True Colours: Tips for a Summer palette
One of the most nuanced of the four seasons, Summer embodies soft and gentle femininity.
This persona is characterized by lightness and delicacy, with minimal contrast between hair and skin tones, which is reflected in the summer color palette. Light-colored hair and eyes create harmony with olive or warm-toned light skin. Even soft, wavy, or fine hair aligns with this energy.
Interestingly, it is widely recognized that during the creation of the seasonal color palette, the summer and winter seasons were accidentally reversed. Unlike the vibrant palettes of spring and autumn, the color ranges for winter and summer fail to accurately represent the landscapes during these times. Summer is typically a period of vibrant blooming, while winter tends to be more subdued. However, the palettes for these seasons do not reflect this reality.
To simplify the essence of Summer, think of it as a season of freshness and light—where the clean, crisp pastels perfectly echo this sentiment.
Are You a Cool Summer?
Skin
If your skin has a cool blue undertone, it will reveal a visible pink in your complexion. Some Summers may have very fair and pale skin that can appear slightly translucent. Typically, hair color may have been blonde or light brown during childhood. You might possess very pink skin with a flush or a rose-beige tone. Occasionally, some may have a sallow beige tone, complicating the identification of the blue undertone. Often confused with an Autumn (whose palette is warmer), a simple way to distinguish between the two is that Summer skin tones usually tan, while true Autumns tend to burn or turn pink after sun exposure.
Hair
During childhood, blonde was likely your hair color, ranging from ash blonde to dark ash. As you age, this may transition to a mousey shade with a cool ash undertone. A summer brunette can vary from light to dark shades, but always maintains a cool ash tone. Summer blondes often find that their hair lightens in the sun during summer. Occasionally, a Summer may also have a warm blonde hue, which can be confused with a warm season.
Eyes
Summer eyes are often blue, green, grey, or aqua, frequently appearing cloudy within the iris rather than having a clear, transparent color. With a white webbing throughout, summer eye colors create a soft visual effect. A strong characteristic of summer eyes is soft grey or a grey edging. The whites of the eyes may look creamy, contrasting softly with the iris, unlike the sharp contrast found in Winter.
Key Points to Remember as a Summer
- Your best complementary colors are pink, light blue, and light grey.
- Soft watercolor prints and intricate patterns suit you well; however, be cautious about placing them near your face as they might overshadow your features.
- Solid colors are your safest choice.
- Choose uplifting textures in your garments, favoring soft fabrics like wool, cotton knits, and crepes.
- Aim for a soft overall image rather than a dramatic one.
- A basic palette should include grey-based navy, burgundy, soft rose brown, soft rose beige, rose taupe, blue-greys, and off-white.
- Opt for colors with a blue undertone and steer clear of orange-toned shades. Lavender and pastels are particularly lovely.
- Avoid browns, chocolates, and any yellow-based hues.
- Blues ranging from aqua to a mid-blue will complement you beautifully.
These color swatches are for reference only, but they can help you identify shades you truly enjoy wearing. If you find yourself favoring a color outside of the summer palette, it might be worth exploring further to determine if it's the most suitable choice for your complexion.
Celebrities Who Embody Summer!
If you're having difficulty connecting with the Summer palette, perhaps these well-known figures will resonate with you. Do you see yourself in these summer profiles?
- Patricia Arquette
- Reese Witherspoon
- Charlize Theron
- Gwyneth Paltrow
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Make sure to stay updated and subscribe – next week, we'll explore the last and one of the most striking palette - Winter.