☀️ Summer Color Analysis

In this article, we will focus specifically on color analysis for the Summer Season, which is characterized by cool undertones, often blonde or light hair, and fair skin.

A girl wearing a blue shirt
Summer types look best in cool and muted colors

Why do you need Seasonal Color Analysis?

Understanding your seasonal color analysis is essential for ensuring that the clothing and makeup you choose complement your natural coloring and enhance your overall appearance. By determining which colors best suit your skin tone, hair color, and eye color, you can create a wardrobe and beauty routine that flatter your features and make you look and feel your best. Whether you're looking to update your style, enhance your professional image, or make more informed purchasing decisions, knowing your seasonal color analysis can make a significant difference in your overall look. With this knowledge, you can confidently shop for clothing and makeup in colors that complement your natural coloring, allowing you to stand out in the best way possible.

Does the Summer Color Palette flatter me?

A Summer Color Palette is a carefully curated collection of colors representing the Summer season. Known for its muted elegance, the Summer palette features blended colors in lighter values with medium-dark colors for contrast.

Unlike the other color palettes, Summers types don't favor bright colors, intense shades, or warm earthy colors. Instead, your palette is characterized by muted, harmonious colors that reflect the coolness and natural appearance of the Summer season.

There are three subcategories for Summer in the 12 Color Season System: A light season, a true season, and a soft season. So in this case Light Summer, True Summer, and Soft Summer. Both Light & Soft Summer lean towards warmer colors, but Light Summer leans towards Spring and lighter colors, whilst Soft Summer leans more towards Autumn and darker colors.

There are two cool seasons: Summer and Winter. So if you are sure that cool colors suit you better than warm colors but are unsure about the other factors, check out the article about the Winter Season.

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Photo by Shifaaz shamoon / Unsplash

Skin Tone

When it comes to color analysis, skin tone is a crucial factor in determining the most flattering colors for an individual. For those with a Summer skin tone, characterized by cool undertones and a fair complexion, certain colors can enhance their natural coloring and make them truly shine. Summer palettes typically consist of muted shades that beautifully harmonize with the coolness of the skin. While bold, warm Earth tones may not be the most flattering for Summers, they can still experiment with a range of muted colors and light shades. Whether finding the perfect shade of lipstick or choosing the right clothing colors, understanding the impact of skin tone on color analysis is key for anyone to embrace and enhance their natural radiance.

woman standing on grass field
Photo by Jake Jackson / Unsplash

Identifying Your Skin Tone

Color draping is a method to identify your skin tone by observing how your skin reacts to different colors. Start by draping warm-toned fabrics, such as gold, orange, and earthy tones, over your shoulders and observe if your skin looks brighter, healthier, and more even. Then, repeat the process with cool colors, such as silver, blue, and jewel tones, and note how your skin appears.

Pay attention to how your skin tones appear in various lighting and against different colors to determine the best match. If your skin looks radiant and vibrant in warm colors, you likely have a warm skin tone. On the other hand, if your skin looks more luminous and fresh in cool colors, you may have a cool skin tone. Keep in mind that some people may have a neutral skin tone, meaning they look good in warm and cool colors. By paying attention to your skin's reactions to different colors and lighting, you can confidently determine your skin tone for choosing the most flattering clothing and makeup.

Common skin tones for the Summer Season range from fair to medium skin and have a pink undertone. Ashy undertones or beige undertones are also very common.

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Photo by Tyler Lastovich / Unsplash

Cool vs. Warm Undertones

Cool and warm undertones are different aspects of a person's complexion that can greatly influence how colors appear on the skin.

Cool undertones are characterized by purple or blue veins and a tendency to burn easily in the sun. Colors that complement cool undertones include jewel tones like emerald green and royal blue, as well as icy pinks and cool greys. These colors can help bring out the natural radiance in cool-toned individuals and enhance their natural coloring.

On the other hand, warm undertones or yellow undertones are identified by green veins and the ability to tan easily. Warm-toned individuals are often enhanced by warm colors such as golden browns and lemon yellows. These shades can bring out the warmth in the skin and create a natural glow. A peachy undertone also also on the warmer side.

Determining your skin tone is vital in understanding whether you have cool or warm undertones. Skin tone refers to the overall color of your skin, ranging from fair to dark. It's important to note that skin tone and undertones are different concepts. Fair skin can have cool or warm undertones, just like dark skin. Recognizing your undertones helps you select colors that will flatter your complexion, making your skin appear vibrant and inviting.

person with grey and black hair
Photo by Lera Kogan / Unsplash

Hair Color

When trying to find the perfect color palette for your cool skin tone, it is also important to consider your hair color. Matching clothing colors to both your skin tone and hair color can create a harmonious and balanced look. For example, dark-toned hair like brown hair or black hair can pair well with deep and rich colors, while fair-skinned individuals with lighter or blonde hair can rock light colors to accentuate their features.

By understanding your undertones and considering both your skin tone and hair color, you can find the colors that will flatter and enhance your natural beauty.

Hair Shades for Summers

Hair shades suitable for Summer individuals include light to medium ashy blonde, cool brown, ash brown-black, and silver. These shades complement the light and delicate coloring of Summer individuals, enhancing their cool undertones and soft features. Summer individuals can also opt for ashy blonde, ash brown, light ash brown, light brown,  and cool brown tones that are slightly deeper and more muted than those suitable. These shades help to bring out the cool and soft undertones in their skin, creating a harmonious and natural look.

In summary, Summer seasons can wear ashy blonde and cool brown shades, the differences lie in the depth and softness of the tones chosen.

A man wearing a muted blue tuxedo
Summers should blend their colors and avoid contrasts

Eyes

When determining which colors will flatter your eyes as a Summer type, it's important to consider your eye color and how it interacts with your natural coloring. As Summers often have paired back eye colors, such as light blue, light gray, or even green, it's important to choose colors that enhance and complement the natural beauty of your eyes. Cool tones, especially those with blue undertones, will work harmoniously with your natural coloring, creating a captivating and eye-catching look.

Common Eye Colors for Summers

For Summers, the common eye colors encompass a range of cool tones that beautifully complement their overall coloring. Summers tend to have light-colored eyes such as blue, green, or gray, which enhance their cool undertones. These light hues mirror the softness found in their cool complexion.

Summers showcase eye colors that blend elements of warmth and coolness. Common eye colors for Summers can include blue-green, grayish-green, or even hazel with cool undertones. These eye colors add a touch of softness to the overall appearance, enhancing the gentle and delicate features of the Summer Season.

woman covered with white textile
Photo by Roozbeh Badizadegan / Unsplash

In conclusion, common eye colors for Summers vary. They range from light blue, green, or gray eyes, to icy blue and steely gray. They can even have hints of warm tones, resulting in eye colors such as blue-green or grayish-green. When you have darker eyes like dark brown, you're usually not in the Summer Season, as this would be too much contrast. Regardless of the specific shade, Summers are complemented by eye colors that enhance their cool undertones and add a touch of softness to their appearance.

Makeup Tips for Enhancing Your Eyes

Summers are flattered most by completely cool eye colors. Shades like icy blues, steely grays, and cool greens harmonize flawlessly with your cool undertones, creating a captivating and harmonious look. The depth and intensity of these cool eyeshadow colors perfectly complement the depth of Summers overall coloring.

The best Makeup colors for your undertone are soft, muted shades like cool blues, lavender, and rose pink. Avoid overly warm or vibrant shades, as they can overpower and clash with your natural coloring.

unknown celebrity standing near bare tree
Photo by Apostolos Vamvouras / Unsplash

For eyeshadow, applying a light lilac shade on the lids will instantly brighten and open up the eyes. Its cool undertones will beautifully contrast with the warmth of summer, giving an ethereal and enchanting vibe. To add depth, blend a darker lilac shade into the crease and outer corner of the eyes.

To complete the look, choose a cool, muted lilac eyeliner for a subtle pop of color. A thin line along the upper lash line will define the eyes without overpowering the overall makeup. 

Clothing Colors and Styles

When it comes to dressing for the summer, choosing the right colors can make a difference. For those of the Summer Season which typically includes light to medium skin tones with blue undertones, a wide range of colors can enhance their natural beauty.

One of the best color palettes for summer types is pastel colors. Soft colors of blue, light green, lavender purple, pink, and mint green can beautifully complement their complexion. Light and airy, these colors exude a fresh and youthful vibe, perfect for the sunny summer days.

Another great option for summer types is cool-toned jewel tones. The cool shades of emerald green, sapphire blue, and amethyst purple can bring out the cool undertones in their skin, creating a striking and elegant look. These jewel tones are also excellent choices for evening events or more formal occasions.

Neutral colors can also work well for summer types. Shades of ivory, soft beige, sand tones, and light gray as light neutrals can create a chic and sophisticated outfit while providing a canvas for colorful accessories or makeup. Muted tones work best for the Summer season and pair them with silver jewelry.

woman wearing gray button-up long-sleeved shirt and brown pants standing in front of bushes
Photo by MARK ADRIANE / Unsplash

Summer types can enhance natural beauty by opting for pastels, vibrant jewel tones, and neutral colors. Pair these colors with lightweight and breathable clothing styles to create a perfect ensemble. Opt for flowy dresses, breezy skirts, and loose-fitting tops to stay cool and comfortable. Embrace fun prints such as floral, stripes, or polka dots to add a playful touch to your wardrobe.

The worst colors for Summers are any colors from a warm season. The classic colors would be gold jewelry and medium brown clothes. Also, any dark colors like olive green, dark green, or dark purple don't sit well with the light colors of Summer Seasons. Summer colors are also muted colors, so brighter shades like lime green, hot pink, hot turquoise, or neon colors are usually a disharmonious palette.

Fabrics That Flatter Summers Best

When it comes to choosing fabrics that flatter summers best, it is essential to consider cool-toned, dusty colors that complement light skin and soft-hazel eyes. These fabrics can enhance the overall look by adding a touch of softness and sophistication.

One fabric that works exceptionally well for Summers is linen. Linen is known for its lightweight and breathable nature, making it perfect for hot and humid climates. Its natural texture adds depth and interest, while the cool-toned colors such as pale blues and soft greys complement cool skin tones and bring out the soft-hazel eyes.

a woman sitting in a field of tall grass
Photo by Noelle Rebekah / Unsplash

Another fabric that flatters Summers best is silk. Silk has a luxurious and delicate appearance, which adds a sense of elegance and sophistication to any outfit. It drapes beautifully, enhancing the natural femininity and softness of the wearer. The cool-toned shades of silk, like icy pinks and lavender, work harmoniously with cool skin tones and bring out the warmth in soft-hazel eyes.

Cotton is also a go-to fabric for Summers. It is comfortable, breathable, and available in various cool-toned, muted colors that complement light skin and soft-hazel eyes. Cotton creates a clean and crisp look while adding a sense of freshness and simplicity to the overall appearance. It is perfect for casual and relaxed summer outfits.

woman sitting on rock beside body of water
Photo by Roberto Nickson / Unsplash

In conclusion, when choosing fabrics that flatter summers best, opt for linen, silk, and cotton. These fabrics not only complement a cool-toned, muted appearance but also enhance the overall look by adding a touch of softness and sophistication. They beautifully flatter light skin and soft-hazel eyes, creating a harmonious and stylish summer ensemble.

Summer Celebrity Inspiration

Whitney Port, Ashley Benson, Nell Tiger Free, Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Sarah Jessica Parker, Emily Blunt, Kate Middleton, Ellen Pompeo, Olivia Wild, Allison Williams, Amy Poehler, Cate Blanchett, Naomi Watts.