Seasons Color Theory

In the 1980s, when seasonal color analysis was done to determine what colors were best to wear based on skin, hair and eye color, there were only four seasons---Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn. Winter and Summer were considered "cool" tones, and Spring and Autumn were "warm." However, since then, many variations have been discovered, narrowing down some specifics and determining why some people are able to wear both warm and cool colors. Some colors make one person's appearance come to life, while those same colors may make someone else look drab and washed out.

Winter Variation
"Deep Winter" folks should wear true red, true blue, deep charcoal, solid white, hot pink and black, but avoid golden brown, peach and pale earth tones. "Cool Winters" should stick with fuchsia, plum, blue, black and white but avoid golden colors such as yellow, orange and certain browns. Those whose tones are "Clear Winter" look best in ruby red, sapphire blue and emerald green, and they should avoid pastels or muted colors.

Spring Variation
For the best look, "Clear Springs" should wear red, turquoise, lime green, hot pink and black, while avoiding muted brown, dusty blue and beige. "Light Springs" look their best in light turquoise, periwinkle light pink, camel and light gray and should stay away from dark brown, burgundy or black. For "Warm Spring" skin tones, the best colors are camel, golden yellow, light orange, purple and light turquoise, but pink, fuchsia, berry and black tend to wash them out.

Summer Variation
"Cool Summer" tones look best in pastel blues, pinks, berries, fuchsia, gray and navy, and they shouldn't wear golden colors. "Light Summers" should opt for soft, light colors, such as light gray, light blue, pink, lavender, light navy and soft white while staying away from darker or brighter colors, such as black, true reds or blues. Those who are "Soft Summer" have both warm and cool colors in their palette. Their best colors are light gray, purple, medium blue, rose, light navy and soft white, but they should avoid bright or bold pinks, oranges, corals, blues and solid black.

Autumn Variation
People classified as "Warm Autumns" look good in orange, khaki, olive, golden yellow and most shades of brown, but they need to stay away from pastel blue, gray, fuchsia and black. "Soft Autumns" glow in khaki, light peach, moss, salmon, lemon yellow and light gray, but dark navy, bright red, fuchsia and black aren't good choices for them. "Deep Autumns" should opt for tomato red, emerald green, rust, deep brown and black, but they need to avoid lavender and pale colors.

Wearing Your Best Colors
The best colors for people will add a glow to the skin tone and make them appear healthy and alert. They'll hear compliments about how good they look. Typically, people are attracted to colors that look best on them

[by: Debby Mayne ]