Summer vs Winter Color Palette

Both Summer and Winter have cool undertones, but they differ dramatically in brightness, saturation, and contrast. Here's how to tell which cool season you are.

Quick Answer: What's the Difference?

Summer people have soft, muted, delicate cool coloring. They look best in dusty, gentle, low-contrast cool colors like lavender, rose, and soft blue.

Winter people have clear, bright, high-contrast cool coloring. They look best in bold, vivid, saturated cool colors like royal blue, magenta, and icy white.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Summer

Brightness: Light to medium coloring
Saturation: Soft, muted, gentle colors
Undertone: Cool with pink-blue base
Best colors: Lavender, dusty rose, soft blue, mauve
Avoid: Bright, stark, or high-contrast colors
Hair: Ash blonde, ash brown, grey-brown
Eyes: Soft blue, grey, hazel with grey tones
Skin: Pink-beige, rosy, cool and delicate

Winter

Brightness: Medium to deep coloring with high contrast
Saturation: Clear, vivid, bold colors
Undertone: Cool with blue-red base
Best colors: Royal blue, magenta, icy white, true black
Avoid: Muted, dusty, or warm-toned colors
Hair: Black, dark brown, salt & pepper, platinum blonde
Eyes: Bright blue, dark brown, black, striking green
Skin: Porcelain, olive, deep with cool tones

5 Key Differences Between Summer & Winter

Contrast Level

SUMMER:

Summers have low to medium contrast between their hair, eyes, and skin. Everything blends together harmoniously. Think Kate Middleton, Emily Blunt, or Naomi Watts – soft, blended, gentle features.

WINTER:

Winters have high contrast between their features. Dark hair with light skin, or very bright eyes. Think Anne Hathaway, Megan Fox, or Lucy Liu – striking, dramatic, bold features.

How They Look in Pure Black

SUMMER:

Summers look harsh, too severe, or aged in pure black. It's too strong and stark for their soft coloring. Soft navy, charcoal grey, or cocoa are much better alternatives.

WINTER:

Winters look stunning in pure black. It enhances their natural contrast and makes them look polished, dramatic, and sophisticated. Black is a Winter's power color.

Color Saturation Preference

SUMMER:

Summers look best in soft, muted, dusty colors. They can wear mauve, dusty rose, and powder blue beautifully. Bright, clear colors look too harsh.

WINTER:

Winters look best in clear, vivid, bold colors. They can wear royal blue, magenta, and emerald green with confidence. Muted colors make them look washed out.

Red Lipstick Test

SUMMER:

Summers look best in soft rose, mauve, or berry lipsticks. True red or bright pink lipsticks can overwhelm their delicate coloring.

WINTER:

Winters shine in true red, cool red, or hot pink lipsticks. They can handle bold, statement lip colors that would overpower a Summer.

Overall "Vibe" or Energy

SUMMER:

Summers have a soft, elegant, romantic vibe. Their natural coloring is gentle and refined. They look best in flowing fabrics, soft patterns, and delicate jewelry.

WINTER:

Winters have a bold, dramatic, striking vibe. Their natural coloring is powerful and clear. They look best in structured pieces, bold accessories, and statement jewelry.

Common Confusions Between Summer & Winter

⚠"I have cool undertones, so I can wear both Summer and Winter colors": Not true! Summers in Winter colors look harsh and aged. Winters in Summer colors look dull and washed out. Undertone alone isn't enough.
⚠"I have dark hair, so I must be Winter": Not necessarily! Soft Summers and True Summers can have medium-to-dark ash brown hair. It's about overall contrast, not just hair depth.
⚠"I like pastels, so I'm Summer": Color preference doesn't equal your season. Some Winters love pastels but look better in icy pastels (bright, clear) vs dusty pastels (muted, soft).
⚠"I look good in silver, so it doesn't matter if I'm Summer or Winter": Both can wear silver, but different silvers! Summers look best in brushed, matte silver. Winters look best in bright, polished silver or white gold.