Color Analysis (2024)

Learn How to Pick Your Perfect Colors in Three Easy Steps!

Have you ever noticed how certain colors tend to light up your face, while others seem to make you look dull and tired? Wouldn't it be nice to know which colors look best on you, and which ones to avoid? Our thorough three step Color Analysis can help you figure out just that! By limiting your wardrobe color choices to colors that best compliment you, you will find it easier to coordinate clothing and accessories, and in turn save both time and money.

What is "Color Analysis"?

Color Analysis, also called "Skin Tone Color Matching" or "Color Seasons", is the process of determining the colors that best suit an individuals natural coloring. There are several ways of analyzing personal coloring. The most well-known is "seasonal" color analysis, which places individual coloring into four general categories: Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn.

According to a British study, there is evidence that suggests that the colors worn by a person can affect how they are perceived by others. For example: red and pink are thought to signal sexual attractiveness, particularly when worn by women, while dark colors like black or navy may convey the impression of authority - in turn making the wearer seem less approachable. The theories of color analysis also teach that certain colors are capable of emphasizing or, conversely, de-emphasizing an individuals attractiveness to others. Unflattering colors may make a person look pale, for instance, or draw attention to such "flaws" as wrinkles or uneven skin tone. Flattering colors are thought to have the opposite effect.

1. To determine which "Season" you fall into consult the diagram below.

2. Double Check:
In general what looks better on you: Blue, Green, and Violet? Or Red, Orange, and Yellow?

If you choose the cooler Blue, Green, and Violet hues then you are most likely a "Winter" or a "Summer".

If you choose the warmer Red, Orange, and Yellow hues then you are most likely a "Spring" or an "Autumn".

3. Click on the Season below that best suits you to see examples and learn more:

• Spring
• Autumn
• Summer
• Winter

Summer

The colors of the Summer season have blue undertones, and most are virtually pastel versions of the Winter palette, (think of looking at the scenery through a summer haze) Pink roses, blue sea, white beaches are seen everywhere. Baby blue, slate blue, powder pink, seafoam green and slate grey are typical Summer colors.

People with "Summer" coloring are usually natural blondes, although extremely pale-skinned brunettes with pale blue eyes are also sometimes considered Summer's. Usually a Summers skin tone is very fair; either porcelain white, or pale with pink cheeks. Darker blonde Summer's with slightly darker skin may be able to pull of slightly darker colors than a regular Summer. A darker Summer may want to try burgundy, deep royal purple, and some of the colors that overlap with the other winter colors.

Typically people who have a Summer profile have a low level of contrast between their hair color, eye color and skin tone with, cool undertones of pink or blue. For you to look your best, choose soft, muted colors with cool undertones. You should strive for blended shades like heather gray and slate blue. Avoid intense, clear colors because they will drown you out. Rather than harsh black, try subdued navy blue hues, softer grays, blue-grays, charcoals, and rose browns. Your image will be complimented by these dusty colors instead of being overpowered.

Soft Summer: Medium grey, light grey, taupe, cocoa, rose, raspberry, rose pink, deep rose, baby pink, soft fuchsia, burgundy, light lemon yellow, light green, turquoise, jade, green, forest green, navy, periwinkle, lavender, dusty purple, teal.

Light Summer: Light grey, grey blue, cocoa, taupe, powder pink, rose pink, rose, coral pink, clear salmon, clear red, light lemon yellow, light aqua, blue green, spruce, light navy, sky blue, medium blue, lavender, violet.

Cool Summer: Light grey, grey blue, cocoa, buff, light brown, taupe, icy pink, soft fuchsia, deep rose, burgundy, turquoise, jade, green, aqua, light aqua, true aqua, lavender, dusty purple, warm dusty purple, periwinkle, navy.

Winter

The colors from this season are clear and icy, not unlike a winter's day; always with subtle blue undertones. To name a few: cherry red, emerald green, royal blue, magenta and violet. The grass and trees have no trace of yellow. The sky is bright cold blue, white snow and icy sea come to mind in Winter.

People with "Winter" coloring are usually brunette's, although natural white-blondes may also be Winter's. Winters often have porcelain white or very pale skin, or olive skin (with a yellowish tinge)... the latter often look good in the deepest winter colors. People of color may also be winter.

Typically people who have a Winter color profile have depth to their coloring and a lot of contrast between their hair color, eye color and skin tone. You will look best in intense deep, rich colors accented with jewel tones, or contrasted with bright white or icy pastels. Look for a dark suit with cool undertones like dark navy, charcoal and even black. Your coloring will be complimented by these deep, powerful colors. Never dress in earth tones, muted or powdery colors; they will make you look faded and sallow. Accents should be vibrant, and intense jewel tones. Be bold! Try wearing emerald green, ruby red, fuchsia, and royal blues.

Deep Winter: Black, charcoal, black-brown, red-brown, icy grey, grey, hot pink, true red, rust, aubergine, blue red, mint, lemon yellow, light green, emerald green, olive, purple, clear teal, bright periwinkle, blue, navy, chinese blue.

Clear Winter: Medium gray, charcoal, black, dark taupe, icy grey, taupe, icy blue, icy lavender, lavender, icy pink, clear red, raspberry, raspberry pink, aubergine, icy yellow, bright golden yellow, hot turquoise, emerald turquoise, purple, dark purple, royal blue, navy.

Cool Winter: Medium gray, charcoal, black, dark taupe, icy grey, taupe, icy blue, icy lavender, lavender, icy pink, clear red, raspberry, raspberry pink, aubergine, icy yellow, bright golden yellow, hot turquoise, emerald turquoise, purple, dark purple, royal blue, navy.

Spring

Spring colors are clear and bright, just like the colors of a spring day. The sun is low on the horizon, so everything is imbued with the golden hues of the sun. The trees and grass have not yet matured, so they are tinged with yellow undertones and are a bright spring green color. Distinct yellow undertones impart a vibrant, electric appearance to everything. The colors of this season are truly like a spring bouquet of flowers enveloped in bright spring green leafy foliage: red-orange and coral tulips, bright yellow jonquils and daffodils.

People with "Spring" coloring are usually natural golden blondes or auburn or strawberry blonde red-heads although very fair blue/ aqua eyed brunettes are sometimes Spring. Springs have extremely light skin color and pale or very clear- pale eye color. Springs can wear very pale soft colors, such as peach, golden browns, and aqua.

Slightly darker Springs, especially brunette Springs, can wear the lime green and sometimes some of the paler autumn colors e.g. orange. Typically Springs have clear, warm, golden undertones. They usually have ivory skin with a hint of coral in their cheeks. Colors appropriate for you are bright, vivid and clear with warm undertones. Your colors are particularly hard to find because they can never be muted or too dark. Your colors should look "alive". Avoid black and pure white--they will be heavy and too contrasting for you.

Light Spring: Camel, khaki, light gray, blue charcoal, taupe, warm pastel pink, baby pink, clear salmon, coral, watermelon, fuchsia, clear red, creme, light green, bright golden yellow, moss green, blue green, clear aqua, powder blue, light purple, periwinkle, violet.

Clear Spring: Navy, grey, charcoal, black, light grey, turquoise, yellow, marigold yellow, mint, green, dark green, clear teal, hot turquoise, true blue, purple, purple-gray, peach, salmon, true red, warm pastel pink, hot pink.

Warm Spring: Camel, bronze, golden brown, dark brown, stone, grey green, peach, light orange, coral, tomato red, rust, buff, green, light true green, evergreen, emerald turquoise, jade, teal, moss, deep periwinkle.

Autumn

Autumn colors are virtually indistinguishable from the rich, earthy colors of the season for which they were named. They are as golden-hued as a fall day, and it is impossible to mistake them for any other season. Typical colors from the palette include pumpkin, mustard yellow, burnt orange, brown, camel, beige, avocado green, rust and teal. Autumn colors are perennially popular, because they bring a feeling of warmth and security.

People with "Autumn" coloring have varied coloring - ranging from golden blondes to brunettes and black hair coloring. Red-heads, excluding very fair auburn and strawberry blondes, are usually autumns. All red-heads are Autumn's or Spring's. Red-headed Autumn's often have porcelain white or very pale skin. Autumns can also have a ruddy skin with orange tones or swarthy skin. Autumns cover such a large range of colorings, fairer autumns may look best in the oranges and turquoise, whereas black-haired or dark brunette autumns may look good in the deeper chocolate browns, olive green and deep orange reds.

Typically people who have your profile have a lot of depth to their coloring and a spicy, earth tone quality to their hair color, eye color, and skin tone. Your complexion will be accented by rich golden, spicy and earthy colors. You can wear both muted and rich, warm colors like the autumn foliage or exotic spice colors. Look for a warm golden undertone when choosing a color. Avoid clear bright colors, pure white and black which will make you look tired and faded. Also, avoid true pastel colors which will look cold against your complexion, giving you a pale and sickly appearance.

Deep Autumn:Black brown, black, light yellow, marigold, peach, terracotta, salmon pink, tomato red, deep red, true red, dark rose, lemon yellow, camel, jade, moss, lime bronze, hot turquoise, cerulean, Chinese blue, evergreen, dark purple, purple.

Soft Autumn: Mahogany, brown, medium grey, camel, khaki, grey, light peach, deep rose, light coral, dusty pink, coral, terracotta, buttermilk, mint, emerald turquoise, turquoise, jade, evergreen, purple, dark purple aubergine.

Warm Autumn: Mahogany, brown, medium grey, camel, khaki, grey, light peach, deep rose, light coral, dusty pink, coral, terracotta, buttermilk, mint, emerald turquoise, turquoise, jade, evergreen, purple, dark purple aubergine.