True Summer vs True Winter
If you’ve figured out that your primary characteristic is coolness but can’t decide between True Summer and True Winter, you’re not alone – we’ll go over the differences between these two seasons in this article! Both True Summer and True Winter are defined by their cool, blue-based palettes, and they’re considered “pure” seasons because coolness is their primary trait. However, there are subtle nuances that set them apart.
True Summer belongs to the Summer family and True Winter to the Winter family. Although both seasons are distinctly cool, True Summer is softer and lighter, while True Winter is sharper and more intense. True Summer’s palette feels calming and soft, like a misty morning, while True Winter’s colours feel striking and crisp, like a snowy winter night. If we go back to analysing the features of each season, we can see that:
The summer seasons are cool, muted, and light.
The winter seasons colors are cool, bright, and dark.
The Palettes
True Summer colours are cool, with soft, desaturated tones. This palette has an air of serenity and feels gentle, evoking a cool, misty day. Even deeper shades within this palette (like soft navy) are more muted and never overpowering. True Summer colours generally have blue or grey undertones and all of the colors have a little bit of gray mixed into them to soften them.
True Winter colours are cool and highly saturated, with rich, crisp tones that contrast starkly against one another. This palette has intensity and drama, with an icy, pure quality. True Winter shades are blue-based but often have a high level of saturation and contrast, making them pop. The colors are pure and do not have gray added to them like Summer colors do.
How to Determine if You’re a True Summer or True Winter
The main factors distinguishing True Summer from True Winter is contrast and depth. True Summer is a softer, lower-contrast season, while True Winter is a high-contrast season.
1. Assess Your Contrast Level
Since both True Summer and True Winter have cool undertones, silver will look better than gold in both cases. The skin undertone will be similar, however:
How does the colour black look on you? Does it compliment the intensity of your features or does it wash you out? True Winters will look fabulous in black, while True Summers will be overpowered by it and look better in a dark charcoal or deep navy instead.
How does pure white look on you? Do you shine in it or do you prefer softer whites? True Winters will again look good in pure white, whereas for True Summers, pure white might appear a bit too harsh, and a softer while or gray could be more harmonious.
How do outfits with harsh contrast look on you (i.e black and white stripes)? Do you like to mix bold colours (True Winter) or do you prefer more monochrome outfits (True Summer)?
Can you pull off dark brown or almost black hair? True Winters may have this hair color naturally or they’ll be able to pull it off quite well. True Summers typically look better in medium to light-brown hair.
How do soft dusty tones look on you? Do they compliment your skin and look harmonious (True Summer) or do they wash you out (True Winter)?
Take note of your answers to each of these questions and see if you lean more towards one or the other.
2. Eye and Hair Color
True Summer: True Summers typically have blue, grey, or soft green eyes. Their hair is often an ashy medium brown, cool brown, light brown or dark blonde. The overall colouring is light to medium and tends toward soft and muted. There is a slight softness and dustiness to a True Summer's appearance.
True Winter: True Winters may have dark brown, black, or medium brown hair, often with no visible warmth. Eye colour can range from deep brown to striking blue or green, often with high contrast against the whites of the eyes. The overall effect is cool, crisp, and intense.
3. The Color Test
Compare specific colours from the True Summer and True Winter palettes to see which ones make you look your best and which seem to overpower or dull your features.
Dusty Blue vs. Bold Cobalt Blue: Dusty blue (light and cool) vs. bold cobalt blue (rich and striking). Which one brings out your natural colouring? Which one feels harmonious with your features?
Soft Pink vs. Hot Fuchsia: Soft pink (muted and gentle) vs. hot fuchsia (vivid and intense). Which shade makes your skin look fresher?
Powdery Lavender vs. Royal Purple: Powdery lavender (soft and subdued) vs. royal purple (bright and crisp). Which color feels right - not overpowering but also not washing you out?
Experimenting with these shades should give you a better sense of whether True Summer or True Winter aligns more with your natural beauty. Look for signs that you’re on the right track, such as:
Feeling more refreshed, radiant, and awake in certain colours
Receiving compliments that you look “well-rested” or “vibrant”
Needing less makeup, as your natural colouring is enhanced
Tips for Each Season
True Winter: Cool and Vivid
The True Winter palette is filled with pure, cool and intense colours that are crisp and high-contrast. These colours are bold and striking, perfect for those who can pull off dramatic, powerful looks. Key colours include:
Cobalt Blue: A bold, cool blue that’s vibrant and striking.
Cool Red: A deep, cool red with blue undertones, classic and powerful.
Magenta: A striking dark pink with a bold, crisp quality.
Bright White: A clean, cool white that’s sharp and clear.
Jet Black: The ultimate deep, cool neutral that adds contrast and drama.
Wardrobe Staples: Choose bold, cool colours like jet black, cobalt blue, bright white, and cool red. Think sharp, structured fabrics that reflect the intensity and clarity of winter.
Makeup: Opt for cool, vibrant tones in your makeup—think bold red lips, icy highlighters, cool-toned eyeshadows and smoky eyes. Avoid anything too warm, light or muted.
Hair Color: Stick to cool-toned hair colours, such as jet black, deep espresso, or cool dark brown. Stay away from blonde and avoid adding too much warmth to your hair.
Read more about True Winters.
More ideas on Pinterest.
True Summer: The Cool and Soft Palette:
The True Summer palette is filled with cool, delicate, feminine and soft colours that are gentle and harmonious. These colours have a subtle, understated beauty that’s perfect for those who prefer a more natural, elegant look. Key colours include:
Soft Blue: A light, cool dusty blue with a soft, calming quality.
Rose Pink: A gentle, cool pink that’s soft and romantic.
Lavender: A cool, soft purple with a delicate, soothing feel.
Cool Gray: A soft, cool grey that’s neutral and elegant.
Soft Navy: A deep, cool blue that’s more muted and less intense than True Winter’s version.
Wardrobe Staples: Choose soft, cool colours like dusty blue, rose pink, soft teal and lavender. Think light, flowy fabrics that create a calm, harmonious look.
Makeup: Opt for soft, cool tones in your makeup—think soft pink blushes, cool mauves, and light grey eyeshadows. Avoid anything too dark, intense, contrasting or warm.
Hair Color: Embrace cool, soft hair colours, such as ash blonde, light brown, or cool grey. Keep your hair colour light and avoid overly warm tones.
Read more about True Summers.
More outfit ideas on Pinterest.
