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The Worst Colors for Each of the 12 Seasons in Color Analysis



Color analysis is a powerful tool to help you discover the hues that enhance your natural beauty. However, just as there are colors that make you shine, there are also shades that can clash with your season’s unique characteristics. These are colors that generally do not harmonize well with your natural features. That said though, this doesn't mean you can never wear these colors - sometimes wearing your opposite colors can make a bold statement and give you a slightly edgy look (if that's what you're going for). Plenty of celebrities do this to create a strange, uncanny bold eye-catching look.


There is great value in knowing your opposite season and worst colors. Once you know these, you can use them to your advantage and play around with your appearance. Overall, once you know your home season, I'd advise getting to know your opposite season as well.


Here’s a quick guide to the worst colors for each of the 12 seasons.


True Spring

Avoid muted, dark, and cool tones. These can dull your vibrant, warm glow.

Opposite seasons: True Summer and True Winter


Colors to Avoid For True Springs:
  • Black

  • Charcoal Gray

  • Cool muted Brown

  • Cool Mauve

  • Dusty Rose

  • Cool muted Blue

  • Cool muted Green


Light Spring

Steer clear of dark and cool colors, as they overpower your delicate, warm essence.

Opposite season: Deep Winter


Colors to Avoid for Light Springs:
  • Black

  • Cool dark brown

  • Royal Purple

  • Deep Red or Burgundy

  • Emerald Green

  • Navy Blue

  • Magenta


Light Summer

Dark and warm shades can overwhelm your soft, cool radiance.

Opposite Season: Deep Autumn


Colors to Avoid for Light Summers:
  • Black

  • Burnt Orange

  • Mustard

  • Deep Olive Green

  • Deep Warm Brown

  • Warm Burgundy

  • Eggplant Purple


True Summer

Warm, bright, and dark tones clash with your natural coolness and subtlety.

Opposite Seasons: True Autumn and True Spring


Colors to Avoid for True Summers:
  • Black

  • Any type of Orange

  • Warm Yellows

  • Warm Brown

  • Cream

  • Warm Greens


Soft Summer

Bright and warm hues can clash with your soft, cool undertones.

Opposite Season: Bright Spring


Colors to Avoid for Soft Summers:
  • Black

  • White

  • Bright Red

  • Bright Orange

  • Bright Yellow

  • Bright Green

  • Magenta and other Bright Pinks

  • Bright Purple





Soft Autumn

Bright and cool colors are too harsh for your muted, warm palette.

Opposite season: Bright Winter


Colors to Avoid for Soft Autumns:
  • Black

  • White

  • Bright Red

  • Cobalt Blue

  • Magenta and other Bright Pinks

  • Bright Purple

  • Bright Yellow


True Autumn

Light, cool, and bright colors can look unnatural against your rich, warm complexion.

Opposite seasons: True Summer and True Winter


Colors to Avoid for True Autumns:
  • Black

  • White

  • Cool Blue

  • Cool Pink

  • Cool Purple

  • Cool Green



Deep Autumn

Light and cool tones don’t harmonize with your deep, warm coloring.

Opposite season: Light Summer


Colors to Avoid for Deep Autumn:
  • Icy pastels

  • Pastel pink

  • Pastel blue

  • Pastel yellow

  • Pastel green

  • Light gray

  • Light silver


Deep Winter

Light and warm hues can detract from your striking, cool depth.

Opposite season: Light Spring


Colors to Avoid for Deep Winter:
  • Warm pastels

  • Pastel Yellow

  • Cream

  • Apricot

  • Salmon Pink or Coral

  • Light Apple Green


True Winter

Warm, muted, and light colors can make your vivid, cool features appear dull.

Opposite season: True Spring and True Autumn


Colors to Avoid for True Winter:
  • Burnt Orange

  • Warm Muted Brown

  • Apricot

  • Cream

  • Salmon Pink or Coral

  • Marigold or Butterscotch.


Bright Winter

Muted and warm tones can make your bold, cool features appear washed out.

Opposite season: Soft Autumn


Colors to Avoid for Bright Winter:
  • Muted Olive

  • Beige

  • Brick Red

  • Terracotta

  • Toffee

  • Warm Camel


Bright Spring

Avoid muted and cool shades, as they don’t complement your lively, warm energy.

Opposite season: Soft Summer


Colors to Avoid for Bright Spring:
  • Gray

  • Dusty Blue

  • Dusty Rose

  • Muted Purple

  • Muted Green

  • Mauve



Understanding which colors to avoid can help you refine your wardrobe and ensure your outfits always complement your season’s unique beauty.

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