Are there specific colors you like to wear? You might notice some outfits make you look more washed out than others. Colors can significantly impact your mood and confidence, which is why you should seek the most flattering shades for your complexion.
Seasonal color analysis is the latest styling trend, using seasonal palettes to discover what looks best on you. If you’re ready to take your wardrobe from drab to fab and boost your self-esteem, let this seasonal fashion and beauty guide help you.
What Is Seasonal Color Analysis?
Seasonal color analysis isn’t a new trend — it appeared in Carole Jackson’s 1980s book “Color Me Beautiful” and derives from German artist Johannes Itten’s seasonal color theory. The concept specifies what seasonal shades look best on a person based on their eye color, hair color and skin tone.
Some people’s appearance may be better suited for saturated colors with grayer tones, while others demand a more intense shade. To decide yours, you’ll want to examine seasonal color’s characteristics as follows:
- Spring: Warm undertones with bright intensity, such as light yellow, coral, peach and spring green.
- Summer: Cool but soft undertones like lavender, light blue, blush pink and cool greens.
- Fall: Cool, rich undertones with vibrant earth tones, such as olive shades, rust, plum and gold.
- Winter: Cool and bright undertones, including emerald green, dark blue and pristine whites.
Undertones are crucial in seasonal color analysis, providing contrast and harmony. For instance, someone’s cool natural skin might clash with a warm peach T-shirt. Conversely, an emerald green dress could make them appear brighter.
How to Find Your Seasonal Shades
Observing your natural complexion is the first step to determining your best seasonal shade. Formulated makeup remover eliminates stubborn waterproof cosmetics and brightens your face. Then, examine your skin tone, eyes and hair. Do you have naturally cool or warmer tones?
The vein test is one way to determine your undertone. Look at the veins below your wrist — greener veins indicate warm undertones, while purple or blue veins suggest cooler ones. If your veins match your skin color, you likely have neutral undertones.
Another way to tell is by holding up gold or silver fabric to your face. Which makes you look brighter? Silver aligns with cooler tones, while yellow gold tends to lean warmer.
Building a Confidence-Boosting Wardrobe
As a form of self-expression, fashion should boost your confidence and make you feel like the best version of yourself. However, it’s much more than wearing dark colors for a slimming effect or choosing certain styles to accentuate beautiful curves. You’ll want to fill your wardrobe with seasonal shades to match your features.
Once you know your season, consider texture. Someone who matches summer should look for airy items, while winter selections should include luxurious fabrics. Likewise, florals are more conducive to spring and natural textures are best for autumn.
Tips for building the ultimate wardrobe based on your seasonal color analysis include:
- Selecting three to five colors from your seasonal color palette as your signature shades.
- Opting for a few quality items over several cheaper clothes.
- Incorporating your favorite silhouettes and patterns — such as a blazer for a laid-back style you can dress up or down.
- Shopping your closet for items you currently have in your seasonal shades.
- Turning to online resources for guidance.
Don’t forget to consider warm and cool-toned makeup and jewelry once you’ve determined your seasonal shades. Even small details matter when wearing whatever is most flattering. Of course, there are no hard and fast rules. You should always sport what makes you feel most comfortable and confident.
Rocking Seasonal Colors for Self-Esteem
Wearing flattering shades based on your natural tones is enough to enhance your self-esteem. However, your preferences for specific colors and styles still matter. Use the Seasonal Color Analysis criteria to uncover your best shades and find confidence in the clothes you wear.
