What is Your Season?
Model: Aarzoo Modha; Photographers: Emily Bergerman & Pamela Guardado; Stylist: Jeong Eun Jade Jang; HMUA: Aria Makan
By Catalina Lopez
Do you ever wonder why you look good in some colors but not in others? Your hair color, skin tone, and eye color play a huge role in what colors look most flattering on you and which ones you should avoid altogether.
The most valuable tip I have learned is to find out what season I am. Through my season, I have unlocked a range of colors that best complement and enhance my natural features.
Follow the chart below to find out what your season is. Make sure you choose the category that fits you best for the most accurate season.
Winter |
Summer |
Spring |
Autumn |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
Skin Tone |
Blue undertones, Very dark or milky white skin |
Blue toned with pink undertones |
Golden to ivory peach or dark beige |
Yellow/gold undertones, peach to golden beige, pale ivory or golden brown |
Eye Color |
Dark Brown or Dark Blue |
Pale/light blue, gray, light/soft brown, or hazel |
Dark eyes with golden flecks/highlights |
Dark Brown, brown with specks, clear blue or green |
Hair Color |
White blonde, medium brown to very black hair |
Blonde to ash blonde or light to medium brown |
Strawberry, golden blonde, deep black/ dark brown with natural highlights |
Red, strawberry blonde, chestnut, or charcoal black |
Your season takes two major components into account. One crucial component is your skin's undertone and determining whether it is cool or warm. Hints of blue or pink characterize cool undertones, while warm undertones are usually yellow or peachy hues. The second essential component is discovering your color contrast; this can be low or high. Low-contrast individuals typically have similar tones across hair, skin, and eye color, while high-contrast individuals exude more pronounced differences. Both of these factors combined make out how colors reflect off you. This helps explain why certain colors light you up and why others make you appear dimmer.
Once you have determined your season, look below to find out what colors flatter you best.
|
Winter Most Flattering: Pure White, Charcoal Gray, Navy, Royal Blue, Icy Blue, Emerald Green, Deep Hot Pink, Magenta, Fuschia, Blue-red, True Red, Bright Burgundy, Icy Yellow, and Royal Purple Least Flattering: Brown, Tan, Orange, and Gold |
Summer Most Flattering: Soft White, Blue-Gray, Rose-browns, Cocoa, Periwinkle, Medium Blue, Blue-Green, Pastel Pinks, Deep Rose, Burgundy, Light Lemon Yellow, Plum, Mauve, and Lavender Least Flattering: Orange and Gold |
|
Autumn Most Flattering: Oyster White, Earth Beiges, Dark Browns, Mahogany, Bronze, Deep Periwinkle, Turquoise, Olive, Forest Green, All oranges, Terracotta, Orange-reds, Dark Tomato, All Golds, and Yellow-Gold Least Flattering: Navy, Gray, Pink, and Burgundy |
Spring Most Flattering: Ivory, Camel, Warm Gray, Golden Brown, Periwinkle, Warm Turquoise, Pastel Green, Apricot, Light Orange, All pinks, Orange-Red, Bright Golden Yellow, and Blue Violet Least Flattering: Burgundy and Dark Browns |
This is not an exact science, but understanding the principles of color theory can undoubtedly help to enhance your fashion choices. Experimenting with color palettes can help you discover hues that complement your skin tone and personal style.
Now that you know what colors you look best in, clean your closet and shop!
