Embrace the Cool, Soft Beauty of Summer Colors
What is the Summer Color Palette?
The Summer color palette is defined by soft, cool, and muted hues that evoke a sense of calm and understated sophistication. Unlike the bold, warm colors of Spring or the deep, dramatic tones of Winter, Summer colors tend to have a gentler presence, offering a serene and elegant aesthetic. Picture soft pink skies, cool ocean breezes, and light, tranquil mornings—those are the shades that make up your palette.
These colors are perfect for those with cool undertones, bringing balance and enhancing natural beauty. People with Summer coloring shine in soft, cool hues that echo the serene beauty of the season, including pastel blues, lilacs, rose pinks, mint greens, dove greys, and lavender. These shades, ranging from light and subtle to richer muted versions, offer endless mixing possibilities, looking fresh in summer and versatile year-round for a timeless, stylish wardrobe.
The Different Subsets of the Summer Palette
Within the Summer palette, there are three subsets, each catering to slightly different cool undertones and differing preferences. Understanding which subset suits you best is key to building a wardrobe that feels truly aligned with your complexion and natural coloring.
True Summer: Classic, Cool, and Muted
If you’re a True Summer (otherwise known as a Cool Summer), your complexion will typically have a cool undertone, with your skin most commonly ranging from fair to medium and your hair from ashy blonde to light ashy brown. Celebrities like Natalie Portman, Catherine Princess of Wales, and Olivia Wilde exemplify True Summer, with their cool and delicate coloring that thrives in understated tones.
Key Colors for True Summer:
- Cool Blues and Teals: Soft navy, cool cobalt, and powder blue naturally enhance True Summer complexions.
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Soft Pinks and Lilacs: Cooler shades create a delicate glow and work for both casual and formal looks. For something different, also consider ruby, rose hues, orchid pink, and ash brown.
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Cool Muted Greens: Sage and olive complement the natural coolness in True Summer features.
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Delicate Neutrals: Embrace soft greys, dove whites, and muted taupes instead of stark blacks and whites to harmonize with your coloring.
“For True Summers, it’s all about embracing light, cool hues that complement your natural tones,” Catherine advises. “Opt for rose pinks, soft blues, and misty greys, or even monochrome ensembles, and let these crisp shades create an effortless, refined look that’s perfect for any occasion.”
Styling Tips for True Summer:
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Fabrics: Pick prints that are more delicate with less contrast or any bold shades.
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Avoid Vibrant or Overley Warm Colors: Shades like very warm oranges, warm and bright reds and greens, and warm browns can overpower True Summer’s natural coolness.
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Accessories: Silver jewelry and pearls enhance True Summer’s elegance.
Top FRANKIE4 Styles for True Summer: Bennet blue suede, Riley white/pink tint, and Blake silver tumbled offer the perfect blend of cool sophistication for True Summer.
Soft Summer: Embrace the Calm, Muted Palette
Soft Summers should embrace gentle, muted shades that align with the cool, subtle vibe of the season. Typically, Soft Summer individuals have cool undertones, fair to medium skin, and ash blonde to soft brown hair, favoring colors that are cool with an earthy, subdued undertone. Muted greys, taupes, and soft pinks enhance their complexion without washing them out, blending sophistication with relaxed elegance. Celebrities like Joey King, Jennifer Aniston, Emilia Clarke, and Zoe Saldana exemplify Soft Summer with their delicate, cool features that shine in understated hues.
Key Colors for Soft Summer:
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Soft Blues: Light blues like faded denim and muted periwinkle offer cool, calming tones that flatter Soft Summer coloring.
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Dusty Roses and Mauves: Opt for cooler pinks and mauve tones, like muted rose or soft lavender, to complement the natural softness of your look.
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Cool Greys and Taupes: Stay away from overly warm shades and instead lean into greys and taupes for your neutrals. These colors balance the coolness in your complexion.
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Pastel Greens and Soft Teals: Soft, pastel greens and cool teals will help you achieve that soft, serene look without overpowering your features.
“Soft Summers shine in cool, muted tones that enhance their natural softness without overwhelming their features,” Catherine recommends. “Lean into faded blues, dusty roses, and soft teals to create a serene, harmonious look. For neutrals, cool greys and taupes will always complement your complexion beautifully.”
Styling Tips for Soft Summer:
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Stick to fabrics that have a soft, light texture, like linen or light wool, which will reflect the gentleness of your coloring.
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Avoid overly bright or harsh colors, as these will clash with the muted softness that defines Soft Summer.
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For accessories, go for silver, muted gold, or white gold jewelry, as these cool-toned metals will complement your overall look.
Top FRANKIE4 Styles for Soft Summer: Try Axel blue, Malone blue weave, and Coco ecru weave emboss for a refined look that embraces the Soft Summer palette.
Light Summer: Soft, Light, and Radiant
Light Summer is a gentler version of the True Summer palette, featuring pale, delicate colors with a hint of muted warmth. Ideal for those with lighter skin tones and blonde or light brown hair, this palette includes light blues, pastel pinks, and cool whites that offer a soft, radiant look perfect for warmer months. Celebrities like Reese Witherspoon, Margot Robbie, Princess Diana, and Lili Reinhart epitomize the Light Summer palette with their light, fresh complexions that glow in delicate hues.
Key Colors for Light Summer:
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Light Blues and Aquas: Soft sky blue, aqua, and icy turquoise bring out Light Summer’s natural radiance.
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Pastel Pinks and Peaches: Gentle pinks and hints of peach add warmth without overpowering, maintaining a light, airy feel.
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Cool Whites and Soft Greys: Avoid stark white and opt for cool whites and light greys that blend seamlessly with Light Summer’s soft tones.
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Lavender and Mint Greens: These pastel shades add a touch of color while preserving the overall delicate, breezy aesthetic.
For a refined yet relaxed look, Catherine suggests, “Layer soft, airy fabrics in delicate colors to bring out your natural glow. Light Summers should avoid overly dark or vibrant shades that can feel harsh. Complete your look with silver or white gold jewelry, which complements Light Summer’s soft coloring without overwhelming it.”
Styling Tips for Light Summer:
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Opt for Light Makeup: Stick to soft pinks, pale plum blushes, and gentle highlighters to enhance your natural glow without overpowering your features.
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Choose Silver or White Gold Jewlery: These metals blend seamlessly with Light Summer’s cool tones, adding elegance without distracting from your palette.
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Keep it Natural: For eyeshadow, go for cool taupes, soft lilacs, or light greys to maintain a fresh, light look that complements your natural coloring.
Top FRANKIE4 Styles for Soft Summer: Drew silver crackle, Billie blue tumbled, and Tate linen.
Discovering Your Summer Color Palette
Finding your perfect Summer palette is fun and rewarding. Pay attention to how different colors affect your complexion—cool, muted shades like soft lavender will brighten your skin, while warm tones like coral may make you look tired. If cool, muted colors enhance your radiance, you may fall into the Soft Summer or True Summer categories. For a more precise match, take a color test or consult a stylist.
Dressing for Your Summer Palette Year-Round
Summer colors are versatile and work beautifully across seasons. Soft Summer shades layer well with neutrals like grey and taupe, while True Summer tones mix with soft blues and greens. Incorporate your palette with key pieces like cashmere sweaters and a light denim jacket. Silver or muted gold accessories add a touch of shine without overwhelming your features, keeping your style elegant all year long.
