Unveiling part two of our Color Lab series. After diving into the warm and vibrant hues of Spring, we’re now exploring the cool, soft tones of the Summer palette. These gentle, muted Summer shades are perfect for bringing a sense of calm and sophistication to your wardrobe, and we’re here to show you how to embrace them.
With expert insights from Catherine Kingdon, Product Development Manager at FRANKIE4, we’ll help you discover the cool, subtle colors that make up a Summer color analysis. Whether you're a True Summer, Soft Summer, or Light Summer, we’ll give you the tips and tricks for incorporating these cool color types of hues into your style all year round. Let’s unlock the beauty of your Summer palette colors and add some effortless elegance to your wardrobe.
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.
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.
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:
“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.”
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 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:
“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.”
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 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:
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.”
Top FRANKIE4 Styles for Soft Summer: Drew silver crackle, Billie blue tumbled, and Tate linen.
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.
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.
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