Light Spring and Soft Autumn.

Do Light Season People Look "Light"?

9/9/2019

That is, do Light Summers and Light Springs have pale eyes, pale hair and pale skin?
Often, but not always.

Do Soft Summers and Soft Autumns look "soft? Are they visually very low-contrast?
Often, but not always.

Let's think about Light Spring and Soft Autumn, which I discussed here.

The Light Spring palette is light, warm, and clear. The Soft Autumn palette is muted, warm, and medium-dark.

Ultimately, what determines your season is how your skin reacts to color, not what your skin, hair, and eyes look like. So it's not precisely true to say, for example, that a Light Spring is herself light, warm, and clear; instead, we say that her best colors are light, warm, and clear.

Both of my kids are Light Springs. It's true they're both fair-skinned, but they also both have hazely-brown eyes,, and my son has brown hair. The only way I know they're Light Springs is that their best colors are Light Spring colors. They are both gorgeous in light fuchsia, light lime green, light aqua, camel, light peach, and khaki.

Light Spring colors.

I'm a Soft Autumn. One could argue that my overall contrast level is higher then either of my kids', because I have fair skin but darker hair than either of them. Yet I know I'm a Soft Autumn because my best colors are Soft Autumn colors. I look my most lovely in warm, dusty rose, gentle olive, gentle yellow, muted turquoise, and dusty periwinkle.

Soft Autumn colors.

Carmen Electra's best colors are cool and very, very gentle. (So are Denise RIchards' best colors. I initially mislabeled this pic as Denise Richards, LOL! Thanks to those who pointed it out. )

You can absolutely be a Soft season even if you don't think you look low-contrast. Many Soft Summers and Soft Autums have fair skin and dark hair.

And you can be a Light season even if you have brown eyes, brown hair, and/or tan skin. (Think about it this way: both Light seasons have versions of brown in their palettes, right?) People with all three -- darker hair, eyes, and skin -- aren't usually Light seasons, but it does sometimes happen.

Alicia Keys' best colors are warm, clear, and very light.

The test is always which colors make your skin look the most healthy.

If you're not sure of your season, try the quiz!

27 Comments

Alex

9/9/2019 09:08:50 pm

For a long time I thought I couldn't be a Dark Winter because I don't look that dark (I have pale skin, dark green/hazel eyes, and brown hair that could be called light brown or could be called medium brown but is definitely not dark brown). But Dark Winter colors are best on me.

Thank you, Rachel!

Melina

9/10/2019 03:48:48 am

Alex, I'm kind of in the same boat as you - I have dark blonde / light brown hair & green/hazel eyes) and yet DW colours seem the best for me, especially in Rachel's draping cards ;) For long I've just struggled with that, as a relatively light-coloured person is not "suppesed" to be a DW... And I love wearing black even though we are adviced against it all the time. I do love bright colours too, and for long I thought I was a BSp, but then again, a DW can also pull off fair amount of brightness. In case you haven't seen it, this blog post may be of interest to you (too): :) http://www.bestdressed.us/blog/2014/12/29/the-brightness-of-dark-winter-or-how-dark-winter-can-appear-to-be-bright-spring

9/10/2019 03:52:13 am

* should be "supposed", obviously ;)

9/10/2019 12:41:25 pm

That blog post is fascinating! I think many people who are confused about their seasons may be Dark Winters.

I light up in black. (It's interesting: my sister and I look very much alike, but she is a Soft Summer and I am a Dark Winter. Black is overwhelming on my sister. But black makes me look healthy and alive - when I wear black, I look ten years younger - it's amazing.) (From Rachel, I realized my style ID is mostly Natural; I read that sleeveless tops are great for Naturals - I got a black sleeveless top, and it's my very favorite now - thank you, Rachel!)

9/11/2019 04:27:20 am

Ah, "confused about their season" is my middle name ;D

I also feel I light up in black, though have often thought if I'm only kidding myself that I do, seeing as all the seasonal color sites advise against black, saying it doesn't suit most people who wear it, and after reading articles like this: https://www.spicemarketcolour.com.au/blog/2019/7/6/mythbusting-1-black-really-doesnt-suit-everyone
But even after reading all that, I still can't see anything much wrong when wearing black...

The only things that would go against being a DW for me are not being good in white, and many DW lippies are too dark for me. But those are the only things.

9/11/2019 10:28:18 am

Melina, we sound a lot alike! I'm not great in white, and I don't do dark lipstick. I spent a long time thinking I must be a Soft Summer for that reason, but Soft Summer colors wash me out and make me look old and tired. Dark Winter colors make me look healthy and alive. (Though I've found it's important to pair the lighter colors with darker colors; an icy pink blouse with a black blazer is terrific, but if I take the blazer off and have just the icy pink blouse, I suddenly look much older. I need some darkness near my face.)

9/12/2019 05:40:09 am

Yes, I definitely need darkness too but not necessarily near my face, like how this article talks about DW clothes / outfits - https://elementalcolour.com.au/blog/dark-winter . And usually the bottom half of any outfit of mine is dark, anyway ;) I can also easily do all black (and often do in wintertime), which made me wonder when I thought I was BSp. ;)

And yes, it's hard when nearly everyone says you *have* to be able to wear dark lipstick to be DW, like it was some kind of litmus test (like the ones Rachel gives on this site for lipstick draping) - that has always thrown me off. Maybe DW's of medium colouring (like us) do best in medium darkness lippies? That's actually what Christine Scaman has said, too. That said, I'm now experimenting with darker lippies, using NYX Copenhagen and MAC Diva as a stain, and it looks surprisingly good, better than most of the Bright season lipsticks I've been wearing for so long ;) (I must have looked a bit like a clown, but especially in the summer I crave brighter lipsticks, and they seem to suit well when the weather's bright, too...)

9/17/2019 09:39:17 pm

I think it's best not to take any one piece of advice too seriously. There are over 7 billion people on the planet, and 12 seasons in this system - it's simply not possible that anything someone says about a season will apply to every person in that season! Humans are variable. The system is useful as general guidelines, not as absolute rules. Knowing your season helps you know what might be worth trying; it doesn't guarantee that any particular thing will work for you. Also, it provides an interesting framework for understanding. The framework of color and style analysis helps me notice things about color and line that I hadn't noticed before. I see so much more - it's fun. And it's helped me try new things. I found a sweater in a dark lime green that a few years ago I would have assumed would be much too warm for me - but that dark lime green is in the dark winter palette, so I tried it, and - it works! Wow! Same with yellow - I used to think I simply couldn't wear yellow, but now that I know what to look for it, I can. But people often say things about Dark Winters that don't apply to me; DW is often described as majestic or regal, and - that is NOT me. I don't like dark makeup. I used to get hung up on that, wonder if I'm not really a Dark Winter after all - but now I think there's just a lot of variation within the season. The DW palette fits better than any other palette. It's a framework that helps me. (Style analysis helps too. I used to wonder why tight and revealing clothes feel so wrong on me - now I know. I used to wonder how I could dress sexy and still feel like me - now I know that bare arms and legs are to a Natural woman what cleavage is to a Romantic - I would never have discovered the power of sleeveless tops if not for style analysis! But again - it's not a fixed rule, it's guidelines, it's a framework, it's a new way of seeing.)

9/18/2019 05:10:49 am

Ah yes, totally agree about the framework thing, Alex! But I guess it's only natural that when you hear (or read) other people making blanket statements, you start wondering and doubting ;) (Though I'm not very prone to that, having accrued self-confidence during the years, more than I had when younger. ;)) For me, style ID was kind of opposite revelation from you, for example it made me realize why I can't do & don't even like e.g. jeans, even though they are supposed to be a "staple" for everyone :) The same goes for most of the "casual" clothing that people seem to love so much these days. I have at least Romantic and Ingenue, those are my strongest essences, plus probably some Ethereal and possibly Dramatic. (For me sleeveless tops are a no-no, must be the Ingenue or maybe R, too ;))

And as for colour stuff, there are some anomalies I guess, like my best yellow is kind of bold marigold, but as you said, not everything about a season will necessarily fit everyone of that season :) Anyway, I'm loving several DW lipsticks now, FWIW - must be the beginning dark season of the year ;)

9/18/2019 06:06:03 am

Just wanted to add that my eye makeup has always been dark (compared to many others), it has to be or I look odd (in my opinion) :)

2/17/2022 03:07:32 pm

I wonder if "typical" Dark Winter makeup looks could still make a DW look goth, if they don't have much Dramatic in their style ID?

I believe I'm either a DW or DA; I'm in the middle of the saturation spectrum, I am one of the neutral seasons, and depth is important for my clothing. But black eyeliner can make me look goth if I'm not careful; I think my eye shape has something to do with it.

Victoria

9/11/2019 05:08:25 pm

So grateful that your posts like these are becoming more commonplace. I am a black/mixed race spring and boy let me tell you... it was difficult representing myself when everyone else was working by “majority rules” theory (ie, Light eyes, light skin, & light hair = Light Spring and vice versa). It truly does simply come down to what colors make your skin glow. We are still a long ways from equality, but hopefully in the future other minorities or seasonal “anomalies” don’t have to sift through the racial/prejudiced undertones of some many colors analysts. Sometime it feels racism is just inescapable...

Anyways, I do have a question for you Rachel- would you consider Blumarine (https://instagram.com/blumarine?igshid=1mte6vqqaizwm) or Georges Hobeika a good REG brand? Also, are there any affordable REG brands you know of? I’m preparing to purchase fall wardrobe but there are not any brand mentioned in my Shopping Guide.

9/13/2019 04:38:06 am

How is it racism to say that to be a Light season, one needs to have light hair & skin..? It may be a theory you don't agree with, the so-called Dominant trait theory, but it's not "inescapably racist". It's the same as to say that to be a Dark season, one has to have dark hair & eyes (maybe skin too), or to be a Soft season one has to look soft, but I doubt anyone would call those "racism". It's very unfortunate that nowadays some people see racism in everything, or want to see...

9/13/2019 04:17:43 pm

Hi, KM... I think you misread my post. I was agreeing with Rachel mentioned here. Perceived ethnicity inevitably affects Color Analysis and even Style ID Analysis- so trying to be a “colorblind” person who doesn’t see race is still racism. That’s just a lazy workaround. At the end of the day (in order to not be racist), you have to understand and acknowledge that are there are ethnic differences, yet still accept those differences. People should strive to be aware differences and UNDERSTAND others’ ethnicity as well as they understand their own. In other words, we must grow into cultured individuals. That’s what I try to do. Becoming cultured is more challenging than staying complacent and relaxing in our own ethnic/social bubble, but I believe it is ultimately necessary for the equality of all races.

And yes, I understand that Color Season anomalies will naturally be harder to analyze or determine. But these examples that Rachel has mentioned here are not so rare that are should be as severely as underrepresented in Color Analysis as they are. For example, I know of many brown-er skinned or higher contrast Light Springs of many races (Alicia Keys, Rose Bertram, Jasmine Sanders, Jena Frumes, Sasha Lane, Deborah Ann Woll, Alexandra Daddario, Lauren Holly) and Light Summers (Diandra Forrest, Blair Imani). So, the fact that “Alicia Keys is a Light Spring” should not be breaking news. And is shouldn’t be “wild” to believe that fair skinned Anne Hathaway is a Deep Winter. It’s almost medieval or archaic that we’re just now “realizing” this. The reason it’s taken so long for people to come around to these concepts is not just because these women are slightly rarer or seasonal anomalies. It’s because of all the old racial stereotypes tied to color analysis “rules” which are JUST now becoming invalidated by professionals like Rachel!

Anyways I wasn’t saying color and style analysis is innately racist, LOL. I was saying it can (and OFTEN does) manifest racism when we believe and rely on inaccurate factors (ie, stereotypes or prejudices) to determine and analyze. Racism doesn’t just affect minorities, it ultimately affects everyone. Which is why I like Rachel’s blog- because she is able to see the “truth” and doesn’t appear to base her conclusions on racist beliefs. She literally shows the hard facts and gives examples/proofs to back up what she’s saying. Furthermore, Rachel has mentioned on the strong correlation between racism and inaccurate Color Analysis more than once.... Here are some articles about that:

truth-is-beauty.com/is-color-analysis-just-for-white-people.html

truth-is-beauty.com/blog/the-dominant-trait-method-of-personal-color-analysis

tinyurl.com/y56jyktl

tinyurl.com/yyfp8rdc

tinyurl.com/y4aw29eu

She has also mentioned here how Style ID is relative to the perceived ethnicity by the viewer.

tinyurl.com/y5xr98rp

I’m sorry my post upset you.. I was just trying to speak up for minority examples like myself. I know it would’ve helped me on my Color Season and style ID journey if I had read something like this early on...

9/15/2019 06:39:25 am

I'm sorry but I don't think I misread your initial post - your 2nd one only confirms my reading of it, and IMO you're overcomplicating the issue, Victoria. I do agree that people are often horribly over-simplifying color analysis, especially online, instantly deciding that if someone has light hair and eyes, they must be a Light season, and conversely, if someone has dark hair and eyes, they must be a Dark season - that's just incorrect. But I do not agree that there is a "correlation to racism" there anywhere - it's like saying it's "racism" for some people to be light-skinned and some to be dark-skinned, when it's a simple fact of reality, that's all.

I'm sorry if my comment upset you too, but it does seem to me that you are biased on this and I have to disagree with your views. But maybe it's better end this discussion here, as we clearly disagree. Also, I do not feel that this is the correct place to preach how all others should think and live their lives, as you did (the entire 1st paragraph of your 2nd comment)!

Mary Ellen

9/11/2019 10:39:33 pm

I am a bright spring, but I think most people would look at me and think summer. They see my peachy skin as pink. Also, I need bright colors to come alive. Light spring colors do nothing for me. Although I am spring, I cannot wear the really orangy colrs in the palette. I used to think that would make me something other than spring, but Rachel, you set me straight with your lipstick post. Anyway, I know first hand that you have to examine how colors look on your skin not what your skin looks like.

I just had Rachel do a style analysis for me. Unless you are really good at this stuff for yourself, I highly recommend spending the money for her services. She is very thorough and explains her results so they make sense. I turned out to be an EG (75% G). I would have never figured that out for myself, but it makes so much sense to me. If you can invest the money, it will serve you well forever. Manicures and other ways we spend our beauty money don't last. Treat yourselves, friends. It is well worth it.

9/14/2019 03:30:05 am

Rachel, I am also considering the fashion label called Perfect Number (https://instagram.com/prfctnmbr?igshid=wxfssn265fjw) as an EG friendly shop as well (occasionally they add in a dose of R). EG is already pretty wild as is... and this new brand just spins the concept on its head! Love!

Also, I recently discovered a shop called BlushesAndGold on Etsy which has some nice options for REG. The jewelry line Frasier Sterling has some good items as well!

Very confused

9/18/2019 03:57:19 pm

My friends are leaning towards me being a summer, possibly a light season (although I think it’s unlikely). I’m not light haired or light eyed though, I’m Asian and don’t have a deep or very light skin tone. My hair is now bleached and a silvery white color, and i’ve have had a lot of people tell me I pull it off. I don’t know what that’s an indicator of, though. I’ve had my hair a pale pastel blue/purple as well and it complimented my skin surprisingly well (I thought I’d look ridiculous). Unfortunately I don’t look good in any colors that have any yellowness or brassiness, and any lip colors that have even a hint of brown look flat on my face. Anyone have any ideas? I’ve settled for Dark Winter because i do have some contrast in my coloring, but I feel like it’s too overwhelming for me. I have very soft coloring—it’s hard to explain but my hair, while dark, looks almost grey and washed out in some lighting and has very ashy undertones.

9/19/2019 02:27:28 am

You totally sound like a True Summer to me! ;) Based on everything you told here.

9/23/2019 06:23:04 pm

Melina,

sorry for the late response! But i've been looking into true summer after reading your suggestion and definitely think it's more fitting than dark winter/any of my other previous guesses.

I did hear though that true summers don't look good in that silver/platinum hair (would that be more light summer?) but I looked at the palette for TS and definitely think the colors are pretty--it seems to be the most likely option by far!

Thank you!

9/24/2019 03:18:40 am

Glad if I could help! :)

9/24/2019 05:36:41 am

And as for looking good in silver, I think that's actually True Summer's powerhouse :) Not sure about platinum hair, that tends to suit very few, but I don't think that in any way excludes TSu, if everything else fits :)

9/19/2019 02:39:20 am

Also, have you tried to do the quiz on this site? It may well lead you to the right season, too :)

Gitte

9/20/2019 05:37:26 am

In the 12 season system, purely based on what colours look best on me, I am a clear winter. I don't have the textbook dark hair and sparkly blue eyes though. In fact, I am a redhead with muted grey-green-blue eyes. But my skin si very pale and bright and in too muted colours, there is a serious floating head effect. Because my skin pigment (what I have of it) is also more red-based - aka neutral - I can pull of some slightly warmer colours, like red-orange and lime green. Most yellows are too much though (lemon yellow is...Not the worst) I can better pull of slightly too warm but still bright colours than I can pull off too muted ones.

larisa

10/12/2021 07:02:57 am

Gitte, you confirm my theory that red-haired girls might be Brights rather than "textbook" Autumns. This is the brightest coloring variation, so the entire image must be stunning!

Ria

9/29/2019 06:40:44 pm

Hello, Rachel.

I enjoy your insightful blog. :)

I was wondering what your thoughts are on
the Season and Style of AVA GARDNER?

Cheers!

Hannah

10/8/2019 10:51:44 am

Thank you so much for mentioning this. I was confused about my season for the longest time, always meandering between spring and summer (and all related sub-seasons). My overall coloring is very light (light blonde hair, grey eyes and very pale skin) and I'm very medium temperature-wise. Yet, nothing ever really fit. In summer colors I look washed out and spring colors make me look sick. Then, I friend and I took your quiz together and my result said dark autumn. And it fits. I can actually wear almost all colors from both dark and soft autumn and some winter colors as well (namely black), but dark autumn actually looks best on me. No wonder, I've always loved those colors. It also showed me, how spot on instincts can be, as I naturally gravitate towards dark autumn colors (and tomboyish styles - fitting my natural-gamine face very well). And even thought I'm slightly warm in my coloring, I could never pull off true spring colors, as bright colors always drown out my face and give me a very yellow complexion, that looks quite unhealthy. So, thanks again for your blog and your test as it helped us (my friend finally realised, that being a very pale strawberry blonde doesn't necessitate a light season - she turned out to be a bright winter and looks about as great in muted colors as I do in bright ones) to claim our actual season and shed a lot of misconceptions :)

Truth is Beauty

Do Light Season People Look "Light"?

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