Or is the idea that you stay “true” to your season year-round?
When you wonder whether you should stick strictly to your season year-round, it’s good to remember the foundation of color analysis. Your personal palette is based on your skin’s undertone, eye color, and natural hair color. Tanned skin or slightly darker winter hair usually only changes the intensity, not the season itself.
What are sister seasons?
In the standard seasonal system, each season sits next to two others on the color wheel. These are called sister seasons. For a Soft Autumn, Soft Summer and True Autumn are the closest. Most people can borrow certain shades from there without breaking the overall impression. Some even wear pieces from more distant seasons, like when a True Summer succeeds with some True Winter tones.
Why does the season feel stronger in winter?
When skin becomes paler and hair darkens, contrast increases, which can make your autumn palette feel extra fitting. In summer, when you’re tanned and hair lightens, tones from your sister season may feel softer. This doesn’t mean you’re changing seasons – rather that you’re adjusting the intensity and picking inspiration from neighboring colors.
Tips for varying your palette
- Test your sister season’s shades when you want to refresh your expression without losing harmony.
- Let clearer or stronger colors be accents during summer if your skin gets deeper.
- Stick to the base of your own palette and let accessories shift between seasons.
The most important thing is that colors make you feel comfortable and radiant – regardless of season.
Read more in Soft Autumn or Light Spring. Want a personal analysis? Book our digital color analysis.