A Cool Summer? Of course it is...

Whatever is a Cool Summer? 

Summer is always COOL, always Light and always Muted (or Soft). 

'Different' methods of Color Analysis are always popping up but I've never paid them much attention. Both the Tonal and Seasonal methods work perfectly well and complement each other.

Some Color Analysis' just cause confusion...

Every method of Color Analysis comes down to the same straight-forward idea of connecting or matching color characteristics with your own natural characteristics. When you surround yourself with colors that echo your own natural coloring then you create balance. Simple!

But some methods of Color Analysis do nothing but create confusion. I've had people tell me they are a 'Warm Summer' and a 'Deep Summer' - impossible! Let me explain...

OK so you're Cool Summer

A COOL SUMMER is limited to the coolest colors in the SUMMER color palette.

With a restricted range of colors the shades become so specific that it's extremely difficult to recognize them and almost impossible to shop because your choice is so limited.

If you've been determined a COOL SUMMER then you are only part of a Season with a diluted color palette. 

You could be missing out on a much wider range of colors! 

If you're COOL

Been determined Cool Summer? Then you don't fit easily into the Seasons. It may have been difficult to decide between Summer and Winter but one is Light and Soft and the other is Deep and Bright! 

What they both have in common is a COOL undertone. This could mean that COOL is the most important aspect of your coloring, i.e. COOL is your primary characteristic, the one we see first.

It's often said that COOL is a mix of Summer and Winter and, to some degree, this is true and you'll see some colors from both in the color palette. But only the true COOL shades with a medium contrast - leaving out the sultry tones of Summer and the bold highly contrasting shades of Winter.       

So if COOL is the main factor of your coloring, then this palette could be for you. Rather than a limited array of colors you could be wearing and enjoying the whole spectrum of the COOL color family.

Whichever you are don't dilute your colors!

Every color palette includes shades of every color - reds, blues, greens, yellows, purples, greys, beige, browns. Each one has elements of the color characteristics that complement your natural coloring and you need them all to look your best!

You'll have your favorites, some will look better than others. Season to season you'll be influenced by fashion and your tastes will develop and change.  

You'll choose your light or slightly stronger shades according to mood and occasion; professional, conservative, holiday time etc. but as long as you're within your color direction you really can't go wrong.

Don't dilute it, just enjoy!

Don't think that SUMMER colors are just for the warm months, they will work for you year-long!

Don't dilute a color palette - just enjoy!

Whether Seasonal or Tonal you need choice...

Some people are still nervous about Color Analysis because they think their color choice is going to be severely limited. Breaking up the Seasons does just that.

When I was first came across Color Analysis I was given a small swatch and told what I 'could' and 'couldn't' wear! Probably like you, I don't like being 'told' what to do. Only you know what makes you feel good and what you need is choice.

You need the widest possible choice of colors that make you look good and if some colors are new it's great to experiment. Choice is usually influenced by mood and occasion anyway.

If you've been correctly analyzed you will see familiar and favorite shades, you will feel comfortable! Color is a fabulous medium, it's here to be enjoyed and it's FUN!