A Cool Winter? Of course it is...

What is a Cool Winter? WINTER is always COOL, always DEEP and always BRIGHT (Clear).

'Different' methods of Color Analysis are always popping up but I never pay them a great deal of attention because I have to say 'each to his own'. The Tonal and Seasonal methods work brilliant well together and are perfectly complementary.

OK so you're a Cool Winter!

A COOL WINTER is limited to the coolest colors in the WINTER 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 WINTER 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! 

But actually you're more likely to be either
COOL or WINTER!

If you're COOL

Been determined Cool Winter? 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.

Or if you're true WINTER

WINTER is a glorious mix of three color characteristics, it's always COOL, always DEEP and always CLEAR/BRIGHT.  

This color mix will complement your strong and dramatic coloring which creates a high contrast between your features.

Light or soft/muted shades are not for you and, although the colors need to be COOL with a blue undertone, the Deeply saturated and Bright/Clear elements of WINTER are also needed to bring this beautiful color palette to life.

Pure drama: deep tones and icy lights, highs and lows, sharp yet strong. 

Don't dilute a color palette - just enjoy!

Whatever you are don't dilute your palette!

Whatever color palette you're given it should include 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 any SEASONAL swatch is just for the specific season, it will work for you year-round! 

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. When the Seasons are broken up that's exactly what happens!

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!