Deep Autumn - what exactly is that?

What exactly is a Deep Autumn? Autumn is always DEEP always WARM and always SOFT (Muted). 

I often get letters from people who really don't understand what Autumn is about which is sad when they've paid for a service.

'Different' methods of Color Analysis pop up of course but I never pay them much attention - each to his own! Both the Tonal and Seasonal methods work perfectly and complement each other.

Some Color Analysis' just cause confusion...

After all the hype, every method 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 'Cool Autumn' or a 'Light Autumn' - impossible! Let me explain...

OK so you're a DEEP AUTUMN?

As AUTUMN is always DEEP WARM and MUTED, if you're a DEEP AUTUMN you are only part of a Season with a diluted color palette.

You are limited to just the warmest colors of Autumn which means that you could be missing out on many other colors you could be enjoying.   

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.

You could be missing out on a much wider range! 

You're actually more like to be either
DEEP or AUTUMN! 

If you're DEEP

Been determined Deep Autumn? Then you don't fit easily into the Seasons. It may have been difficult to decide between Autumn and Winter because you have a little of both - in fact a little of both Warm and Cool. 

This means that undertone i.e. Warm or Cool, is not the most important aspect of your coloring, DEEP is your primary characteristic, the one we see first.

It's often said that DEEP is a mix of Autumn 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 DEEP shades with no unnecessary elements.   

DEEP coloring doesn't mean you're limited to all dark tones, just that your coloring needs heavily saturated pigments to balance. Gentle or more delicate shades will completely wash you out! You'll find some lighter/brighter colors (below) but these too have a strong and heavily saturated pigment. 

So if DEEP natural coloring is the first thing we notice about you, this could be for you. Rather than a limited array of colors you could be wearing and enjoying the whole spectrum of the DEEP color family.

or if you're TRUE AUTUMN

AUTUMN is a glorious mix of 3 color characteristics - it's always DEEP, always WARM and always MUTED/SOFT. 

While all the colors are DEEP (intensely saturated) it doesn't mean that you are limited to dark or heavy colors, just that you need colors with an intense pigment to balance your own strong coloring. Any colors with a light pigment will look lightweight and ineffectual against your natural coloring.

This color mix will complement your classic and richly blended natural coloring which has a medium to low contrast between your features.

While all of the colors are DEEP, the Warm and Soft elements are also needed to bring this beautiful color palette to life. The whole is just.. well.. classic, classy, elegant and as richly blended as an Autumn landscape.

Don't dilute a color palette - just enjoy!

Whether Seasonal or Tonal you need choice...

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

When I was first introduced to Color Analysis I felt very 'put out' when I was given a small swatch and told what I 'could' and 'couldn't' wear by a very dogmatic consultant. 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.

Color Analysis should give you the widest possible choice of shades that will harmonize with and enhance your natural coloring. Your best colors should be pointed out but if some colors are new you should be encouraged to experiment. Our choice is usually influenced by mood and occasion anyway.

If your color direction is correct you will see many familiar and favorite shades and your own instincts are reinforced. Color is a fabulous medium, it's here to be enjoyed and it's FUN!

How to enjoy the Autumn colors