A Deep Winter? Of course it is...

What exactly is a Deep Winter?  I often get letters from people who really don't understand what they've been told about their color direction. 

Winter is always Deep (this means heavily saturated colors), always Cool and always Bright (Clear). 

'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 well 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 'Warm Winter' or a 'Soft Winter' - impossible! Let me explain...

Ok so you're a Deep Winter?

As WINTER is always DEEP COOL and CLEAR, as a DEEP WINTER you are only part of a Season with a diluted color palette.

And you are limited to just the deepest, the most heavily saturated, colors of Winter. This means that you could be missing out on lots of other shades 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 palette! 

You're actually much more likely to be either
DEEP or WINTER!

If you're DEEP

Been determined Deep Winter? 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 WINTER

WINTER is a glorious mix of three color characteristics, it's always DEEP, always COOL 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 DEEP and heavily saturated, the Bright/Clear and Cool 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. 

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 YOU 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 softer or 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 WINTER colors are just for the cold weather, wearing Winter colors in Summer is just sensational!

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!