Light Summer - whatever is that?

Have you been determined a Light Summer? Do you understand your color direction?

'Different' methods of Color Analysis are always popping up but I never give them a great deal of thought because the Tonal and Seasonal methods work perfectly well and complement each other perfectly.

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 Summer' or a 'Deep Summer' - impossible! Let me explain...

Ok so you're a LIGHT SUMMER

SUMMER is always LIGHT SOFT and COOL, so if you are determined LIGHT SUMMER you are only part of the Season with a diluted color palette.

You are limited to the colors with the lightest pigment of SUMMER and missing out on many others that bring harmony.   

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 of colors! 

You are more likely to be either
LIGHT or SUMMER

If you're LIGHT

Been determined Light Summer? Then you don't fit easily into the Seasons. It may have been difficult to decide between Spring and Summer 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, LIGHT is your primary characteristic, the one we see first.

It's often said that LIGHT is a mix of Spring and Summer and, to some degree, this is true and you'll see some colors from both in the color palette. But only the true LIGHT shades with no unnecessary elements.   

LIGHT coloring doesn't mean you're limited to wishy-washy colors, just that colors with a Deep or heavy pigment overpower your delicate coloring. You'll also find some stronger tones and these too have a lighter pigment. 

So if LIGHT (or very fair) 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 LIGHT color family.

or you're a true SUMMER

SUMMER is a glorious mix of three color characteristics, it's always LIGHT always SOFT and always COOL.

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

But while all the colors have a light pigment, some appear to be deeper, stronger, sultry and almost sensuous. 

As a whole they are just... well.. as pretty as a country garden but certainly they are not all what you would call 'light'. 

Whichever 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. 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!