A Soft Summer? What is that?

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

Summer is always SOFT (Muted), always LIGHT and always COOL. But for some reason it often gets mixed up with Soft Autumn - but that's impossible because Autumn is Warm!

Different methods of Color Analysis are always popping up but I never give them a great deal of thought because both the Tonal and Seasonal methods work 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 Soft Summer?

A SOFT SUMMER is limited to the softest 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 SOFT 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! 

But actually you're more likely to be either a
SOFT/Muted or a SUMMER

If you're SOFT/MUTED

If you've been determined Soft Summer then the SOFT part of Summer is considerably more relevant to you than the Light or the Cool elements.

You probably didn't fit easily into the Seasons; it may have been difficult deciding between Summer and Autumn because you may have elements of both Warm and Cool in your genetic makeup.

Then you will fit more easily into the SOFT/MUTED Color Family which includes the softest shades from Summer and Autumn. 

The MUTED palette is not all wishy washy or dull neutrals, there are some stronger tones too. Every color, lights and deeps, warm and cool, is richly blended to flow into a greyed down SOFTNESS that complements, without overpowering, your classy and classic coloring.  

or if you're True Summer

SUMMER is a glorious mix of 3 color characteristics - it's always MUTED always LIGHT and always COOL.

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

While all of the colors are SOFT/MUTED, some almost sultry and sensuous, the Light and Cool are also needed to bring this beautiful color palette to life. 

The whole is just.. well.. as pretty as a country garden!

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!