Color Palette Comparison
Soft Summer vs True Summer
The Key Difference
Both share Summer's cool undertones, but Soft Summer is muted while True Summer is soft. This affects whether you need saturated or softened versions of your colors.
At a Glance
Soft Summer
Soft Summer sits between Summer and Autumn, the most muted of all seasons. Soft Summers have low contrast with gently cool coloring, suiting the softest, most grayed colors.
True Summer
True Summer is the classic cool, muted season. True Summers have medium contrast with distinctly cool undertones, looking best in soft, grayed colors that don't overpower their delicate coloring.
The Palettes
Soft Summer
Medium Navy
Teal
Plum
Steel Gray
Muted Rose
Ocean Blue
Raspberry
Cool Spruce
True Summer
Dusty Rose
Slate Blue
Mauve
Sage
Smoky Blue
Dusty Lavender
Rosewood
Moss Green
Understanding the Characteristics
Soft Summer
Cool-Neutral
Your undertones lean cool but aren't purely blue-based. This neutral quality gives you some flexibility, but warmth should always be subtle.
The Most Muted
Of all twelve seasons, you have the softest coloring. Bright colors look garish on you; your palette is hushed, grayed, and sophisticated.
Blended Features
There's little contrast between your hair, skin, and eyes—they flow together. Your colors should mirror this seamless quality.
True Summer
Purely Cool
Your undertones are distinctly blue-based or rose-toned. Warm colors create visual discord, while cool tones bring instant harmony to your complexion.
Softly Muted
Bright, saturated colors compete with rather than complement your coloring. Your best shades have a gentle, grayed quality—think watercolor rather than acrylic.
Medium Depth
You sit comfortably in the middle range—neither the lightest nor the deepest. This gives you versatility within your muted, cool palette.
Who Wears It Best
Soft Summer
Best For
Neutral-cool undertones
Soft, muted eye colors
Medium brown hair with ash tones
Skin that's neither very warm nor very cool
Avoid
Bright colors
Warm orange
High contrast combinations
Pure white
True Summer
Best For
Cool undertones
Soft eye colors (gray, blue-gray, soft green)
Ash brown or mousy hair
Skin with pink or rose undertones
Avoid
Bright warm colors
Black
Orange
Warm mustard
In the Spotlight
Soft Summer
True Summer
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