True Summer vs Soft Summer
Both are cool summer subtypes, but True Summer has clearer colors while Soft Summer is more muted. Learn which one matches your natural coloring.
Quick Comparison
🌻
True Summer
Cool and clear. Medium contrast with balanced, refreshing colors.
🌤️
Soft Summer
Cool and muted. Low contrast with gentle, dusty colors.
Key Differences
Color Clarity
True Summer:
Clear, balanced cool colors with medium saturation
Soft Summer:
Muted, gentle colors with low saturation and subtle warmth
Undertone
True Summer:
Purely cool undertones throughout
Soft Summer:
Cool undertones with a hint of warmth (neutral-cool)
Best For
True Summer:
Clear, balanced coloring with cool features
Soft Summer:
Delicate, ethereal coloring with muted features
Avoid
True Summer:
Warm, golden tones and overly muted colors
Soft Summer:
Bright, saturated colors and harsh contrasts
Color Palette Comparison
True Summer Colors
Clear, balanced cool tones
#D4A5A5
#BCB88A
#6A5ACD
#E0B0FF
#C2B280
#483C32
#6B7B8C
#B39EB5
Soft Summer Colors
Muted, gentle cool tones
#3B5998
#3E8E8E
#8E4585
#71797E
#C76B8A
#4A7C6F
#7366BD
#4F84C4
How to Tell the Difference at Home
The Saturation Test
Compare a clear periwinkle blue vs a dusty lavender near your face:
- True Summer: The clear periwinkle brightens your face
- Soft Summer: The dusty lavender feels more harmonious
The Contrast Test
Look at your natural features (hair, skin, eyes):
- True Summer: Medium contrast between features
- Soft Summer: Low contrast, features blend softly together
Still unsure? These tests can be tricky in artificial lighting or with makeup on. A photo analysis removes the guesswork.
Want a Definitive Answer?
Upload a photo and get a confident result — no more guessing between True Summer and Soft Summer.