Seasonal Color Analysis Chart
Explore the complete chart of seasonal color palettes. From the classic 4 seasons to the detailed 12 and 16 season systems, find your perfect color match.
Below you'll find the actual color palettes used throughout our site - click any palette to explore it in detail.
4 Seasons vs 12 vs 16
Understanding the different seasonal color systems helps you find your most accurate color match:
4 Seasons
The original system: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter. Great for beginners and general color guidance.
- Spring: Warm + Clear + Light
- Summer: Cool + Muted + Light
- Autumn: Warm + Muted + Dark
- Winter: Cool + Clear + Dark
12 Seasons
Adds subseasons for more precision. Each season has 3 variations based on dominant characteristics.
- True, Light, Bright (Spring)
- True, Light, Soft (Summer)
- True, Soft, Deep (Autumn)
- True, Bright, Deep (Winter)
16 Seasons
The most detailed system with 4 subseasons per season. Perfect for those with unique coloring.
- Includes transitional seasons
- Accounts for neutral undertones
- Most accurate for complex coloring
- Professional color analysis standard
Quick ID Traits
Use these key characteristics to quickly identify which season family you belong to:
Spring
Warm undertones, light to medium coloring, clear and bright features. Best in warm, clear colors.
Summer
Cool undertones, light to medium coloring, soft and muted features. Best in cool, muted colors.
Autumn
Warm undertones, medium to dark coloring, rich and muted features. Best in warm, muted colors.
Winter
Cool undertones, medium to dark coloring, clear and bright features. Best in cool, clear colors.
Complete Seasonal Palettes
Explore the complete color palettes for each season and subseason:
🌱
Spring Family
☀️
Summer Family
🍂
Autumn Family
❄️
Winter Family
Nearby Seasons
If you're between seasons, you might be a transitional type. Here are the most common nearby season combinations:
Cool Transitions
- Soft Summer ↔ Soft Autumn
- Cool Summer ↔ Cool Winter
- True Summer ↔ True Winter
- Light Summer ↔ Light Spring
Warm Transitions
- Warm Autumn ↔ Warm Spring
- True Autumn ↔ True Spring
- Deep Autumn ↔ Deep Winter
- Bright Spring ↔ Bright Winter
Explore Each Season
Dive deeper into each season with detailed guides, color palettes, and styling recommendations:
Detailed Season Characteristics
Understanding the specific traits of each season helps you identify your perfect match
Spring Season Characteristics
Physical Traits
- Warm undertones (golden, peachy)
- Light to medium skin tone
- Clear, bright eyes (blue, green, hazel)
- Light to medium hair (blonde, light brown, red)
- High contrast between features
Color Preferences
- Warm, clear, bright colors
- Best in: coral, peach, golden yellow
- Warm greens and blues
- Clear, bright pastels
- Avoid: muted, dark, cool colors
Summer Season Characteristics
Physical Traits
- Cool undertones (pink, blue, rosy)
- Light to medium skin tone
- Soft, muted eyes (blue, gray, green)
- Light to medium hair (blonde, light brown, gray)
- Low to medium contrast between features
Color Preferences
- Cool, muted, soft colors
- Best in: rose, lavender, powder blue
- Soft, muted pastels
- Cool grays and taupes
- Avoid: bright, warm, clear colors
Autumn Season Characteristics
Physical Traits
- Warm undertones (golden, peachy, olive)
- Medium to dark skin tone
- Rich, warm eyes (brown, hazel, green)
- Medium to dark hair (brown, auburn, red)
- Medium to high contrast between features
Color Preferences
- Warm, muted, rich colors
- Best in: rust, olive, golden brown
- Rich, earthy tones
- Warm, muted colors
- Avoid: bright, cool, clear colors
Winter Season Characteristics
Physical Traits
- Cool undertones (pink, blue, rosy)
- Medium to dark skin tone
- Clear, bright eyes (blue, brown, hazel)
- Dark hair (brown, black, dark auburn)
- High contrast between features
Color Preferences
- Cool, clear, bright colors
- Best in: royal blue, fuchsia, pure white
- Clear, bright colors
- High contrast combinations
- Avoid: muted, warm, soft colors
How to Use This Color Seasons Chart
Follow these steps to identify your perfect color season using this comprehensive chart
Step 1: Identify Your Undertone
Start by determining whether you have warm, cool, or neutral undertones. This is the foundation of your color season.
- Look at the veins on your wrist
- Try on gold vs silver jewelry
- Hold white paper next to your face
- Consider how you tan or burn
Step 2: Assess Your Contrast Level
Determine whether you have high, medium, or low contrast between your skin, hair, and eyes.
- High contrast: Dark hair, light skin
- Medium contrast: Similar tones
- Low contrast: Very similar tones
- Consider your natural coloring
Step 3: Determine Your Chroma
Chroma refers to the intensity or saturation of your coloring - whether it's clear/bright or muted/soft.
- Clear/Bright: Vivid, intense coloring
- Muted/Soft: Soft, subdued coloring
- Look at your natural hair and eye color
- Consider how colors affect your appearance
Step 4: Find Your Season
Combine your undertone, contrast level, and chroma to identify your color season.
- Warm + Clear + Light = Spring
- Cool + Muted + Light = Summer
- Warm + Muted + Dark = Autumn
- Cool + Clear + Dark = Winter
Common Misconceptions About Color Seasons
Debunking the most common myths about seasonal color analysis
❌ Common Myths
- "I can't wear black because I'm a Spring"
- "All redheads are Autumns"
- "You can only wear colors from your season"
- "Your season changes with age"
- "You can't be between seasons"
- "Only women can do color analysis"
✅ The Truth
- Some colors work better, but you can wear any color
- Hair color is just one factor in determining season
- You can wear colors from adjacent seasons
- Your undertone stays the same throughout life
- Many people are transitional between seasons
- Color analysis works for all genders and ages
Professional vs DIY Color Analysis
Understanding the differences between professional analysis and DIY methods
Professional Analysis
Professional color analysts use specialized tools and extensive training to determine your season.
- Uses professional color drapes
- Tests in controlled lighting
- Considers multiple factors simultaneously
- Provides detailed explanations
- Can identify subtle variations
- Costs $150-400 per session
- Most accurate results
DIY Methods
DIY methods are accessible and can be quite accurate when done correctly.
- Free and convenient
- Can be done at home
- Multiple tests for verification
- Good starting point for color analysis
- May need multiple attempts
- Results may be less precise
- Great for learning about color theory
Ready to Find Your Perfect Season?
Take our comprehensive color analysis quiz or try our AI analysis to discover your exact color season and get your personalized palette. Start your journey to looking and feeling your best.
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