The color type is determined by the complexion, hair, and eye color, and is a defining characteristic of one’s appearance. There are several classifications of color types, with the most recognized being the seasonal classification: summer, autumn, winter, and spring.
Knowing your color type can be helpful in choosing outfits and avoiding unsuccessful purchases. It’s a harmless way to gain knowledge that can benefit you in practical ways. For instance, being aware of your color type will prevent envy when you see someone wearing a color that isn’t flattering on you. Additionally, it will save time when shopping by narrowing down your options to clothes that suit you.
One method to determine your color type is by examining the veins on your wrist in natural sunlight. If they appear blue, you have a cold color type, and if they have a greenish tint, you have a warm color type. Another way to determine your color type is by observing how well you wear gold or silver jewelry. Cold types look better in silver, and warm types look better in gold.
However, it’s not enough to determine your color type. You should also define your contrast. To do this, examine your face in natural light. If your hair, eyes, and skin contrast with one another, you’re a contrasting type. If the colors of your hair, eyes, and skin complement each other, you’re a muted type.
After determining your color type and contrast level, the next step is to compare your results to the following four categories:
- Winter: characterized by cool undertones and high contrast
- Summer: characterized by cool undertones and low contrast
- Autumn: characterized by warm undertones and high contrast
- Spring: characterized by warm undertones and low contrast
Winter color type individuals typically have dark hair, fair skin, and bright-colored eyes such as dark brown, blue, or green. Colors that complement this type include emerald, silver, rich gray, bright blue and blue, red, black, and wine shades. When selecting outfits, it’s best to choose one dominant color and combine it with other shades.
Spring color type individuals have delicate, transparent, and light skin with warm-toned hair such as wheat, honey, and golden hues. They also have light-colored eyes such as blue, green, or gray, and often have soft, rosy lips and a slight blush on their cheeks. Suitable colors for this type include pastels like creamy, warm beige, peach, apricot, milk chocolate, light gray or blue, orange, and delicate shades of pink and blue.
Summer color type individuals typically have ash-colored hair ranging from light blond to dark blond, light-colored eyes with steely tones, and white eyes. Their light pink or greyish-olive skin easily tans and acquires a beautiful golden hue. Cold pastel colors such as blue, white, and pearl, as well as berry, wine, lemon yellow, lilac, and dusty pink shades, suit this type.
Autumn color type individuals have beautiful golden-hued skin, bright hair ranging from golden to copper and red, and hazel, amber, or tea-colored eyes. This type is complemented by natural colors such as warm brown, olive or gray, baked milk, emerald, chocolate, pumpkin orange, burgundy, and tomato red.
The use of color in clothing can have an impressive impact. Not only can colors flatter one’s figure, but they can also create the illusion of youthfulness. Experts suggest that lighter and softer tones should be worn close to the face to avoid drawing attention to skin imperfections and wrinkles. However, the choice of colors ultimately depends on one’s appearance and hairstyle.
Certain colors, such as pale pink (powdery), light turquoise (mint), beige, white, lavender, gray, and red, are known to have a “rejuvenating” effect.
Pale pink is particularly flattering on those with blonde, wheat-colored, or light red hair. This color can add sophistication and a youthful touch to one’s appearance.
Light turquoise complements swarthy brunettes and blondes with porcelain skin. When paired with beige, gray, white, or cool shades of pink, mint can make one’s skin appear brighter and younger, while also creating a slimming effect.
Noble shades of beige are elegant on brunettes, especially when paired with white, gray, pale blue, or olive. Beige can quickly refresh one’s appearance and add a touch of refinement.
Lavender is a great choice for women with blonde hair, and its delicate lilac shade pairs well with milky, yellow, or white tones, creating a sense of softness, tenderness, and lightness.
White is a versatile color that can hide signs of fatigue and make even very pale skin look striking. As a base color, it complements any other color in the palette.
Noble shades of gray can add freshness to one’s appearance, and accentuate natural blush and golden tones in light brown hair. Gray is suitable for both everyday and evening wear, and it pairs well with any other color.
Finally, red is a bold and effective color that flatters brunettes, brown-haired women, and blondes. It pairs well with white, cream, olive, caramel, and lemon, and can make a statement in any outfit.
