True summer and Cool summer are two different seasonal color analysis systems that categorize people into color palettes based on their skin tone, eye color, hair color and overall appearance. While they sound similar and share some similarities, there are key differences between True summer and Cool summer color seasons.
What is True Summer?
True summer is one of the 12 seasonal color analysis systems developed by Carole Jackson in the 1980s. The True summer palette is characterized by muted, soft cool tones that complement those with fair complexions, ash blonde to medium brown hair, and blue or gray-blue eyes.
The colors that look best on True summers are light, cool and subtle. True summer is sometimes considered a “summer-autumn blend” because it shares some characteristics of Summer and Autumn color palettes. Here are some key features of the True summer color palette:
- Cool, muted, soft colors like mauve pinks, icy blues, dusty rose, soft grays, mossy greens.
- Neutrals like dove gray, taupe, mushroom.
- Pastels with a slightly muted quality like lavender, seafoam, peach.
- Blues and greens are favored over warm tones.
- Silver metals are more flattering than gold.
True summers look great in colors that are toned down and not overly bright. Their complexions can look washed out or sallow in colors that are too bright.
What is Cool Summer?
Cool summer is another of the 12 seasonal color palettes in color analysis. It is characterized by soft, muted cool colors that suit those with fair, cool-toned skin and ash blonde, mousy brown or dark blonde hair.
Here are some of the main features of the Cool summer color palette:
- Soft, muted cool colors like mauve, icy blue, blue-gray, dusty pink.
- Muted, cool pastels like powder blue, lavender, sage green.
- Silvery rather than golden metals and jewelry.
- Neutral tones like gray, taupe, greige rather than warm browns.
- Avoiding bright oranges, yellows, spring greens.
Cool summers look best in softened, understated cool colors rather than bright, clear shades. Their fair skin can often look sallow and washed out in warmer colors. The Cool summer palette flatters those with lighter hair and eye colors that lean towards the cool end of the spectrum.
Similarities Between True Summer and Cool Summer
Although True summer and Cool summer are distinct color palettes, they share the following similarities:
- Both favor muted, soft cool colors over bright warm colors.
- Pastels featured are on the cooler, more muted end of the spectrum.
- Silver metals are more harmonious than gold.
- Neither palette can wear black well without looking washed out.
- Bright warm tones like orange, bright yellow are unflattering.
- Those with fair, cool-toned skin suit these palettes.
The common thread between True summer and Cool summer is a suitability for those with fairer, cooler complexions who are flattered by soft, understated cool hues. Both steer away from brighter warm colors.
The Main Differences Between the Palettes
While True summer and Cool summer share some similar characteristics, there are distinct differences between the recommended color palettes:
| True Summer | Cool Summer |
|---|---|
| Slightly deeper and warmer than Cool Summer | The coolest of the summer palettes |
| Has hints of Autumn with terra cotta, moss green, mauve | No Autumn crossover tones |
| More flexibility to wear black without washing out | Black overwhelms the Cool summer coloring |
| Silver and rose gold most harmonious metals | Pure silver is best metal |
| Moderate contrast between hair, eyes, skin | Low contrast between features |
Some key points of difference:
- True summer is slightly warmer and less muted than Cool summer with hints of Autumn tones.
- Cool summer is the softest and coolest of the summer palettes.
- True summer has slightly more contrast between hair, eyes and skin than Cool summer.
- Cool summer clashes with black whereas True summer can sometimes wear it.
Understanding these subtle differences can help determine which seasonal palette is most suitable. True summer incorporates slightly warmer hues while Cool summer excels in the softest cool pastels and muted tones.
How to Tell Whether You Are True Summer or Cool Summer
It can be tricky to discern between True summer and Cool summer coloring. Here are some tips:
- Consider your eye color and undertones – Cool summers often have light blue or gray eyes while True summers may have blue with a touch more green or gray.
- Look at your hair color – Cool summers typically have ash blonde to dark blonde hair while True summers may have medium brown hair with some warmth.
- Analyze how your skin reacts to color – Cool summers look best in the coolest colors like icy blue and lavender. True summers can also wear mauve pinks and mossy greens.
- Test out gold vs silver jewelry – Cool summers suit pure silver while True summers can wear both silver and rose gold.
- Drape fabrics in different colors against your face to detect which are harmonious.
- Seek advice from a professional color consultant if you need further guidance.
The most foolproof way to identify your seasonal coloring is to get draped and analyzed by a trained color consultant. But keeping these pointers in mind can help give you clues about whether you are a Cool summer or True summer.
Celebrity Examples of True Summer vs Cool Summer
It’s helpful to look at celebrity examples to see the differences between True summer and Cool summer palettes in real people:
True Summer Celebrities:
- Cate Blanchett
- Jessica Chastain
- Lupita Nyong’o
- Sophia Loren
- Penelope Cruz
Cool Summer Celebrities:
- Audrey Hepburn
- Grace Kelly
- Carolyn Bessette Kennedy
- January Jones
- Anne Hathaway
You’ll notice True summer celebs like Cate Blanchett and Sophia Loren suit warmer mauve pinks, while Cool summers like Grace Kelly shine in icy blues and lavenders. Looking at verified celebrity seasonal palettes can provide useful visual reference.
Best Colors for True Summer vs Cool Summer
Here is a comparison of some of the best clothing, makeup and hair colors for True Summer vs Cool Summer:
| True Summer | Cool Summer |
|---|---|
| Mauve pink | Powder blue |
| Moss green | Icy blue-gray |
| Dusty lavender | Cornflower blue |
| Sea glass green | Orchid purple |
| Rose gold | Platinum blonde |
| Terra cotta | Ash blonde |
When choosing cosmetics and clothing, True summers should reach for mauve pinks, rosy neutrals and mossy greens while Cool summers shine in icy blues, lavenders and platinum hair and makeup. Following your seasonal color palette will create harmony in your overall look.
How to Adapt Your Wardrobe
If you’ve discovered you’re a True Summer instead of a Cool Summer, you may need to make some adjustments to your wardrobe and makeup to align with your best colors:
- Replace black pieces with charcoal gray, navy or taupe which are less harsh.
- Add mauve rather than baby pink shirts, blouses and sweaters.
- Swap icy pastel blue accessories for muted grays and lavenders.
- Wear more rose gold jewelry in place of silver.
- Choose mocha, mushroom, gray rather than camel for neutrals.
- Trade bright winter reds for muted cranberry or burgundy tones.
- Look for clothes with a subtle print or texture instead of solid brights.
With some thoughtful wardrobe edits, you can transition your look to fit your True Summer coloring. The same goes for Cool Summers who may need to adjust their palette to remove warmer tones. A color consultant can also provide personalized guidance to help build a harmonious, season-perfect wardrobe.
Makeup Tips for True Summer vs Cool Summer
Here are some makeup tips tailored to True Summer and Cool Summer complexions:
True Summer Makeup
- Mauve pink lipstick and blush
- Plum eyeliner
- Gray-brown mascara
- Rose gold eye shadow
- Neutral beige foundation
Cool Summer Makeup
- Soft pink lipstick
- Navy blue eyeliner
- Dark blonde mascara
- Silvery lavender eye shadow
- Porcelain foundation
True summers should choose rosy mauves and rose gold accents while cool summers are flattered by soft pinks and icy blues. Tailoring your makeup colors to your seasonal palette really makes your features glow.
Hair Color Suggestions
Here are some flattering hair color options for True Summer and Cool Summer seasons:
True Summer Hair Colors
- Ash brown
- Mocha
- Dark strawberry blonde
- Chestnut brown
- Silver gray
Cool Summer Hair Colors
- Ash blonde
- Platinum blonde
- Sandy blonde
- Mousy brown
- Dark ash blonde
Aim for a muted luminosity by choosing hair colors that align with the depth and tone of your natural shade. True summers suit warmer ash browns while cool summers dazzle in ash blonde and mousy brown hues.
How Seasonal Analysis Can Enhance Your Beauty
Determining whether you are a True Summer versus Cool Summer is an important step in identifying the most harmonious, flattering colors for your personal coloring. When you align your clothing, makeup and hair with your seasonal palette, it enhances your natural beauty exponentially.
The styles, colors and shades that make you glow are already within you. Seasonal color analysis simply unlocks the most luminous version of your unique beauty. With some small wardrobe and cosmetic adjustments, you can honor your natural complexion and highlight your most beautiful facial features.
Conclusion
While True Summer and Cool Summer are similar seasons, they have distinct differences in their color palettes and recommendations. The muted, cooler palette of the Cool Summer flatters delicate complexions, while True Summer incorporates slightly warmer tones for those with a hint of rosiness in their skin.
Being accurately matched with your seasonal type allows you to look radiant in the colors designed to complement you. Take the time to learn your palette and curate a wardrobe and cosmetic look that aligns with your natural beauty. When your colors are in sync, your inner and outer beauty will truly shine.