Royal blue is a deep and rich shade of blue that has long been associated with royalty, prestige, and elegance. But when it comes to color analysis and seasonal color palettes, determining exactly which season royal blue belongs to can be a bit more complex.
The Origins of Royal Blue
The first known use of “royal blue” as a color name in English dates back to the early 19th century. It was said to be the official color of the British Royal Navy uniforms commissioned by King George IV. The dye used to produce the rich blue color was very expensive at the time, so the color became associated with nobility, royalty, and wealth.
Traditionally, royal blue sits between navy blue and bright blue on the color wheel. It is deeper and darker than regular blue but not as dark as navy. Over time, it has become a staple color in uniforms, formalwear, and national symbols and flags.
Royal Blue Color Codes
In modern color standards, royal blue is defined by the following color codes:
- HEX: #4169E1
- RGB: 65/105/225
- CMYK: 71/53/0/11
- Pantone: PANTONE® 19-4052 TPX
However, some variation exists when it comes to exact shades and tones considered to be royal blue. It can range from slightly brighter vivid blues to deeper midnight blues.
Royal Blue and Color Analysis Systems
In color analysis for wardrobe, makeup, and style, determining someone’s seasonal color palette involves analyzing their natural coloring and complexion to see which shades will be most flattering.
The main color seasons that are typically used in color analysis systems are:
- Winter – Cool, vivid, icy colors like royal blue, magenta, emerald green
- Summer – Soft, light, cool colors like sky blue, seafoam, mauve
- Spring – Warm, bright, clear colors like coral, lemon yellow, leaf green
- Autumn – Warm, muted earth tones like mustard, terracotta, olive green
So which season does royal blue belong to? Here’s a look at how different color analysis systems categorize this regal shade:
12-Season Color Analysis
In 12-season color analysis, royal blue is considered a Winter color. The Winter palette contains high-contrast cool colors like icy blues, true reds, bright whites, and deep jewel tones.
Specifically, royal blue is categorized as a Deep Winter color in this system. Deep Winter is for those with very dark hair and eyes and muted neutral-cool skin. Royal blue flatters this complexion because it creates a high-contrast look.
16-Season Color Analysis
The expanded 16-season system places royal blue in the Cool Winter palette. This season is similar to Deep Winter but has very fair neutral-pink skin rather than muted olive or neutral-cool skin.
Royal blue looks great against Cool Winter fair skin and brings out the pink undertones. It pairs well with other icy blues, magentas, and platinum blonde hair.
4-Season Color Analysis
In the simplified 4-season system, royal blue is categorized as a Winter color. The Winter palette contains highly saturated cool colors with a bold, icy appearance.
Winters suit pure, true blues like royal blue because of their contrasting cool skin tone and dark hair/eyes. Royal blue is considered too vivid for the muted, soft colors of Summer.
Does Royal Blue Work for Warm Seasons?
Royal blue is overwhelmingly seen as a cool-toned color for cool seasons like Winter and Summer. But in some color systems, it is possible for royal blue to work for warm seasons like Spring and Autumn too.
Here are some examples of how royal blue fits into warm seasonal palettes:
- Clear Spring – Pure royal blue works with the clarity of this season
- Bright Spring – A brighter, more vivid royal blue flatters this spring palette
- Dark Autumn – Muted down, dusty royal blue can suit this warm-neutral season
However, royal blue is more likely to overwhelm warm seasons. It may be too bold and saturated or create too much contrast against warm hair, eyes, and skin. Color analysis is subjective, but in most systems royal blue is a cool Winter blue.
How to Tell if Royal Blue Flatters You
The best way to know for sure if royal blue is in your seasonal palette is to test it against your natural coloring:
- Drape different shades of royal blue fabric near your face and observe the effect
- Look in the mirror wearing a royal blue top near your face
- Ask a color analysis consultant to assess royal blue against your hair, eyes, skin
Things to look for when assessing royal blue on you:
- Does it brighten and illuminate your features or make you look dull and washed out?
- Does it harmonize with your coloring or seem to clash and fight against it?
- Does it suit both your eye color and undertones or only one of them?
- Is the depth and intensity of the blue flattering or overwhelming on you?
Royal blue flatters when it enhances your natural beauty rather than competing with it. If your overall look seems more vibrant and clearer in royal blue, there’s a good chance it’s a hue that suits you!
Makeup and Clothing Colors that Pair with Royal Blue
Once you determine that royal blue is part of your seasonal color palette, you can have fun pairing it with makeup and clothing to create stunning looks. Here are some colors that tend to coordinate beautifully with royal blue:
| Color Season | Pairings for Royal Blue |
|---|---|
| Winter | Bright white, true red, rose pink, emerald green, royal purple |
| Summer | Ivory, mauve, seafoam, sky blue, muted rose |
| Spring | Coral, chartreuse, lemon yellow, turquoise, lavender |
| Autumn | Mustard, terracotta, olive, moss green, burnt orange |
Sticking within your color season’s palette brings out the best in royal blue and creates a cohesive elegance. Have fun mixing and matching to find your favorite royal blue combinations!
Conclusion
Royal blue is a timeless, regal shade that flatters those with cool coloring and Winter or Summer seasonal palettes. Its deep vivid blueness interacts best with icy cool complexions. Royal blue can sometimes work for Springs and Autumns if adjusted into a warmer, softer, or dustier variation. Finding your most flattering royal blue tone takes experimenting, but when you do it elevates your natural beauty and gives you a royal elegance.
