In color analysis, there are four seasons that are used to categorize skin undertones and determine which colors will be most flattering. True Autumn and True Spring are two of those seasons that share some similarities but also have distinct differences. Understanding how they contrast is key for identifying which seasonal palette suits you best.
Introduction to Color Analysis
Color analysis, also known as seasonal color theory, categorizes colors into palettes based on undertones. The four seasons are:
- Winter – Cool, jewel undertones
- Summer – Cool, soft undertones
- Autumn – Warm, earthy undertones
- Spring – Warm, delicate undertones
The color palette associated with each season enhances natural skin, hair and eye colors. True color palettes are suited for people with very clear undertones that fit neatly into one season. Finding your true season can help guide clothing, makeup, and accessory choices.
Overview of True Autumn
True Autumns have warm, earthy golden undertones in their skin, eyes, and hair. Their complexions appear more bronze or peach than pink. Distinctive Autumn characteristics include:
- Medium to dark brown eyes
- Dark blonde to dark brown hair
- Golden olive, tan, or freckled skin
The True Autumn color palette flatters natural Autumn features by bringing out golden flecks in the eyes and harmonizing with skin and hair color. The overall color impression is rich, warm, and low in contrast.
True Autumn Colors
The True Autumn palette features warm, earthy hues like:
- Terracotta
- Mustard
- Spicy orange
- Rich mossy green
- Golden brown
- Russet red
Overview of True Spring
True Springs are warm-toned like Autumns, but have a delicate quality with transparent golden undertones in hair, skin, and eyes. Distinct Spring features include:
- Blue, green, or hazel eyes
- Ash blonde to golden blonde hair
- Fair skin with freckles and rosy cheeks
The Spring palette enhances the delicate radiance and sun-kissed glow of natural Springs. The colors are warm and light, providing a fresh contrast against the skin.
True Spring Colors
True Spring colors have a golden glow and include:
- Warm peach
- Buttery yellow
- Coral
- Kelly green
- Soft turquoise
- Light mossy green
Comparing True Autumn and True Spring
Though both are warm-toned seasons, True Autumns and Springs have many key differences. Here is an overview of how the seasons contrast:
| Characteristic | True Autumn | True Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Dominant undertones | Earthy golden | Delicate golden |
| Depth of color | Deep, dusty | Soft, light |
| Temperature | Warm and spicy | Warm and fresh |
| Contrast level | Low contrast | Medium contrast |
| Hair color | Dark blonde to dark brown | Ash blonde to golden blonde |
| Eye color | Medium to dark brown | Blue, green, or hazel |
| Skin undertone | Golden olive, tan, or freckled | Fair with pink or peach |
| Flattering metals | Copper, bronze | Yellow gold, silver |
As shown in the comparison, True Autumns suit richer, deeper versions of warm colors that align with their darker features. True Springs need soft, clear warms to harmonize with their delicate coloring. The hues work together but in different intensities.
True Autumn Palette
Here is an overview of the defining characteristics of the True Autumn color palette:
- Depth: Deep, dusty, earthy hues
- Temperature: Warm and spicy
- Contrast: Overall low contrast
- Prominent hues: Terracotta, mustard, rust, moss green, copper
- Metals: Copper, bronze
True Autumns look best in colors with golden undertones rather than clear primary colors. Muted shades enhance natural features while bright, cool colors overwhelm. The color palette includes:
Neutrals
- Camel
- Ochre
- Mushroom
- Beige
- Tawny
- Taupe
Earth Tones
- Burnt sienna
- Terracotta
- Clay
- Mustard
- Khaki
- Umber
- Rust
- Dijon
Spicy Warms
- Pumpkin
- Spiced orange
- Saffron
- Paprika
- Cinnamon
- Ginger
- Nutmeg
- Terra cotta
Cool Warms
- Salmon
- Peach
- Brick red
- Dusty rose
- Terra cotta
- Mauve
Greens
- Moss
- Olive
- Clover
- Artichoke
- Spruce
- Pine
- Cactus
- Sage
Avoid bright, clear primaries like royal blue, cherry red, and yellow. Black and stark white are also too harsh. Muted, earthy autumnal colors are most enhancing.
True Spring Palette
Here are the main qualities of the colors in the True Spring palette:
- Depth: Soft, light, delicate
- Temperature: Warm with yellow undertones
- Contrast: Medium contrast
- Prominent hues: Peach, light yellow, periwinkle, celadon
- Metals: Yellow gold, silver
The Spring palette has clarity and brightness. Colors are fresh rather than dusty or muted. Clear yellow undertones connect with delicate Spring complexions. Key colors include:
Neutrals
- Buttery ivory
- Warm tan
- Honey beige
- Vanilla
- Wheat
- Soft white
Yellows
- Lemon
- Banana
- Sunflower
- Daffodil
- Primrose
- Marigold
- Buttercup
Oranges and Corals
- Peach
- Cantaloupe
- Salmon
- Papaya
- Shrimp
- Coral
- Apricot
Greens
- Honeydew
- Chartreuse
- Seafoam
- Spearmint
- Pear
- Lime
- Jade
Blues
- Periwinkle
- Sky blue
- Robin’s egg
- Ice blue
- Cornflower
Avoid dark, muted colors that will dim a Spring’s glow. Bright, warm hues near the face bring out the skin and eyes.
Celebrity Examples
Looking at celebrity examples can help visualize the differences between True Autumn and Spring color palettes:
True Autumns
- Jessica Alba
- Jennifer Aniston
- Sandra Bullock
- Catherine Zeta-Jones
- Julia Roberts
True Springs
- Reese Witherspoon
- Kate Hudson
- Drew Barrymore
- Christina Applegate
- Jessica Biel
You’ll notice Autumns tend to have darker hair and eyes, while Springs have lighter features. Their makeup, clothing, and jewelry choices also align with their respective seasonal palettes.
Determining Your Season
Wondering if you are a True Autumn or True Spring? Here are some tips for figuring it out:
- Analyze your natural hair, eye, and skin tones – are they light or dark?
- Look at the veins on your wrists – are they blue (cool) or green (warm)?
- Do warm yellow gold or cool silver metals flatter you most?
- Compare swatches from each palette against your face to test which is harmonizing.
- Ask a friend which colors they think suit you best.
- Try on clothing and makeup in different seasonal palettes and analyze the effect.
Getting professionally color analyzed by an image consultant can provide the most accurate result. However, you can get a good indication just by using your natural coloring as a guide and experimenting.
Incorporating Your Palette
Once you’ve zeroed in on your seasonal palette, use those colors to enhance your wardrobe, makeup, and surroundings:
- Clothing: Choose hues from your palette for tops, dresses, pants, and accessories near the face.
- Makeup: Use eyeshadow, lipstick, blush, and nail polish in your seasonal colors.
- Jewelry: Opt for metals, stones, and enamels in colors that complement you.
- Home decor: Add pillows, throws, artwork, and accent pieces in palette colors. Paint walls in harmonizing neutrals.
Staying within your color season creates a cohesive, harmonious look that plays up your natural beauty. Straying from it can make you appear washed out or overpowered.
Conclusion
True Autumn and True Spring are both warm seasons but differ significantly in depth and contrast level. Autumns suit rich earth tones while Springs shine in delicate yellow-based hues. Determining which palette you fit provides guidance in choosing the most flattering colors for clothing, makeup, and surroundings. Identifying your seasonal type helps develop your own inner beauty and radiance.
