Cool (True) Winter is the coolest season of the Winter family (Dark Winter, True/Cool Winter and Bright Winter) and it sits between Dark/Deep Winter and Bright (Clear) Winter on the seasonal flow chart. Unlike Dark (Deep) Winter and Bright (Clear) Winter, which can have neutral cool leaning undertones, Cool (True) Winter is completely cool.
If we examine the Colour Dimensions of Cool (True) Winter (image 2) we can see that it is first of all cool, and then it is bright and after that dark.
If we examine the Colour Dimensions of Cool (True) Winter (image 2) we can see that it is first of all cool, and then it is bright and after that dark.
Hue: Cool (Cool Winter is the coolest season of the Winter family, and this is the main colour aspect of this season type).
Value: Medium-dark (Cool Winter colours can range from very light to very dark, more
but overall the value is medium-dark, leaning slightly to the dark end of the scale).
Chroma: Medium-bright (Cool Winter has a medium-bright chroma, and it falls about in the middle on the bright left side of the scale).
Now, let’s examine the features (hair, skin tone, eyes) of Cool Winter representatives.
Hair: Cool Winter hair is dark, ranging from dark ash brown to black. It doesn’t have any natural highlights and is generally either neutral or slightly ashy.
Skin tone: Cool Winter skin has a big range of skin tones, ranging from fair to deep and can be light, medium, tan or dark. The skin has clear cool undertones.
Eye Colours: Cool Winter eyes are cool and come in a variety of colours. They are generally cool blue, icy hazel, cool brown, cool dark brown, dark grey, and black, and can contain spokes going from the centre to the edge of the eye.
Colour Palette
Just like Cool Winter’s primary colour dimensions, Cool (True) Winter colours are cool, medium-bright, and medium-dark to be in line with this season type natural colouring.
The overall Cool Winter Colour Palette (image 1) contains some of the coolest and iciest colours of the winter family. The colours are mainly medium-dark, but there are many colours that are very light.
The colours are at the cool end of the scale, so they are extremely cool. The colour palette includes icy pinks, purples, greens, and frosty blues.
At the same time, there are many neutrals in the Cool Winter palette, including black, white, platinum, pewter, and navy. Cool Winter neutrals are highly contrasted including very light neutrals as well as very dark ones. This mixture in value is needed to achieve a high value contrast or a medium-high value contrast, as the contrast between this season type features (you will find more details about this in the next section). Black and white is the classic True Winter combination and will look amazing on a True Winter representative, but the value contrast and the colour contrast should also be taken into consideration. As you are medium-bright, wearing grey on its own can make you become washed out, but you can opt for grey neutrals which are not too muted or dusty, including gunmetal, a dark grey with bluish and green tinge.
Cool Winter worst colours are warm and muted, because they are opposed to cool and bright, the main colour aspects of this season type.
Chroma: Medium-bright (Cool Winter has a medium-bright chroma, and it falls about in the middle on the bright left side of the scale).
Now, let’s examine the features (hair, skin tone, eyes) of Cool Winter representatives.
Hair: Cool Winter hair is dark, ranging from dark ash brown to black. It doesn’t have any natural highlights and is generally either neutral or slightly ashy.
Skin tone: Cool Winter skin has a big range of skin tones, ranging from fair to deep and can be light, medium, tan or dark. The skin has clear cool undertones.
Eye Colours: Cool Winter eyes are cool and come in a variety of colours. They are generally cool blue, icy hazel, cool brown, cool dark brown, dark grey, and black, and can contain spokes going from the centre to the edge of the eye.
Colour Palette
Just like Cool Winter’s primary colour dimensions, Cool (True) Winter colours are cool, medium-bright, and medium-dark to be in line with this season type natural colouring.
The overall Cool Winter Colour Palette (image 1) contains some of the coolest and iciest colours of the winter family. The colours are mainly medium-dark, but there are many colours that are very light.
The colours are at the cool end of the scale, so they are extremely cool. The colour palette includes icy pinks, purples, greens, and frosty blues.
At the same time, there are many neutrals in the Cool Winter palette, including black, white, platinum, pewter, and navy. Cool Winter neutrals are highly contrasted including very light neutrals as well as very dark ones. This mixture in value is needed to achieve a high value contrast or a medium-high value contrast, as the contrast between this season type features (you will find more details about this in the next section). Black and white is the classic True Winter combination and will look amazing on a True Winter representative, but the value contrast and the colour contrast should also be taken into consideration. As you are medium-bright, wearing grey on its own can make you become washed out, but you can opt for grey neutrals which are not too muted or dusty, including gunmetal, a dark grey with bluish and green tinge.
Cool Winter worst colours are warm and muted, because they are opposed to cool and bright, the main colour aspects of this season type.
Value Contrast
The value (or depth) shows how light or dark a colour is, while the value contrast is the level of difference in value between two or more colours. The closer together colours are, the lower is the level of contrast between them, and the farther apart colours are, the higher is the level of contrast.
Regardless of the values of Cool/True Winter representatives features, there is always a high value contrast or a medium-high value contrast between them. If your skin is darker, the whites of the eyes will provide a high contrast against the dark hair and eyes.
On the image on your right, you can see a Cool Winter representative with dark hair, dark eyes and a medium-light skin. In order to determine her value contrast level, more
The value (or depth) shows how light or dark a colour is, while the value contrast is the level of difference in value between two or more colours. The closer together colours are, the lower is the level of contrast between them, and the farther apart colours are, the higher is the level of contrast.
Regardless of the values of Cool/True Winter representatives features, there is always a high value contrast or a medium-high value contrast between them. If your skin is darker, the whites of the eyes will provide a high contrast against the dark hair and eyes.
On the image on your right, you can see a Cool Winter representative with dark hair, dark eyes and a medium-light skin. In order to determine her value contrast level, more
we converted her photo into greyscale and assigned a value from 0 to 11 to her hair, skin, and eyes (0 to her hair, 8 to her skin, and 2 to her eyes). Next, we took the highest number and took away the lowest number (8-0=8). According to our value contrast scale that you can see below, she has a medium-high value contrast.
A) 0 - 2 (low value contrast)
B) 3 - 5 (medium-low value contrast)
C) 6 - 8 (medium-high value contrast)
D) 9 - 11 (high value contrast)
The medium-high value contrast, shows us that she can wear colours that provide a medium-high value contrast and her clothes should not be more than 8 values apart. In this particular case, it will be better for her to wear platinum with gunmetal and a brighter colour, than black with white and a brighter colour, which according to our scale are numbered 0 (black) and 11 (white). However, many Cool Winters have the highest value contrast (11) and can wear black with white or black with white and a brighter colour.
Following this example, you can examine your own features and see if there is a high value contrast or a medium-high value contrast between them. Cool Winters typically have a high value contrast or a medium-high value contrast between their features.
Colour Contrast
In terms of colour contrast, Cool/True Winters typically have a low colour contrast, when their features are mostly neutral or a medium-low colour contrast, when two of their features are neutral, and one feature has a colour in it.
On the image on your right, you can see that the Colour Contrast of the same Cool Winter representative selected by us is medium-low, as we can see neutrals and 1 colour in her features: neutral hair, neutral eyes and cool pink skin. The best colour combination will be: 2 neutrals + 1 colour.
Following this example, you can examine your own features and see if there is a low colour contrast or a medium-low colour contrast between them. Cool Winters typically have a low colour contrast or a medium-low colour contrast between their features.
A) 0 - 2 (low value contrast)
B) 3 - 5 (medium-low value contrast)
C) 6 - 8 (medium-high value contrast)
D) 9 - 11 (high value contrast)
The medium-high value contrast, shows us that she can wear colours that provide a medium-high value contrast and her clothes should not be more than 8 values apart. In this particular case, it will be better for her to wear platinum with gunmetal and a brighter colour, than black with white and a brighter colour, which according to our scale are numbered 0 (black) and 11 (white). However, many Cool Winters have the highest value contrast (11) and can wear black with white or black with white and a brighter colour.
Following this example, you can examine your own features and see if there is a high value contrast or a medium-high value contrast between them. Cool Winters typically have a high value contrast or a medium-high value contrast between their features.
Colour Contrast
In terms of colour contrast, Cool/True Winters typically have a low colour contrast, when their features are mostly neutral or a medium-low colour contrast, when two of their features are neutral, and one feature has a colour in it.
On the image on your right, you can see that the Colour Contrast of the same Cool Winter representative selected by us is medium-low, as we can see neutrals and 1 colour in her features: neutral hair, neutral eyes and cool pink skin. The best colour combination will be: 2 neutrals + 1 colour.
Following this example, you can examine your own features and see if there is a low colour contrast or a medium-low colour contrast between them. Cool Winters typically have a low colour contrast or a medium-low colour contrast between their features.
As seen in the previous section, the value contrast between Cool (True) Winter features is high or medium-high, while the colour contrast is low or medium-low.
Therefore, Cool Winter representatives can combine colours that provide a high or a medium-high value contrast (taking into consideration the value contrast number), and the best combinations are those that repeat the value contrast level present in the appearance.
In terms of colour, the best colour combination for Cool Winters with neutral hair, skin and eyes will be 1 neutral and 1 colour or only neutrals, while the best colour combination for Cool Winters with two neutral features and one feature that has a colour in it will be 2 neutrals and 1 colour. This colour combination system was created by us and supposes 4 colour combination possibilities based on each season features colour. more
The best colour combinations for Cool Winter representatives (image 1), who have a medium-low colour contrast, are the following:
1. A dark neutral + a dark neutral + a lighter colour (1 neutral + 1 neutral + 1 colour)
2. A light neutral + a light neutral + a brighter colour (1 neutral + 1 neutral + 1 colour)
3. A light neutral + a dark neutral + a brighter colour (1 neutral + 1 neutral + 1 colour)
4. A dark neutral + a dark neutral + a brighter colour (1 neutral + 1 neutral + 1 colour)
In terms of prints, the best patterns are those that only contain Cool Winter colours, but if you can’t find a print that is completely within your palette, you can opt for a print that also has small colour spots from a disharmonious palette. The best prints for Cool Winter are bold and highly contrasted, and contain a cool colour (like in our example) from the palette. The patterns with geometric shapes with repeating designs and sharper edges, stylized flowers, or abstract prints are great.
On the image on your right, you can see a print with big geometric elements that contains 2 neutrals (navy and dark navy) and a lighter colour (water blue). Besides the appropriate medium-low colour contrast, there is also a medium-high value contrast in this print. If we convert the print into grayscale, we can see that dark navy colour’s value is 0, but water blue colour’s value is 8. If we take the highest number (8) and take away the lowest number (0) from this print we get 8 (8-0=8), which is also the natural value contrast number of this Cool Winter representative. As both value and colour contrast are respected, you can notice how harmonious the print looks on the Cool Winter representative chosen by us.
Cool Winters have a sophisticated palette with many options for classic and sophisticated style. On the image on your right (image 2), you can see some Cool (True) Winter outfit ideas belonging to classic, eccentric, sophisticated and bohemian fashion styles. You can experiment with the colours in your palette to create a high or medium-high value contrast, and find the style that works better for you (or combine styles).
Therefore, Cool Winter representatives can combine colours that provide a high or a medium-high value contrast (taking into consideration the value contrast number), and the best combinations are those that repeat the value contrast level present in the appearance.
In terms of colour, the best colour combination for Cool Winters with neutral hair, skin and eyes will be 1 neutral and 1 colour or only neutrals, while the best colour combination for Cool Winters with two neutral features and one feature that has a colour in it will be 2 neutrals and 1 colour. This colour combination system was created by us and supposes 4 colour combination possibilities based on each season features colour. more
The best colour combinations for Cool Winter representatives (image 1), who have a medium-low colour contrast, are the following:
1. A dark neutral + a dark neutral + a lighter colour (1 neutral + 1 neutral + 1 colour)
2. A light neutral + a light neutral + a brighter colour (1 neutral + 1 neutral + 1 colour)
3. A light neutral + a dark neutral + a brighter colour (1 neutral + 1 neutral + 1 colour)
4. A dark neutral + a dark neutral + a brighter colour (1 neutral + 1 neutral + 1 colour)
In terms of prints, the best patterns are those that only contain Cool Winter colours, but if you can’t find a print that is completely within your palette, you can opt for a print that also has small colour spots from a disharmonious palette. The best prints for Cool Winter are bold and highly contrasted, and contain a cool colour (like in our example) from the palette. The patterns with geometric shapes with repeating designs and sharper edges, stylized flowers, or abstract prints are great.
On the image on your right, you can see a print with big geometric elements that contains 2 neutrals (navy and dark navy) and a lighter colour (water blue). Besides the appropriate medium-low colour contrast, there is also a medium-high value contrast in this print. If we convert the print into grayscale, we can see that dark navy colour’s value is 0, but water blue colour’s value is 8. If we take the highest number (8) and take away the lowest number (0) from this print we get 8 (8-0=8), which is also the natural value contrast number of this Cool Winter representative. As both value and colour contrast are respected, you can notice how harmonious the print looks on the Cool Winter representative chosen by us.
Cool Winters have a sophisticated palette with many options for classic and sophisticated style. On the image on your right (image 2), you can see some Cool (True) Winter outfit ideas belonging to classic, eccentric, sophisticated and bohemian fashion styles. You can experiment with the colours in your palette to create a high or medium-high value contrast, and find the style that works better for you (or combine styles).
Cool Winter hair is dark, ranging from dark ash brown to black. It doesn’t have any natural highlights and is generally either neutral or slightly ashy.
Usually, the best hair colour for Cool Winters is their natural hair colour, but if you want to change your natural hair colour, you should opt for another Cool Winter hair colour. Remember that your natural colour aspect is cool, bright, and dark and hair colour should also follow your natural colouring. A lighter hair colour (including blonde) can throw off your contrast level and damage your hair. However, if you want to go blonde, opt for a cool silver platinum blonde. It will not look natural, but makes a fabulous fashion colour. Ultimately, we all look our best when we are working with what is happening to us naturally, rather than drastically changing ourselves. more
Advising and choosing a new hair colour is, above all, respecting your high contrast level and the natural cold base. Great hair colours for you would be cool dark brown, dark ash brown, dark blue black, natural black, or dark plum. On the image on your right, you can see how various Cool Winter representatives look with dark brown, dark ash brown, black, and dark plum colours. Red is not your colour, but if you want to try it anyway, consider very dark cool reds or red-violet colours. Choose the red colour with caution and avoid any warm reds. It is important to stay in the same cool category so as not to create disharmony with the complexion.
Usually, the best hair colour for Cool Winters is their natural hair colour, but if you want to change your natural hair colour, you should opt for another Cool Winter hair colour. Remember that your natural colour aspect is cool, bright, and dark and hair colour should also follow your natural colouring. A lighter hair colour (including blonde) can throw off your contrast level and damage your hair. However, if you want to go blonde, opt for a cool silver platinum blonde. It will not look natural, but makes a fabulous fashion colour. Ultimately, we all look our best when we are working with what is happening to us naturally, rather than drastically changing ourselves. more
Advising and choosing a new hair colour is, above all, respecting your high contrast level and the natural cold base. Great hair colours for you would be cool dark brown, dark ash brown, dark blue black, natural black, or dark plum. On the image on your right, you can see how various Cool Winter representatives look with dark brown, dark ash brown, black, and dark plum colours. Red is not your colour, but if you want to try it anyway, consider very dark cool reds or red-violet colours. Choose the red colour with caution and avoid any warm reds. It is important to stay in the same cool category so as not to create disharmony with the complexion.
Cool/True Winters colouring has cool undertones, and gold is completely disharmonious with their skin. If you are a Cool Winter, your best metals will be silver and platinum, rather shiny than matte.
In terms of stones, diamonds, rubies, amethysts, sapphires and emeralds are ideal for Cool Winters. White or metallic grey pearls would also look great on Cool Winters, but we suggest you to opt for faux pearls to show that you care about oysters and molluscs. Pearl extraction is not considered ethical, as oysters and other molluscs only produce pearls as a response to a stressful environment. Faux pearls can be just as beautiful as natural pearls, and they are ethical.
On the image on your right, you can see some pieces of Cool Winter jewellery including earrings, more
In terms of stones, diamonds, rubies, amethysts, sapphires and emeralds are ideal for Cool Winters. White or metallic grey pearls would also look great on Cool Winters, but we suggest you to opt for faux pearls to show that you care about oysters and molluscs. Pearl extraction is not considered ethical, as oysters and other molluscs only produce pearls as a response to a stressful environment. Faux pearls can be just as beautiful as natural pearls, and they are ethical.
On the image on your right, you can see some pieces of Cool Winter jewellery including earrings, more
rings, and a necklace. Besides taking into consideration what earrings to wear based on your season type, you should also consider the following: 1) what earrings (shape and size) are best for your face shape; 2) how to combine earrings with your dress style (for example modern, classic, sophisticated, etc.).