Soft Summer is the softest season of the Summer family (Light Summer, True/Cool Summer and Soft Summer) and it sits between Soft Autumn and Cool (True) Summer on the seasonal flow chart. Unlike Soft Autumn, which has warm leaning neutral undertones, Soft Summer has cool leaning neutral undertones. This season type is also different from Cool (True) Summer, which is completely cool.
If we examine the Colour Dimensions of Soft Summer (image 2) we can see that it is first of all soft (muted), and then it is cool and after that light.
Hue: Cool/Neutral Cool (the hues of Soft Summer are primarily cool, but as we can see on the image, they are not extremely cool and can also have some neutral undertones).
Value: Medium-light (Soft Summer colours can be lighter or darker, but overall the value is medium-light, more
If we examine the Colour Dimensions of Soft Summer (image 2) we can see that it is first of all soft (muted), and then it is cool and after that light.
Hue: Cool/Neutral Cool (the hues of Soft Summer are primarily cool, but as we can see on the image, they are not extremely cool and can also have some neutral undertones).
Value: Medium-light (Soft Summer colours can be lighter or darker, but overall the value is medium-light, more
leaning slightly to the middle of the value scale).
Chroma: Soft/Muted (Soft Summer is the softest season of the Summer family, and this is the main colour aspect of this season type).
Now, let’s examine the features (hair, skin tone, eyes) of Soft Summer representatives.
Hair: Soft Summer hair ranges from medium ash blonde to medium ash brown and can develop ash blonde highlights when exposed to the sun.
Skin tone: Soft Summer skin has a big range of skin tones, usually ranging from fair to tan and can be fair, light, medium, or tan.
Eye Colours: Soft Summer eyes are cool and often have a soft, gentle, or smoky appearance. They are generally soft blue, soft teal green, blue-grey, grey-green, soft hazel or light brown, and can exhibit cloudiness and speckles.
Colour Palette
Just like Soft Summer’s primary colour dimensions, Soft Summer colours are soft, cool, and medium-light to be in line with this season type natural colouring.
The overall Soft Summer Colour Palette (image 1) contains some of the softest and desaturated colours of the summer family, that would make other seasons look washed out, but add elegance to Soft Summer. The colours are mainly medium-light, and although there are many colours that are lighter or darker, most of the colours fall somewhere in the middle of the value scale.
The colours lean towards the cool end of the scale, but are not extremely cool. The colour palette includes many soft blues, purples, greens, and pinks.
At the same time, there are many neutrals in the Soft Summer palette, including soft white, dusty grey, charcoal, and dark denim. Soft Summer neutrals include light neutrals, as well as dark ones. This mixture in value is needed to achieve a medium-low value contrast, as the contrast between this season type features (you will find more details about this in the next section). Black and white are not included in the palette, but Soft Summers have their own “version” of black and white in the palette, most often soft white and charcoal. As you are soft, these colours that seem more muted, are more suitable for you.
Soft Summer worst colours are bright and warm, because they are opposed to soft and cool, the main colour aspects of this season type.
Chroma: Soft/Muted (Soft Summer is the softest season of the Summer family, and this is the main colour aspect of this season type).
Now, let’s examine the features (hair, skin tone, eyes) of Soft Summer representatives.
Hair: Soft Summer hair ranges from medium ash blonde to medium ash brown and can develop ash blonde highlights when exposed to the sun.
Skin tone: Soft Summer skin has a big range of skin tones, usually ranging from fair to tan and can be fair, light, medium, or tan.
Eye Colours: Soft Summer eyes are cool and often have a soft, gentle, or smoky appearance. They are generally soft blue, soft teal green, blue-grey, grey-green, soft hazel or light brown, and can exhibit cloudiness and speckles.
Colour Palette
Just like Soft Summer’s primary colour dimensions, Soft Summer colours are soft, cool, and medium-light to be in line with this season type natural colouring.
The overall Soft Summer Colour Palette (image 1) contains some of the softest and desaturated colours of the summer family, that would make other seasons look washed out, but add elegance to Soft Summer. The colours are mainly medium-light, and although there are many colours that are lighter or darker, most of the colours fall somewhere in the middle of the value scale.
The colours lean towards the cool end of the scale, but are not extremely cool. The colour palette includes many soft blues, purples, greens, and pinks.
At the same time, there are many neutrals in the Soft Summer palette, including soft white, dusty grey, charcoal, and dark denim. Soft Summer neutrals include light neutrals, as well as dark ones. This mixture in value is needed to achieve a medium-low value contrast, as the contrast between this season type features (you will find more details about this in the next section). Black and white are not included in the palette, but Soft Summers have their own “version” of black and white in the palette, most often soft white and charcoal. As you are soft, these colours that seem more muted, are more suitable for you.
Soft Summer worst colours are bright and warm, because they are opposed to soft and cool, 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 Soft Summer representatives features, there is usually a medium-low value contrast between them, but there may also be some cases when the value contrast is a little bit higher than medium-low.
On the image on your right, you can see a Soft Summer representative with medium-dark hair and medium-light eyes and skin. 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 Soft Summer representatives features, there is usually a medium-low value contrast between them, but there may also be some cases when the value contrast is a little bit higher than medium-low.
On the image on your right, you can see a Soft Summer representative with medium-dark hair and medium-light eyes and skin. more
In order to determine her value contrast level, we converted her photo into greyscale and assigned a value from 0 to 11 to her hair, skin, and eyes (3 to her hair, 7 to her skin, and 6 to her eyes). Next, we took the highest number and took away the lowest number (7-3=4). According to our value contrast scale that you can see below, she has a medium-low 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-low value contrast, shows us that she can wear colours that provide a medium-low value contrast and her clothes should not be more than 4 values apart.
Following this example, you can examine your own features and see if there is a medium-low value contrast between them. Soft Summers typically have a medium-low value contrast between their features.
Colour Contrast
In terms of colour contrast, Soft Summers 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 Soft Summer representative selected by us is medium-low, as we can see neutrals and 1 colour in her features: neutral hair, neutral skin and soft blue eyes. The best colour combinations will be: 2 neutrals + 1 colour or monochromatic colours.
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. Soft Summers 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-low value contrast, shows us that she can wear colours that provide a medium-low value contrast and her clothes should not be more than 4 values apart.
Following this example, you can examine your own features and see if there is a medium-low value contrast between them. Soft Summers typically have a medium-low value contrast between their features.
Colour Contrast
In terms of colour contrast, Soft Summers 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 Soft Summer representative selected by us is medium-low, as we can see neutrals and 1 colour in her features: neutral hair, neutral skin and soft blue eyes. The best colour combinations will be: 2 neutrals + 1 colour or monochromatic colours.
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. Soft Summers 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 Soft Summer features is medium-low, while the colour contrast is low or medium-low.
Therefore, Soft Summer representatives can combine colours that provide a medium-low 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 combinations for Soft Summers with neutral hair, skin and eyes will be 1 neutral and 1 colour or monochromatic colours, while the best colour combinations for Soft Summers with two neutral features and one feature that has a colour in it will be 2 neutrals and 1 colour or monochromatic colours. 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 Soft Summer representatives (image 1), who have a medium-low colour contrast, are the following:
1. Monochromatic colours (varieties of a single colour or hue)
2. A light neutral + a light neutral + a darker colour (1 neutral + 1 neutral + 1 colour)
On the image on your right, you can see an abstract print with delicate elements (leaves) that contains monochromatic colours: duck egg blue, blithe blue and cabana blue. Besides the appropriate monochromatic colour contrast, there is also a medium-low value contrast in this print. If we convert the print into grayscale, we can see that cabana blue colour’s value is 5, but duck egg blue colour’s value is 9. If we take the highest number (9) and take away the lowest number (5) from this print we get 4 (9-5=4), which is also the natural value contrast number of this Soft Summer representative. As both value and colour contrast are respected, you can notice how harmonious the print looks on the Soft Summer representative chosen by us.
Soft Summers have a delicate palette with many options for romantic style. On the image on your right (image 2), you can see some Soft Summer outfit ideas belonging to romantic, sporty, modern and even sophisticated fashion styles. You can experiment with the colours in your palette to create a medium-low value contrast, and find the style that works better for you (or combine styles).
Therefore, Soft Summer representatives can combine colours that provide a medium-low 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 combinations for Soft Summers with neutral hair, skin and eyes will be 1 neutral and 1 colour or monochromatic colours, while the best colour combinations for Soft Summers with two neutral features and one feature that has a colour in it will be 2 neutrals and 1 colour or monochromatic colours. 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 Soft Summer representatives (image 1), who have a medium-low colour contrast, are the following:
1. Monochromatic colours (varieties of a single colour or hue)
2. A light neutral + a light neutral + a darker colour (1 neutral + 1 neutral + 1 colour)
3. A light neutral + a dark neutral + a darker colour (1 neutral + 1 neutral + 1 colour)
4. A dark neutral + a dark neutral + a lighter colour (1 neutral + 1 neutral + 1 colour)
5. A light neutral + a dark neutral + a lighter colour (1 neutral + 1 neutral + 1 colour)
On the image on your right, you can see an abstract print with delicate elements (leaves) that contains monochromatic colours: duck egg blue, blithe blue and cabana blue. Besides the appropriate monochromatic colour contrast, there is also a medium-low value contrast in this print. If we convert the print into grayscale, we can see that cabana blue colour’s value is 5, but duck egg blue colour’s value is 9. If we take the highest number (9) and take away the lowest number (5) from this print we get 4 (9-5=4), which is also the natural value contrast number of this Soft Summer representative. As both value and colour contrast are respected, you can notice how harmonious the print looks on the Soft Summer representative chosen by us.
Soft Summers have a delicate palette with many options for romantic style. On the image on your right (image 2), you can see some Soft Summer outfit ideas belonging to romantic, sporty, modern and even sophisticated fashion styles. You can experiment with the colours in your palette to create a medium-low value contrast, and find the style that works better for you (or combine styles).
Soft Summer hair ranges from medium ash blonde to medium ash brown and can develop ash blonde highlights when exposed to the sun.
Usually, the best hair colour for Soft Summers is their natural hair colour, but if you want to change your natural hair colour, you should opt for another Soft Summer hair colour. Remember that your natural colour aspect is soft, cool, and medium-light and hair colour should also follow your natural colouring. Hair colours that provide too much contrast would dominate Soft Summers look and overwhelm their delicateness. Ultimately, we all look our best when we are working with what is happening to us naturally, rather than drastically changing ourselves.
Advising and choosing a new hair colour is, above all, more
Usually, the best hair colour for Soft Summers is their natural hair colour, but if you want to change your natural hair colour, you should opt for another Soft Summer hair colour. Remember that your natural colour aspect is soft, cool, and medium-light and hair colour should also follow your natural colouring. Hair colours that provide too much contrast would dominate Soft Summers look and overwhelm their delicateness. Ultimately, we all look our best when we are working with what is happening to us naturally, rather than drastically changing ourselves.
Advising and choosing a new hair colour is, above all, more
respecting your medium-low value contrast level and the natural cold base. Great hair colours for you would be medium ash blonde, dark ash blonde, light ash brown, or medium ash brown. On the image on your right, you can see how various Soft Summer representatives look with hair colours ranging from medium ash blonde to medium ash brown. Choose the ash blonde colour with caution and avoid any warm blondes. It is important to stay in the same cool category so as not to create disharmony with the complexion.
Soft Summer colouring has neutral cool undertones, and silver is more harmonious with this season type skin undertone than gold. If you are a Soft Summer, your best metals will be silver and platinum, but matte and brushed, not shiny. Any jewellery that is bright and shiny, highly contrasted or with very dark elements will make you disappear behind it.
In terms of stones, rose and smoky quartz, blue lace agate, pink topaz, opal, aquamarine, rhodochrosite, rhodonite and sea glass are ideal for Soft Summers. Matte pearls would also look great on Soft Summers, 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, more
In terms of stones, rose and smoky quartz, blue lace agate, pink topaz, opal, aquamarine, rhodochrosite, rhodonite and sea glass are ideal for Soft Summers. Matte pearls would also look great on Soft Summers, 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, more
and they are ethical.
On the image on your right, you can see some pieces of Soft Summer jewellery including earrings, 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.).
If you are not sure whether you are a Soft Summer or not, you can contact us for an Online Personal Colour Analysis or purchase the Self Seasonal Colour Analysis Guide (15 €).
On the image on your right, you can see some pieces of Soft Summer jewellery including earrings, 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.).
If you are not sure whether you are a Soft Summer or not, you can contact us for an Online Personal Colour Analysis or purchase the Self Seasonal Colour Analysis Guide (15 €).