Natural world of the seasons can greatly influence your color preferences, and understanding this connection may help you navigate those times when your tastes seem to shift.
In addition to changes in temperature, seasons change the lighting, the color of the environment and how color appears on our skin. A color that is terrific with our skin in winter may seem dark and unflattering in the summer. Being aware of this helps us look contemporary and stay in sync with our color story without needing to purchase new colors for each season. Simply add or subtract from the darkness, warmth and saturation of the colors in your palette to bring them in line with the current season.
In the winter months, it makes sense to reach for colours that give you glow and saturation on days when it’s grey and dark outside. We love winter with emerald green, wine, charcoal grey and navy blue as these are brightening on your face even when it’s grey outside and it’s much easier to put these dark colours in conjunction with grey, beige, black and other dark colours you might have on with your coat, scarf and boots. Just like with summer colours, we want to place these colours closest to your face and skin, which will bring some warmth and light to your skin, which you don’t get when you place lighter summer colours next to your skin.
As the days get longer and sun light becomes less sharp, it’s time to shift to fresher versions of your main colours. If you have deep forest in winter, spring for soft sage. Rich burgundy becomes dusty rose. Navy becomes pale sky blue. The idea is to replicate the clarity of the light as the days grow longer and plants grow new shoots. Pastels and muted brights are ideal for this time of year because, not only are they reminiscent of spring, but they are also the most universally flattering. A spring scarf or jacket will be all you need to refresh your entire winter wardrobe.
For Summer, you want light and cooling. Deep and rich colors are muted by the bright, warm sun, and dramatic contrasts appear jarring. Instead, we are gravitating toward lighter, brighter colors with more clarity. These colors include cream, peach, aqua and golden yellow. The lighter colors support the warmth and help you look healthy in the increased light. If your coloring is naturally deeper, look for the lighter version of the colors in your palette. If you’re naturally a deep brown, for example, try a light camel.
As fall arrives, the light shifts to a soft golden hue. I start to add back the earthier colors—terracotta, olive, mustard, plum—that return to nature at this time of year. They transition well because they are somewhere between the lighter colors of summer and the deeper colors of winter. I also play with texture in the fall. A matte fabric or a soft knit adds to the fall feeling. Eventually, this process becomes automatic, a conversation between my color world and the outer world, ensuring that I always wear garments that are right for the season, that are flattering and that feel wonderful.