In seasonal colour analysis, we have 4 home seasons which are then broken down to 12 sub-seasons and in some systems even into 16.
Today, I would like to focus on the home seasons – Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter and the way these link to our temperament. There have traditionally been a link between these seasons and our temperament (specifically to sanguine, phlegmatic, choleric and melancholic). I would like to give you a little overview of each of the four colour seasons and their typical traits which may help you to determine your colour season based on psychology.
I feel it is important to highlight that the number one deciding factor when it comes to finding your seasonal colour palette, is your skin, its undertone and the way your skin reacts to colours that are placed against it. We are looking for a harmony of your skin with colours that surround it.
But if you are completely at loss when it comes to determining your colour season and you don’t have the opportunity to see a professional colour analyst, then you may find this analogy helpful.
I do not provide description of what hair or eye colour each season possesses because you can have any eye colour and any hair colour in any season. There is a certain “quality” of colour that your hair and eyes will possess which will link a certain season to you but it is not as simple as “blue eyes = winter or blond hair = spring”, it gets more complex than that and it will not be possible to determine by an untrained eye. There will be some stereotypes and yes they might be the most common occurrence in any given colour season but it doesn’t mean that anything that does not comply with this stereotype, will be ruled out. This is what many people who are trying to DIY their colour season stumble upon and they get confused. This is why I do not like talking about these stereotypical looks. This is also where “colour apps” will not help you, they are inaccurate and they will only cause frustration and waste of time and money. To this day, there is nothing better and more reliable than an in person colour analysis carried out by a professional colour consultant.
So let’s dive into colour seasons. First let’s have a look at the two cool seasons – introverts and then the two warm seasons – extroverts.
WINTER
Winter palette is very high contrast, this is a cool and dark season with bold colours. Imagine black and white combinations and jewel tones such as emeralds, rubies and lapis lazuli to give you some idea of the colour palette.
I would describe winter as a polarising extroverted introvert. Winters have a bold look, contrasting features, often drama in facial structure, features or piercing eyes.
This contrast is also seen in an actual winter season – bright white snow against dark bark of trees and red winter berries. Night sky with bright shining stars at night.
When it comes to winter personalities, there tends to be a bit of a drama, they tend to be strong minded, they know what they want, they are deep thinkers, they are bold and have a charisma. And while they are happy to be centre stage, they are also introverted so they need to recharge on their own. They are unpredictable because of this ability to go from one extreme to another. They tend to be very deep thinkers and chew over things but once they made up their mind, they will stick with it and you have a very little chance to influence them.
Winter’s home is all about clean lines, clean empty spaces and usually one statement piece in a room, such as an unusual large contemporary chandelier. The colour scheme is high contrast, a lot of white and often touches of red or other highly contrasting colour. Bold modern designs and the latest technology to ensure visual cleanliness of the space.
Winter’s home and overall personal energy is INTENSE.
SUMMER
The summer palette is another cool palette but it is very hazy, it is cool and light with soft colours. Think of a hot midsummer day, when colours around us become a bit bleached out from the Sun. Colours become soft and everything looks very tonal and light, there is no harshness.
Summer personalities tend to have a very gentle air about them, they are good listeners and exude elegance and balance. They prefer working in the background quietly but very patiently, achieving their goals. They are often peacekeepers and they are also introverted. Summers are usually very dexterous and enjoy art and craft in their spare time. They approach things very level headed, they may sit quietly or be soft spoken but it doesn’t mean they do not have an opinion. Usually they will choose to keep their opinion to themselves. They are very laid back most of the time. They tend to be practical and very good with their hands. They are elegant and graceful and their colouring gently blends together. Summers suit tonal dressing, for example 3 shades of blue together in one outfit.
Summer’s elegance extends to their home too, pastel tones, perfectly placed furniture with graceful lines and a classic look, nothing too busy and nothing extreme. Summer loves to feel balance and harmony at home and often will arrange things in pairs, like matching lamps placed symmetrically.
Summer’s home and overall personal energy is HARMONIOUS.
SPRING
Spring is a warm season, picture the bright green grass in spring, daffodils, tulips, primroses. The spring season is warm and light, the colours have a clarity and brightness to them. Think of the very first light green leaves, all colours are very bright, shiny and energising, there is nothing heavy, spring is airy and light but punchy at the same time. Spring personalities are usually very energetic, lively, spontaneous, creative and optimistic. They are extroverted and love to start new projects and talk about a lot of ideas. They are the social butterflies and very adaptable to any situations. They are warm and approachable, they are the kind of people you want to be around because they are so energising and full of life. They brighten up the room when they walk in. Their energy is bouncy and bubbly and infectious, they love to try new things and seek new experiences, while enjoying various conversations with new people. Mimicking their energy, springs look great when they combine bright colours together, they can combine even 3 or more colours together or wear 2 different patterns together in one outfit, honouring their high energy.
Springs love to have homes which allow for plenty of daylight, large windows are perfect or a patio door connecting their home to the outside space. Their ideal furniture tends to be light and airy and soft furnishings in bright colours and whimsical patterns, something fun and funky.
Spring’s home and overall personal energy is FRISKY.
AUTUMN
Autumn is also a warm season. These colours are warm and dark and as opposed to spring, autumn is muted. Imagine a walk in Canadian forest in October, trees are coloured in mustard yellow, brick red, rust oranges. There is so much warmth in these colours, so much spiciness, so much richness but the colours aren’t bright, they have an energy of maturity. While the colours aren’t bright, they are rich and impactful.
When it comes to autumn personalities, they tend to have very warm and cosy personality, there is a level of maturity and they have a nurturing energy, they tend to be the caretakers and love to pamper others. They are the kind of a friend you go to when you had a bad day, they’ll make you a cup of tea, make sure you are comfortable and then they’ll talk to you about it, giving you their sober point of view in a way that will make you laugh. They are also passionate and can be hot headed but at the same time, they are down to earth, their fire lights up fast but they also cool down pretty fast. They usually have a sarcastic sense of humour and are loyal friends, friendships are very important to them. Their colours are very warm but muted, they look fantastic in tonal dressing with a touch spiciness.
Autumns also love to have cosy homes with a lot of natural materials and plants. They usually love natural fabrics and textures and physical comfort is a must. Autumns often love antique furniture and a fireplace with a dog laying beside it.
Autumn’s home and overall personal energy is ORGANIC.
And what about you? Do you recognise yourself in any of these seasons? Or perhaps you feel like a mix of two? It wouldn’t surprise me if you do, because these descriptions are a representative of the pure home season however each pure season has two neutral season neighbours and those display a mix of these temperaments. In fact the majority of people belong to one of the 8 neutral seasons (please note that each neutral season has either warm or cool leaning) while we have only 4 pure seasons.
We are all unique and individual, these descriptions are focusing on the most obvious and typical traits of each home season, you will posses your very own fine distinctions, these descriptions are certainly not exhaustive, however they will give you a good indication of what season may be the most fitting for your personality.
The 12 sub-seasons that I work with have their own qualities and nuances, most people do not fit neatly into any one box. Colour analysis de-tangles any colour season mysteries and has the power to reveal your best colours.
Once you know your colour palette, your shopping becomes much easier because you can eliminate all those colours that are not fitting within your season. Your sub-season will give you even narrower colour palette to work with but it completely opens up the amazing world of personalised style which in combination with your own individual style will be completely unique and in an absolute harmony with your energetic signature.
For more information, email me on info@ssaskia.co.uk – I will look forward to hearing from you.
