The Ultimate Guide to the True Summer Color Palette

Last updated January 2025

True Summer is a season of refined coolness and balanced clarity. Its pure, cool, and soft tones complement individuals with distinctly cool features. If you have ash-brown to ash-blonde hair, cool-toned skin with no warmth, and blue, gray, or green eyes, you might belong to this harmonious seasonal palette. These crisp yet gentle colors are perfect for enhancing the natural coolness and subtle clarity of your appearance.

True Summer leans completely cool, with a foundation of bluish and grayish hues. These cool undertones ensure that the colors enhance the natural complexion by bringing out its cool, serene qualities in a soft and balanced way.

2. Soft, Fresh Colors

The defining characteristic of True Summer is its harmonious and cool clarity. Unlike muted or overly bright palettes, this season thrives on soft yet fresh shades that feel refined and serene. Think of sky blue, icy lavender, soft raspberry, and marine teal—colors that exude a quiet vibrancy without being overpowering.

3. Medium Intensity

True Summer colors avoid extremes of lightness or darkness, staying within a medium range. This medium intensity creates a balanced, natural effect, making the palette perfect for enhancing a refined and harmonious appearance.

By focusing on the right shades and avoiding harsh contrasts, True Summers can create a look that feels effortlessly cool and true to their essence. True Summer characteristics include a harmonious blend of soft, cool, and balanced colors, often inspired by celebrities and style icons who embody this refined aesthetic.

1. Core Colors

The core colors of the True Summer palette are inspired by nature’s serene and cool tones, offering a blend of softness and clarity. These shades enhance the natural coolness of this season without feeling heavy or overly bold.

• Soft Raspberry: A cool, medium pink with a hint of depth, perfect for adding a touch of refined vibrancy.
• Icy Lavender: A light purple with a cool undertone, ideal for creating an elegant, fresh look.
• Sky Blue: A soft and clear blue, reminiscent of a calm summer sky.
• Marine Teal: A medium teal with a cool, balanced base, adding richness without overwhelming.
• Dove Gray: A soft, neutral gray with a cool undertone, providing a subtle, versatile foundation.

(for a complete guide with 80+ FHI Pantone colors click here)

2. Neutrals Colours

The True Summer color palette’s neutrals are essential for grounding the more vibrant shades and maintaining its cool and balanced harmony.

These shades carry the soft, cool, and slightly muted quality of the season:

• Silver Gray: A light, cool gray that pairs beautifully with the soft blues and purples of the palette.
• Pewter: A muted gray with a blue undertone, adding depth and elegance.
• Cool Beige: A light, neutral beige with a cool base, offering understated sophistication.
• Soft Navy: A muted navy blue that acts as a grounding shade without feeling overpowering.

3. Avoiding the Wrong Colors

To keep the True Summer color palette cohesive, it’s essential to avoid colors that clash with its cool and harmonious nature:

• Warm Colors: Shades like orange, golden yellows, or warm reds feel out of place and clash with True Summer’s cool undertones.
• Bright, Overly Saturated Colors: Neon or vivid shades can overwhelm the softness of the palette.
• High-Contrast Combinations: Pairing stark contrasts, such as black and white, feels too harsh. Instead, opt for soft whites or gentle grays.
• Earthy, Warm Tones: Colors like olive green or warm browns can detract from True Summer’s refined coolness.

Instead, focus on tonal layering and gentle contrasts that enhance the palette’s soft, cool harmony. By embracing the right colors, True Summers can effortlessly highlight their natural elegance and serene beauty.

True Summer individuals share certain characteristics that can guide you toward identifying your season.

Skin Tone: Typically cool or neutral, with a fresh and balanced quality. True Summer skin often has a rosy, soft beige, or cool ivory undertone, without golden or peachy warmth. To identify your undertone, check the color of the veins on your wrist—blue or blue-green veins often indicate a cool undertone.

Eye Color: Usually cool-toned, including shades like gray-blue, soft green, or cool hazel with flecks of gray. These eye colors appear soft and harmonious with the rest of the features.

[Coming Soon]

Natural Hair Color: Hair is typically medium to dark ash blonde or ashy light brown, without golden or brassy warmth. The tones are naturally subdued and cool.

Understanding these True Summer characteristics can help you better identify your season and make informed style choices.

DIY Assessment: Testing Your Colors at Home

If you’re unsure of your season, you can perform a simple test to see how True Summer colors work with your natural features:

• Gather Clothing or Fabric Swatches: Collect cool-toned fabrics in shades like sky blue, soft raspberry, and icy lavender, along with contrasting colors like neon orange, bright red, or warm beige.
• Natural Lighting: Stand in front of a mirror in natural daylight without makeup.
• Drape Colors: Hold the fabric close to your face and observe. True Summer colors should enhance your skin’s coolness and make your eyes appear brighter, while the wrong colors may wash you out or emphasize shadows.
• Compare Results: Notice if cool, soft tones bring harmony compared to harsher or overly warm shades.

True Summer’s soft and cool palette lends itself beautifully to certain patterns and prints. Here are some guidelines on how to make patterns work for you and what to avoid.

Choosing the Right Patterns

When selecting patterns, prioritize those that reflect the coolness and subtle elegance of the True Summer palette:

• Soft, Cool Colors: Opt for patterns featuring shades like sky blues, icy lavenders, soft raspberries, and dove grays. Avoid overly vibrant, warm, or deep, saturated designs.
• Low to Medium Contrast: Patterns should have smooth transitions between colors, such as light gray and marine teal or soft beige and cool navy, rather than stark black-and-white or bold combinations.
• Elegant, Flowing Shapes: Florals, soft paisley, and watercolor-inspired prints work well. Avoid rigid geometric patterns or bold, high-contrast designs that can feel harsh against the True Summer palette.

[Coming Soon]

Prints That Elevate True Summer

Certain prints naturally align with the True Summer aesthetic:

• Floral Prints: Choose medium-sized florals in soft, cool tones. They convey a sense of refinement and elegance.
• Stripes and Checks: Stick to fine, cool-toned stripes or subtle checks. For example, soft navy and dove gray stripes are flattering.
• Abstract Designs: Gentle, flowing patterns in cool and muted tones can add visual interest without overpowering. Avoid harsh geometric shapes or overly dark elements.

Here’s how to enhance your features with makeup that complements your season.

Foundation and Base Makeup

Achieving a smooth, even complexion is essential for True Summers. The goal is to create a polished, natural base that highlights your cool undertones.

Foundation Tips: Choose a foundation with cool or neutral undertones to match your skin’s soft and harmonious balance. Opt for a light- to medium-coverage formula for a refined, natural finish.

Blush and Bronzer: Stick to cool blush shades like rosy pink or muted berry. Avoid warm, orange-toned bronzers; instead, use a light taupe or soft beige for gentle contouring that complements your cool palette.

Setting Powder: A translucent or pale, cool-toned powder sets your makeup without adding unwanted warmth.

Lip Colors

The perfect lip color for True Summer adds sophistication and enhances your cool, refined tones.

• Best Shades: Cool pinks, soft plums, and muted rose shades work beautifully. Mauves and cool berry tones are also flattering.
• Lipstick Finish: A satin or creamy finish keeps the look elegant and natural. Avoid overly glossy or matte textures, which can feel too extreme.
• What to Avoid: Steer clear of bold, fiery reds, neon pinks, or orangey shades that clash with True Summer’s cool palette.

Eye Makeup

True Summer eyes shine with soft, cool shades that enhance their serene brightness without harsh contrasts.

• Eyeshadows: Opt for shades like soft gray, muted taupe, icy lavender, or cool beige. Avoid bright or overly shimmery shades, as they can feel out of place in this palette.
• Eyeliner: Choose soft gray, slate blue, or cool brown for subtle definition. Avoid black, which can feel too harsh for True Summers.
• Mascara: A cool brown or soft gray mascara enhances your lashes naturally, while black can appear too heavy.

True Summer’s natural beauty is enhanced by hair colors that align with its cool, soft, and balanced tones.

Whether you choose to embrace your natural shade or opt for a dye, the key is to maintain harmony with your overall palette.

Natural Hair Colors for True Summers

True Summers typically have ashy or neutral hair tones that blend seamlessly with their cool and harmonious complexion.

Common Natural Shades:

• Medium to dark ashy blonde
• Soft ash brown with cool undertones
• Ashy blonde with subtle highlights

These natural shades create a cohesive look by complementing the skin’s cool undertones and the eyes’ serene color.

Maintaining Harmony with Dyed Hair

If you’re considering hair dye, staying true to True Summer’s characteristics ensures your new shade looks natural and flattering.

Best Hair Dye Choices:

• Cool-Toned Highlights: Add dimension with highlights in shades like pearl blonde, icy ash, or soft beige.
• Soft Cool Browns: Choose medium to light ashy brown tones with no hints of red or gold.
• Delicate Blondes: Stick to cool blondes such as icy or soft platinum, avoiding overly warm tones.

What to Avoid:

• Warm, golden, or brassy tones, as they can clash with True Summer’s cool palette.
• Bright or extreme contrasts, such as jet black or vibrant auburn, which overpower True Summer’s balanced coolness.

True Summer’s cool and balanced undertones pair beautifully with metals that have a sleek, refined finish.

True Summer’s Ideal Metals 

• Silver: Cool and reflective, silver complements True Summer’s soft, cool palette perfectly.

• White Gold: A lighter, cooler alternative to yellow gold, ideal for maintaining harmony with True Summer’s tones.

• Platinum: Sleek and polished, platinum enhances True Summer’s elegant features without overpowering.

• Icy Rose Gold: Subtle, cooler-toned rose gold can work as an accent but should be used sparingly to avoid introducing warmth.

• Polished or Light Finishes: Opt for light, reflective metals with a fine or subtle polish. Avoid overly dark or heavy finishes that might overwhelm.

Note: It is best to avoid metals with deep, yellow, or brassy undertones, as they can clash with True Summer’s cool, balanced aesthetic.

Ideal Gemstones for True Summers

Gemstones that reflect True Summer’s soft, cool, and harmonious qualities are the perfect choice. Top choices include:

• Aquamarine: Its pale, watery blue tones align beautifully with True Summer’s palette.

• Light Amethyst: Soft lavender or light purple shades add a refined touch of color.

• Moonstone: The soft, glowing iridescence of moonstone complements True Summer’s serene elegance.

• Pale Blue Topaz: Its cool, fresh blue is perfect for enhancing the balanced tones of the palette.

• White or Pale Gray Pearl: Adds understated sophistication and blends seamlessly with the palette.

What to Avoid:

• Bright, heavily saturated gemstones like ruby or dark emerald, as they can overpower True Summer’s soft, cool tones.

Creating a wardrobe that reflects your seasonal palette isn’t just about choosing the right colors—it’s about building a sustainable, timeless collection that enhances your natural beauty while reducing waste.

By focusing on quality over quantity, you can create a wardrobe that stands the test of time.

The Value of Quality

High-quality clothing is an investment in longevity and style. Well-made pieces:

• Retain their shape and color after multiple washes.

• Are less likely to pill, fade, or fray, especially in True Summer’s soft, cool tones.

• Offer better fits, enhancing your overall look effortlessly.

While quality items may come with a higher upfront cost, their durability and versatility save money in the long run.

Curating a Sustainable Wardrobe

To build a wardrobe that lasts, focus on timeless pieces that align with your True Summer palette and personal style:

• Start with Neutrals: Invest in staples like a dove gray blazer, cool beige trousers, and a soft navy coat. These items provide a versatile base for mixing and matching.

• Add Core Colors Thoughtfully: Choose cool, soft hues like icy lavender blouses or sky blue knitwear that complement your neutrals.

• Seasonal Versatility: Opt for pieces that transition well between seasons, such as breathable layers and adaptable accessories.

Tips for Choosing Quality Pieces

When shopping for a sustainable wardrobe, prioritize the following:

• Natural Fabrics: Materials like cotton, linen, silk, and lightweight wool are durable, breathable, and ideal for True Summer’s soft and cool aesthetic.

• Attention to Detail: Look for reinforced seams, quality zippers, and lined fabrics to ensure longevity.

• Timeless Cuts: Classic designs like tailored trousers, shift dresses, and simple blouses ensure your wardrobe remains stylish and functional.

Benefits of Minimalism

Fewer, better pieces not only reduce clutter but also simplify decision-making. A carefully curated wardrobe:

• Reflects your unique style and seasonal palette.

• Encourages mindful purchases, reducing impulse buys.

• Promotes sustainability by reducing the environmental impact of fashion waste.

Here are some before and after pictures from the True Summer season to draw inspiration from:

(see more before & after pictures)

Conclusion

True Summer is a beautiful and versatile color season, defined by its soft, cool tones and harmonious elegance. The True Summer color palette offers endless options for creating cohesive and flattering looks. In the following blog posts, you can explore other seasons, such as Soft Summer, Light Summer, and Bright Winter, to expand your understanding of the seasonal color system.