https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-done-seasonal-color-analysis-does-it-work-for-you Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 16:40:01 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-done-seasonal-color-analysis-does-it-work-for-you/page/2#post-418507 Thu, 08 Sep 2011 15:57:38 +0000 Suz 418507@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had an analysis done just before joining YLF, as the start of my style journey. I had seen my mother do it years ago. I have pretty good colour sense (I flatter myself) but I thought it might be fun anyway. </p> <p>The woman who analysed me actually said I was one of her toughest clients ever! When I came in she wondered if I might be an autumn. And then she noted that I could wear a few of the spring colours well. By the end she had classified me as a cool summer, but one who looks much better in the more saturated colours from that palette rather than the paler pastels. I can wear some of the pastels (especially in summer when I am a bit tanned) but overall do better in richer tones, but not as saturated or bright as would suit a winter. Most of the dark blues (from ink to navy to denim), cranberry red, phlox, purple—these are my friends. </p> <p>She gave me a sort of doctored summer wallet with deletions and then additions from other categories as needed. She was a bit surprised because I am very low contrast and she had thought I might look better in more muted tones. But the difference was obvious to both of us. She said it also might change as I go grey. But in her view, what looks good is not just a function of skin undertones and eye colour but also personality. </p> <p>Mostly it confirmed what I already knew, but she also reminded me that I can wear plum shades, which I like, but somehow never really thought of buying. So overall I'm pleased I went. </p> <p>Oddly, my taste for home decor veers towards the warm colours. We have antique pine furniture, and our hallway walls are a mustard yellow; so is my office chair. (actually, my whole office is sort of like the mustard Halogen pencil skirt!) We have a red living room! Our bedroom is a bluey-green...not a neutral in the house! </p> <p>This may be partly a function of where we live—an old house just seems to look better with a warm, mellow palette, and also, it's cold so much of the year that it is nice to come into a warm environment. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-done-seasonal-color-analysis-does-it-work-for-you/page/2#post-418452 Thu, 08 Sep 2011 14:30:53 +0000 Laurinda 418452@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I went to an old-school consultant (4 seasons) and her advice was good, but basically what I had already figured out. </p> <p>I'm a 'spring' - best suited by warmer and clearer colors.</p> <p>The most important thing she showed me was how aquas and soft teals bring out my eye color - be on the look out for the colors that are similar to your eye color and notice how they accent your eyes. Try to use these in tops or scarves. And she gave me permission to NOT wear black or pure white, colors I had already been avoiding.</p> <p>There are so many different shades/tones/nuances of colors it seems silly to be limited a palette of 40 or so, whatever the method or reasoning.</p> <p>The general color advice at Maria Killam's 'Color Me Happy' (a happy Angie client BTW) is very perceptive. I learned a lot from her posts on "Clean vs. Dirty colors"<br /> <a href="http://colourmehappyblog.blogspot.com/2008/11/clean-vs-dirty-colours.html" rel="nofollow">http://colourmehappyblog.blogs.....lours.html</a> and the undertones of beige <a href="http://colourmehappyblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/what-everyone-should-know-about-beige.html" rel="nofollow">http://colourmehappyblog.blogs.....beige.html</a></p> <p>Here is a description of this ottoman/wall/tile photo from Maria's blog: "beige is either yellow, green or pink. See the yellow in the ottoman [below]? That’s how you can tell the wall colour has a red undertone, cause it’s not green is it? Nor is it yellow." This explains why some colors clash or make other look dirty. Keep in mind the undertones of your skin/hair/eye color when choosing flattering colors. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-done-seasonal-color-analysis-does-it-work-for-you/page/2#post-417693 Wed, 07 Sep 2011 09:55:13 +0000 Astrid 417693@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was analyzed some time ago and she told me I was a soft summer. I think this is probably correct, although I can't wear all the colors that are in the color swatch she gave me. I think that I look better in cool colors in any case. I don't go shopping with the color swatch anymore, but at the beginning it helped me to limit myself to these colors and recognize if a color was cool or not. As a soft summer I should not wear black at all, but I do. Although I don't buy new solid black things if I can help it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-done-seasonal-color-analysis-does-it-work-for-you/page/2#post-417682 Wed, 07 Sep 2011 07:58:36 +0000 Alessi 417682@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If oranges and mustard yellow suit you, you could be one of the autumns or spriings. If you have high contrast colouring probably one of the autumns. Winters aren't good in orange, though there is a type of winter that "flows into", one of the autumns so maybe that is you if the blacks and whites are good on you.</p> <p>It is a little complicated with the 12 seasons and the "flowing into", seasons but it does make sense.</p> <p>Another site that uses a similar 12 season system and has some pretty useful articles is at <a href="http://12blueprints.com/category/more-topics-for-the-12-seasons/" rel="nofollow">http://12blueprints.com/catego.....2-seasons/</a></p> <p>Cheers</p> <p>Alessi </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-done-seasonal-color-analysis-does-it-work-for-you/page/2#post-417657 Wed, 07 Sep 2011 06:50:28 +0000 goldenpig 417657@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is fascinating. I read the links that were posted, but I can't tell if I am warm or cool. I am Deep for sure since I have black hair/brown eyes, but not sure if I am Autumn or Winter? Can you guys tell based on my pictures? So far the feedback is that I look good in black &amp; white polka dots, black, white &amp; red skirt, grey &amp; white blouse, bright green blouse, olive green shirtdress, mustard yellow blouse, rust orange sandals. The high contrast black/white/red seem like Winter colors to me, but the mustard yellow, olive green, rust orange etc. seem more like Autumn colors. So I am confused. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-done-seasonal-color-analysis-does-it-work-for-you/page/2#post-417633 Wed, 07 Sep 2011 04:59:36 +0000 Alessi 417633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kyle there are lots of helpful links online. The Chic Fashionista link that Rosee posted is a good one. <a href="http://www.thechicfashionista.com/seasonal-color-analysis-2.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.thechicfashionista......sis-2.html</a><br /> I think breaking the 4 seasons up into 3 subseasons each has been a real improvement.</p> <p>I never had confidence to wear colours before, I only really wore black, grey and a bit of white. Since I went for the colour analysis about a month ago I have started experimenting with gradually adding coloured elements to my basic black, grey and white. It is fun! The colours on my palette (cool winter) are lovely. I have found that I adore red, purple and turquoise and I am even trying to introduce myself to pink. There is even a really lovely blue that just happens to be the same blue of the shirts that my work gave me to wear, but I never had the courage to try them. I wore one to work last week and got compliments!</p> <p>I only used to use grey and white eyeshadow too, with a little bit of greyish brown or charcoal liner. But the colour analyst showed me how I can use a bit of coloured eye shadow and it is amazing. It makes my eyes look so blue they almost look fake!</p> <p>I think that if at all possible it is worth going to a qualified analyst rather than trying to do it yourself. For me it was really worthwhile.</p> <p>The lady I saw was so helpful that I am even thinking of going back to get a personal style analysis done.</p> <p>Cheers</p> <p>Alessi </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-done-seasonal-color-analysis-does-it-work-for-you/page/2#post-417617 Wed, 07 Sep 2011 04:15:31 +0000 Kyle 417617@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm intrigued and confused all at the same time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-done-seasonal-color-analysis-does-it-work-for-you#post-417577 Wed, 07 Sep 2011 03:15:30 +0000 Alessi 417577@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I went for a seasonal analysis quite recently. The lady I saw uses 12 seasons instead of 4. I turned out to be a "cool winter".<br /> I was really quite happy about being a "cool winter", as I really like the colours on the palette.<br /> One thing the lady did say was that you can actually wear any colour you like, you just need to be careful which colours you put near your face. So that is where the palette comes in handy. I have started experimenting with wearing scarves as a result :)</p> <p>I actually think it is pretty worthwhile as I can really see the difference when I have the right colours near my face.<br /> She also showed me some eyeshadow shades that are from my palette and how to apply them. It made an amazing difference and makes my eyes look really bright.</p> <p>So I am a fan of it - I thought it was definitely worth the money </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-done-seasonal-color-analysis-does-it-work-for-you#post-349892 Sat, 14 May 2011 21:58:07 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 349892@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I ran into the idea of a 'clear' category a few years ago and that really made a difference for my own self-analysis. I can wear some wintery colors but not all, and a few warmer colors, but not the classic autumn oranges etc. I seem to do best with those clear colors that don't have any muddy/brown undertones. I'm pretty sure, based on this site, that I'd be a clear spring. </p> <p>I think most people seem to be drawn to colors that flatter them, but there are always exceptions. Sometimes we have an emotional attraction to a color, and sometimes there are practical reasons for wearing things that aren't the best color-wise. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-done-seasonal-color-analysis-does-it-work-for-you#post-349861 Sat, 14 May 2011 20:49:16 +0000 Aziraphale 349861@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm. That's an informative site, and I enjoyed reading it. It confirms what I already know about my colouring.</p> <p>I'm not usually a big supporter of colour analysis because I can tell what looks horrific and what doesn't by looking in the mirror! I don't wear any truly unflattering colours, but sometimes I like to wear ones that aren't strictly the best for me because, well, I like them. I don't like being told what to do -- I'll be the judge, thanks! </p> <p>Having said that, I think colour charts can be a useful tool for those who aren't totally sure of what is flattering, or who would like a second opinion. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-done-seasonal-color-analysis-does-it-work-for-you#post-349839 Sat, 14 May 2011 19:44:58 +0000 rosee 349839@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>original link:</p> <p><a href="http://www.thechicfashionista.com/seasonal-color-analysis-2.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.thechicfashionista......sis-2.html</a></p> <p>the link that explains issues like why you can be in 2 categories at the same time:</p> <p><a href="http://www.thechicfashionista.com/seasonal-color-analysis.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.thechicfashionista......lysis.html</a></p> <p>color theory but simplified:</p> <p><a href="http://www.thechicfashionista.com/color-theory.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.thechicfashionista......heory.html</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-done-seasonal-color-analysis-does-it-work-for-you#post-349804 Sat, 14 May 2011 17:51:48 +0000 MsMaven 349804@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well Lynne, you will laugh but I did get the book for men and DH has analyzed himself as a summer. When we go shopping he tells salespeople that he can or cannot wear certain colors because they are/are not in his season. (He hates shopping for himself right away.) He's gotten some surprised reactions--apparently many men aren't into color analysis. </p> <p>We match up pretty well because we are both medium to low contrast and our outfit choices tend to harmonize. His eyes look blue with a blue shirt, green with a green shirt and gray with a gray shirt, and he looks good in all those colors, so he is definitely on the cool side, color-wise. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-done-seasonal-color-analysis-does-it-work-for-you#post-349802 Sat, 14 May 2011 17:47:17 +0000 Kate 349802@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lynn, I'm the opposite, my house and bedroom growing up are both decorated with lots of cool blue colors with black and white photography. These colors are just so relaxing and soothing to me, and I love the texture of black and white pictures. However, when I finish grad school I'll be moving and leaving a lot of my current furniture behind, so we'll see how I end up decorating my future home. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-done-seasonal-color-analysis-does-it-work-for-you#post-349766 Sat, 14 May 2011 16:59:36 +0000 Lynne 349766@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rosee, I agree that Steph is our new YLF on-line colour consultant.</p> <p>Aida, I agree with Steph - I can definately see warmer deeper colours working better for you than cooler and/or lighter.</p> <p>Kate, I have found the same as you. My wardrobe works a lot better with clothes that are soft/cool/llight. It helps that I am also a low contrast gal who likes tone-on-tone combinations, too.</p> <p>Ms Maven, too funny about the car! Did you hide your husband in case he didn't fit with the colour scheme :D? </p> <p>After my colour consultation, the consultant came to my house and pointed out that I had painted and decorated in 'my' colours! Has anyone else found this? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-done-seasonal-color-analysis-does-it-work-for-you#post-349759 Sat, 14 May 2011 16:44:56 +0000 rosee 349759@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Varied responses as I was predicting it would be. I kind of like this stuff b/c it is fun but I don't think of it as hard science though. I can definitely see why there would be objections (like being too immersed into this line of thinking).<br /> I agree with Lynne and MsMaven that many colors and combinations don't need to be worn right next to the face, and that opens up many more possibilities.<br /> AND... it is important that your CAR is in line with your color palette... c'mon now ladies! ;P</p> <p>Steph, you really seem to know your way around this system!!! All online consultations will be referred to Steph.<br /> Aida, I think you and I have similar coloring (that's why we got the same 2 related categories). YAY for Mediterranean girls!<br /> Laurel, thanks for mentioning the other system -- the dawn /midday /dusk system -- I had that book from the library, but I had a hard time narrowing down which one I was (I think I was dusk).</p> <p>Interestingly, I remember an article from Real Simple magazine a few years ago about universally flattering colors, and they even provided the Pantone chip!<br /> They were offered as neutrals too:<br /> - true red<br /> - Indian teal (a darker teal)<br /> - shell pink<br /> - eggplant.<br /> I love these colors anyway so I remembered the Pantone names for them. Aren't I a geek?!? ;P </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-done-seasonal-color-analysis-does-it-work-for-you#post-349667 Sat, 14 May 2011 12:48:01 +0000 ButterflyLady 349667@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had my colours analysed about 20 years ago, by an independent person - she did as Joy said, and draped various pieces of fabric on me, and made up a swatch book of what was best - she was excellent. I pretty much stuck to that (lots of warm colours) for a long while. Last year I had CMB do my colours again, and she came up with soft, light/warm for me, which I think is pretty accurate, as 20 years of ageing (I mean maturing LOL) has softened my colouring a little. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-done-seasonal-color-analysis-does-it-work-for-you#post-349663 Sat, 14 May 2011 12:41:35 +0000 Anonymous 349663@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh gee, I just looked at that website and I'm totally confused! I love stuff like this though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-done-seasonal-color-analysis-does-it-work-for-you#post-349625 Sat, 14 May 2011 07:34:15 +0000 Kate 349625@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a huge fan. I still have a couple spring items (up until about a year ago I thought I was a spring), and a couple odd black and gray items, but for the most part my wardrobe is full on autumn! The mixing possibilities are SO much better now that I stick to a certain palette, and I no longer have people asking me if I feel ok because I'm wearing a color (ie pastels) that make me look sickly! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-done-seasonal-color-analysis-does-it-work-for-you#post-349581 Sat, 14 May 2011 04:23:14 +0000 Laurel Pederson 349581@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh dear. I do actually know how to spell categories.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-done-seasonal-color-analysis-does-it-work-for-you#post-349579 Sat, 14 May 2011 04:22:38 +0000 Laurel Pederson 349579@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, I love this sort of thing, and I can't wait to check out this new 12 system one. I have always thought I was a winter, and I think that's accurate. For the most part, I naturally go to colors that look good on me... except the occasional infatuation with mustard yellow. Probably not my color. </p> <p>A friend of mine told me she read a book that grouped people in three catigories: dawn, midday, and dusk. So, under that system, everyone can wear every color, just colors that are sort of grey under toned, bright/true colors, and gold undertone. I think. I haven't read the book! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-done-seasonal-color-analysis-does-it-work-for-you#post-349574 Sat, 14 May 2011 03:50:45 +0000 Anonymous 349574@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not a fan of any analysis that puts one in a season. We are all just too variable. Some colors from each season are my best and some my worst. A friend was trained to hold up lots of color swatches to the face in good natural light and had small pieces she mounted on cards of those that flattered. She also picked out the best light and dark neutrals. There were no seasons involved, just what looked best on you. I can't remember all the details, but she looked at all the colors in your eyes, color inside the lower lip, etc. It worked very well for me. I need to do it again since my hair has gone grey. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-done-seasonal-color-analysis-does-it-work-for-you#post-349569 Sat, 14 May 2011 03:39:27 +0000 cheryl 349569@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been labeled a winter and i think it is pretty accurate but you all now have me interested in the whole 12 season thing lol. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-done-seasonal-color-analysis-does-it-work-for-you#post-349454 Fri, 13 May 2011 23:42:03 +0000 Susan Brennan 349454@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had a professional color analysis done about 10 years ago. This system matched the actual colors in my hair, skin, and eyes. Then complementary colors were chosen for additional choices to prepare my palette. Consequently, as a typical Autumn, I can wear most warm browns, reds, all greens, eggplant, teal, creams, and soft golds. Black is not a good color near my face, but my analyst recommended pairing it with mustard for a flattering look. This has worked really well for for clothing, makeup, and jewelry. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-done-seasonal-color-analysis-does-it-work-for-you#post-349441 Fri, 13 May 2011 23:14:56 +0000 qfbrenda 349441@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It worked well for me. I was color tested years ago and am an obvious winter. I still see in the mirror that those colors work best with my skin. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-done-seasonal-color-analysis-does-it-work-for-you#post-349424 Fri, 13 May 2011 22:48:56 +0000 Steph 349424@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aida, a Deep Autumn is closely related to a Deep Winter and will be able to wear a lot of colors from the Deep Winter palette as well, so it isn't surprising that you gravitate toward both. </p> <p>Dianthus, if you're a winter, I would eliminate Deep Winter, because it does have some warm colors in the palette. If you really can't wear warm, you are probably a Cool Winter (aka True Winter) because that is a purely cool season and doesn't have any relation to warm seasons. Your love of fuschia might put you in the bright winter camp, but if so you should be able to wear some clear yellows. Fuschia and royal blue are colors for both cool winter and bright winter (they can also be worn by bright springs, but that's a warm season, so it sounds like it isn't you), but since you aren't good in yellow, I would guess cool winter for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-done-seasonal-color-analysis-does-it-work-for-you#post-349418 Fri, 13 May 2011 22:40:47 +0000 Aida 349418@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ohhh thank you Steph! That is extremely helpful. Most tests put me in square in Winter and I felt like I could wear colors from both deep Autumn and deep Winter equally well. With their system I have to know my warm/cool coloring to differentiate and as I said I can't tell. Hmmm I'll have to try some new colors out now (looking your way, yellow!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-done-seasonal-color-analysis-does-it-work-for-you#post-349414 Fri, 13 May 2011 22:35:37 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 349414@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I bought the CMB book and one of the related books a few years ago. I am a winter but am not sure which of the ones on this test I am. I know I can't wear bright orange or yellow or most warm colors. Black, white, grey and navy all work well for me but my favorite colors are fuchsia, teal, and royal blues. That puts me firmly in the cool camp. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-done-seasonal-color-analysis-does-it-work-for-you#post-349399 Fri, 13 May 2011 22:15:50 +0000 Steph 349399@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aida, for what it's worth, after reading your comment I went to your blog and looked at a bunch of your outfits. I think I would peg you as a deep autumn--my favorite colors on you were a gorgeous deep mossy green sweater dress you had, olives, black, and red. All fall into the deep autumn palette. </p> <p>I think that the whole warm/cool thing is way less important than just seeing what colors work on you--almost working backward. Eight of the 12 seasons are "neutral" seasons anyway, meaning the person can wear both warm and cool colors, although they tend more toward one than the other. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-done-seasonal-color-analysis-does-it-work-for-you#post-349380 Fri, 13 May 2011 21:21:33 +0000 Ornella 349380@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't had color analysis done as such, but a few reliable sources pointed me in the direction of "winter", which made all the sense after reading a bit about it.<br /> As someone who didn't trust her insticts at all, that provided much needed explanation why some colors that I gravitated to instinctively (e.g. red) worked so well for me, while some others that I wanted to work (brown) were a disaster when worn near my face.</p> <p>Once the theory underpinned my desire to finally start sorting out my wardrobe with the sort of information I could understand and apply easily, getting the colors right was the first and most important step. It was liberating and about 70-80% of my wardrobe was gone. Today I even shop with my main colors in mind. That means less time browsing endlessly and less frustration because I skip what definitely doesn't work.</p> <p>I experiment, but shyly, and may even divert to something that is not "my color", but the core of my wardrobe is stuff I can rely on and definitely works in terms of colors. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-done-seasonal-color-analysis-does-it-work-for-you#post-349370 Fri, 13 May 2011 20:57:11 +0000 Aida 349370@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the idea of the 12 season analysis but am unable to make it work for me since I cannot tell if my undertones are warm or cool. My color preference is based entirely on experimentation. </p>