The leaves are falling and the pumpkin spice is popping, and you’re thinking that autumn just might be your seasonal color palette. You’re in the right place, but before we start, let me give you a quick catch up lesson on just what seaseonal color analysis even is.

Seasonal color analysis uses the 4 seasons and the colors that are associated with them to give a specific “season” to an individual, based on what their eye/skin/hair color is. Within the four seasons, there are 3 types for each, making 12 possible combinations (ex. Deep Winter, Warm Spring), but for this post we are going to focus on the four types.

If you’re interested in reading more about the 12 types, check out my Super Simple Seasonal Color Analysis Guide!

What is Autumn

What I most associate with autumn is the crunch of fall leaves and how much more cozy and nostalgic things seem. The colors are warm, but so is the mood. When I think of an autumn palette, I think about that nostalgic glow that you can’t really identify, but it just makes you feel warm inside.

Most autumns will have that unidentifiable glow in the coloring of their hair, skin, and eyes. Everything just feels warm, and that’s autumn (despite some of the chilly nights).

I mentioned above that there are three types within each season, and for Spring those are: Soft Autumn, Deep Autumn, and Warm Autumn. But let’s just start with autumn. Identifying with one of the four seasons is a great starting place if you find the 12 types either too difficult to understand or maybe restrictive in what you can wear.

Characteristics

Skin: Ivory, Olive, or Medium to Dark Brown with warm undertones (yellow tinge and/or green veins)

Eyes: Green, Hazel, Light Brown, Dark Brown, Brown-Black

Hair: Warm Auburn, Medium to Dark Golden Brown, Blonde-Brown with Golden Shine

There are three things that can put you into the autumn category.

1. Your coloring has little contrast (meaning your eye/hair/skin color are all similar colors) and has a warm undertone (aka green veins or yellow-y/golden) and of course is one of the characteristics listed above.

2. You have deeper coloring but it is all similar in color and has particularly warm tones.

3. Your skin is not a similar color to your hair and eyes, but your hair and eyes are dark with warm undertones.

Autumn Color Palette

You’ll notice that your color palette is heavy on what I like to call “falling leaves” colors. Those reds, oranges, browns, and yellows. Don’t worry if this isn’t your thing though. Not everyone is a fan of these bolder colors, even though they will definitely flatter you.

Best Colors

If the falling leaves colors aren’t your thing, you can wear the other colors like the greens and teal-blues if you want more variety. You can also reach out to your sister season, Spring for warm colors. While these won’t be quite as flattering on you, they will not be the worst. You’ll learn that some colors will look just fine on you. It’s just the colors in your specific palette will really make you glow.

Best Neutrals

Shades of brown and tan, sage or olive green, and warm blues will work best as your neutral bases. Instead of the old white tee or button down, a cream version will be much more flattering on your skin tone. Neutrals are particularly difficult for autumn season types, as they don’t include the tried and true favorites like white, black, or gray. I encourage you to embrace the other colors I mentioned as your new neutrals and know that neutrals don’t have to be the same for everyone.

Avoid

Pink is usually going to be a no go, but warm pink from the spring season could be okay if you must. Purple can be done if it is a deeper purple. But above all, avoid those pastel colors. Your coloring is simply not made for it. A little trick of mine for colors I love but don’t look good in? I buy some little knick knack for my house in that color, so it can still be in my life in some way.

Tips for an Autumn Palette

• If you have the characteristics of an Autumn without a very distinctive warmth and golden shine (this is possible), you should stick to the lighter shades in this palette. This means your coloring is more neutral and the deep and very warm shades will not work quite as well for you.

• If your coloring is deeper, particularly with dark hair and eyes, the darkest and deepest shades in this palette will work best for you.

• I’m just going to reiterate, no matter if you have deeper or lighter coloring, the pastels will not be flattering on you. Just like the rich golden tone of your features, your clothing should be the same.

CELEBRITY Autumns

• Mindy Kaling

• Oprah

• Kiera Knightley

• Debra Messing

• Celine Dion

• Mariah Carey