Your Go-To Winter Color Palette
I’m guessing because you’re looking for a winter color palette that you know what seasonal color analysis but let me give you a two sentence synopsis.
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 Winter
I think we all know and understand what the season of winter is, but what does winter mean when you are talking about seasonal color analysis? Well, as far as colors go, it means these are colors you typically associate with winter, like deep or icy blues, black, white, etc.
You know how you also see a lot of contrast in nature? There is a lot of contrast for winter types in their eyes/skin/hair. Contrast meaning light vs. dark, usually. So, like white snow with the stark birds in the sky or bare trees on horizon.
I mentioned above that there are three types within each season, and for Winter those are: Deep Winter, Clear Winter, and Cool Winter. But let’s just start with winter. 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: Olive or Cool Blue Undertones
Eyes: Dark Brown, Black, Bright Green, Bright Blue, Gray
Hair: Medium to Dark Brown, Black, Ashy Blonde, Black with Blue Undertones
There are three things that can put you into the winter category.
You have an overall cool tone to your skin, hair, and eyes, even if they are similarly colored. For example, bright blond hair, gray eyes, and cool toned skin.
You have a clear contrast between your skin and hair/eye color. This means very light skin with very dark hair OR eyes. Your hair or eyes should be much darker.
Your hair and eyes are both very dark and probably cool toned. Your skin color will vary, but your hair and eyes should be dark.
Winter Color Palette
You’ll notice that the colors in this palette are mostly “cool” toned or have a neutral tone. Certain colors you can look at and tell easily they are “warm”, like yellow or orange. But within broad color names like blue or green, you can have warm blues and greens. Some greens lean more yellow, and those are warm. Some greens are very cool, like a forest or hunter green. A faded black would be warm, while a pure black could be cool/neutral.
Best Colors
Cool tone colors are going to work best for you if you’re a winter. The winter color palette will contain some pure colors (by pure I mean colors like you think of in a regular old crayon box, no fancy colors), and some colors that are deepened or cool. The best colors are in the dark greens, blues, reds, and purples. Pinks are possible, but I would stick to an almost pastel pink or a toned down hot pink, like in the color palette.
Best Neutrals
White, black, and navy, my friend. They’re crisp and perfect for winter. Stay away from the browns. If grays are calling your name, go for a medium to charcoal gray. Grays work best if you’re a Cool Winter type with less contrast, but it’s okay to wear for most winters. You’ll learn that some colors are going to look just fine on you, even if they aren’t in your palette. But the colors in your palette will make you glow.
Avoid
Oranges, yellows, and browns will most definitely not be your friend. You could maybeee get away with a camel brown that doesn’t come off too yellow-y, but I would try to keep these colors out of your closet.
Tips for a Winter Palette
Do you have very cool skin (like translucent or very visible blue veins)? Avoid any warm colors. Really learn what it means for a color to be cool or warm. A blue is not just a blue once you learn color tones.
Do you have darker skin that is cool toned? Avoid using the light colors in your palette (like pink or sage green) in large clothing pieces like a skirt or dress. Use these colors for accessories mostly.
Follow your contrast. Light skin/Dark hair? Try wearing light and dark colors. Lower contrast? Try wearing colors that are closer to each other with less contrast.
Celebrity Winters
Priyanka Chopra
Meryl Streep
Lupita Nyong’o
Zooey Deschanel
Lauren Graham
Jamie Lee Curtis