Cool Summer is a unique blend within the 12-season color analysis system, where it borrows a hint of brightness from its secondary Winter influence.
This season is characterized by its cool undertones, paired with a subtle vibrancy that sets it apart. It’s tailored to help you explore and identify the colors that harmonize beautifully with your natural complexion.
Are all of your features cool? Are the pure colors of red, blue, and purple your best colors? Do you love the cool bright colors of a summer day?
If this sounds like you, you might be a Cool Summer!
The is a comprehensive guide to cool summer in the 12 season system of color analysis. Keep reading to learn the physical characteristics, the best makeup, a beautiful color palette to wear, wardrobe staples, and how to create your own custom palette.
Table of Contents
The 12 Seasons of Color Analysis
Seasonal color analysis provides a transformative approach to discovering the colors that enhance your natural beauty and elevate your confidence. This method delves into the nuances of your skin’s undertones, eye colors, and hair shades to accurately place you within one of twelve unique color families.
The result? A meticulously curated palette that highlights your features and instills a rejuvenating sense of confidence.
In this system, six key color components serve as the guiding pillars: warm, cool, deep, light, soft, and bright. Within the cool spectrum, the Summer color family stands out for its light to medium, muted tones.
The summer color family includes light summer, cool summer, and soft summer.
- Light Summer
- Cool Summer (you are here)
- Soft Summer
Today, we’re diving into the true coolness of Cool Summer—a palette that displays dominant coolness mixed with medium contrast and value.
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Am I a Cool Summer?
You might be a Cool Summer if your overall appearance gives off a soft, elegant coolness, like a silver morning sky or a misty hydrangea garden.
Your hair, skin, and eyes don’t have stark contrast between them, but there’s a clear cool undertone throughout. Your skin might be fair or medium with pink or rosy undertones, and your eyes (no matter their color) often look more gray-blue, gray-green, or steely brown. There’s usually a softness to your coloring, but also a quiet clarity that sets you apart from warmer types.
When you wear black, it can feel overpowering. It might leave you looking pale, tired, or even a little flat. On the flip side, when you slip into a shade of cool gray, icy blue, or soft plum, you suddenly look more refreshed and more vibrant. That’s the magic of color harmony for a Cool Summer.
You may also have strong opinions about color. Cool tones feel right. Soft lilac, lavender, navy, and icy green just click. But show you anything bright orange or warm mustard, and it’s likely a “no thanks” unless you’re wearing it for someone else’s wedding.
Still not sure? Try our AI Style Lab to get stylist inspired prompts to find your season, plus a community to explore your personal style.
You might also be …
Cool Summer is Cool, Leaning Light
Cool Summer is classified in the following ways: cool hue, medium value, slightly muted chroma.
- Cool hue – the undertone is always blue, and the overtone is typically also cool, as pink or violet from the winter influence. Occasionally these individuals will have some yellow overtone, giving them a slightly olive appearance.
- Medium value – cool summer usually is right in the middle between light and dark. They truly shine in medium value colors, but they can lean into the pastel shades of summer as well.
- Slightly muted chroma – cool summer finds its contrast somewhere in the middle, with a bit of mutedness. The secondary influence of winter boosts what would normally be less contrast in many individuals.
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Cool Summer is a distinctly pure season, marked by its uniformly cool features. This palette is slightly lighter compared to the stark contrasts of Winter, its fellow cool season, favoring a more subdued luminosity.
These individuals often have a delicate complexion characterized by soft, muted undertones. You might notice a gentle ivory that glows subtly under light, or a light taupe that maintains a serene neutrality, devoid of any peachy or golden warmth. This coolness in their complexion allows them to wear lighter shades that might wash out warmer skin tones, creating an elegant and harmonious look.
The eyes of a Cool Summer are truly mesmerizing, typically showcasing a spectrum of cool hues such as soft blue, gentle gray, or a muted green. These colors often have a dreamy, soft quality, lacking the starkness or high contrast you might find in other seasons. The eye patterns of cool summer often feature the distinctive crypts without any overlays, although the winter white pattern is common.
The hair colors typically include shades from medium or dark blonde to medium brown. The key distinctive feature of Cool Summer hair is its lack of warmth—there are no red or gold highlights present. Instead, the hair may possess an ashy undertone, which complements the cool, light elements of their color palette.
The features show some contrast, certainly more than we see in the soft seasons, but less than the bright seasons. These individuals often feel confused between cool winter and summer.
Cool Summer Color Palette
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In creating a palette for cool summer we start with neutrals, and work through the major color families.
Black and white are out for all summer types with charcoal and denim taking the place of black, and soft white functioning as white. Sage, blush, and dove gray are colored neutrals that will be staples in the cool summer wardrobe.
True and soft red are perfect cool tones, and since there is no orange in the cool summer palette. Yellows are scarce as lemon and chiffon . Many greens can be worn along the medium to light spectrum. Blues are abundant in the summer palettes, and all can be worn. Bright cool and light purples complete the palette.
There is usually a version of every color that can be worn by any season, but some may be more difficult to match and find. Pinks can easily become coral and should be avoided, as with warm reds. Yellows will be difficult and are probably best as accents. Green and purples are best that lean towards blue instead of red.
There are some colors that cool summer should always avoid. Black and white have been mentioned as they are too stark and high contrast for cool summer. All warm colors should be avoided, but cool summer has a lot of options for colors on the light and dark spectrum. Cool primary colors, specifically blue and purple are some of the best colors.
Cool Summer Colors for the Whole Year
When borrowing from other seasons, it’s helpful to consider those which share attributes. Many women like to choose colors that help them feel in touch with the calendar season, like mustard in autumn. For Cool Summer, the following borrowing recommendations work across the whole year.
In Spring, borrow colors from light summer to embody the brightness of spring.
In Summer, stick with any colors in the three summer seasons.
In Fall, borrow colors from soft summer to pull a bit of that muted fireside feel.
In Winter, borrow carefully from cool winter for slightly deeper colors of the cold season.
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Cool Summer Color Combinations
Cool Summer colors are graceful and refined. Think of them like a watercolor painting that’s come to life in your wardrobe. This season thrives in soft contrasts and serene shades with a cool undertone.
Below are a few curated combinations to get you started:
- Porpoise, Asparagus, and Orchid
This unexpected trio feels both calm and creative. Porpoise grounds the look with a smoky neutral, asparagus adds a hint of earthy green without skewing warm, and orchid brings just the right amount of feminine flair. Try this combination for a cozy lunch date or creative work setting. - American Rose and Navy
This is a more classic pairing with a twist. American Rose brings energy to the outfit while navy provides a timeless backdrop. Let the rose be your pop (such as in a blouse, lipstick, or accessories) against navy trousers or outerwear. - Platinum and Rouge
Perfect for more delicate or romantic styling, this duo feels soft, approachable, and elevated. It’s ideal for everything from Sunday brunch to a casual meeting. Platinum can serve as your neutral base, with rouge taking center stage in a silky top, scarf, or even a structured bag. - Charcoal, Cadet Gray, and Liberty
This monochromatic-inspired palette offers dimension while staying cohesive. Liberty, a soft blue with depth, pairs beautifully with layers of gray. This palette is great for professional looks or chilly days when you want to stay polished without looking stark.
Choosing Prints for Cool Summer
Choosing the right patterns is crucial in accentuating your Cool Summer style. Your patterns should not only match your cool-toned color palette but also harmonize with your natural scale and contrast levels to most effectively enhance your look. Here’s how to master this:
- Color Consistency: Ensure that less than 10% of the colors in your print fall outside your Soft Summer palette. This maintains a cohesive and harmonious appearance.
- Scale: Opt for prints with a small to medium scale. Large scale prints can be used, but the colors should be lower contrast such as analogous.
- Contrast Level: Stick with medium-contrast prints. Cool summer can handle some contrast, but avoid the highest levels like complementary colors to stark light/dark variations.
Following these guidelines will enhance your Cool Summer wardrobe and boost your confidence in selecting patterns. Below, you’ll find a selection of curated images that perfectly demonstrate these principles.
Wardrobe Essentials for Cool, Light, Muted Coloring
No matter your style or personal aesthetic, there are a few items that every woman should have in their wardrobe.
The basics of any wardrobe should be neutrals, and you could certainly choose the same neutrals. Layering similar shades of the same color will create a rich luxe look.
For those that enjoy a more colorful look, the basics are still appropriate, but fun and funky accessories in the pink, purple, blue, and green families will add interest.
Click here to shop the Cool Summer wardrobe essentials.
How Do I Build a Cool Summer Capsule Wardrobe? Building a Cool Summer capsule wardrobe is a streamlined process when you focus on your season’s best colors. Start with your neutrals like navy, gray, and soft white which will serve as the foundation of your wardrobe. Then, add in your main color and 2-3 accent colors from the Cool Summer palette. Colors like azure, orchid, or carnation work well.
Here’s a simple guide to create a color palette include:
- Base Colors: Soft navy and light gray
- Dark Neutral: Navy or charcoal
- Light Neutral: Soft white or white smoke
- Main Color: Choose one from purple or pink
- Accent Colors: Pick 2-3 from your palette, like pastel green, turquoise, or soft red
Cool Summer Outfit Ideas
Need a little inspiration for putting your Cool Summer color palette into practice? These four outfit ideas show how to pair soft, cool, and elegant shades into cohesive looks that reflect your season’s signature grace.
1. Gray, Soft White, and Blonde
This look is light, clean, and perfectly casual. A soft white striped shirt paired with light gray tailored shorts makes a timeless base. Add subtle personality with a blonde yellow handbag, sunny earrings, and a heather gray sunhat for a bit of texture. A pair of slip-on sneakers keeps it grounded and easy for weekend outings or travel days.
2. Berry, Porpoise, and Bermuda
This dressier outfit brings in depth while staying within Cool Summer’s muted, cool range. A sleeveless berry dress is paired with a matching structured tote and deep gray flats. A patterned kimono in muted blue-grays softens the formality and adds interest. The standout? The bermuda jewelry. With this outfit, you’re ready for a lunch date, gallery stroll, or evening out.
3. Soft Navy, Celeste, and Jelly
Playful yet polished, this look starts with a floral sleeveless blouse in celeste and lavender tones, tucked into a deep soft navy skirt. Jelly purple accessories (like a crossbody bag) add a cheerful pop. The final touch? Celeste heeled sandals keep it chic and cool. This would be great for brunch or a casual event with a stylish twist.
4. Slate Gray, Emerald, and Navy
This outfit channels quiet confidence. A patterned emerald blouse pairs beautifully with slate gray denim, and a navy blazer pulls the whole look together with structure. Polished loafers in slate gray and a navy tote make this a smart option for work or a day when you want to look intentional but not overdone. Bonus: silver jewelry enhances the cool tones effortlessly.
Makeup for the Cool Summer Woman
To emphasize the features of cool summer, makeup colors should be cool, ranging from light to dark.
For the eyes, choose light neutrals such as silver, icy pink, and dusky blue, or rich grays and navy. Accent colors could be purple or teal.
For the cheeks, neutral warm shades of soft pink, rose, and deep pink are wonderful to bring out a glowing look for cool summer.
For the lips, blush pink makes a great neutral for cool summer and mauve adds light color. For a bold lip choose rose or plum, and ruby is the perfect red.
Avoid warm tones like brown or fiery red lipstick, warm orange and yellow eyeshadows, and bronze cheek colors. Cool summer should also stay away from very dark lip colors.
Inspiration: The Natural Beauty of Cool Summer
Cool summer is known by its clear primary colors leaning cool. As a member of the cool color family, it prominently features an array of grays, pinks, blues, purples, and greens, each color contributing to its distinctive, soothing palette. This season draws its inspiration from the natural world, where the essence of Cool Summer can be vividly observed.
Visual Inspirations
- Tropical Waters: The vibrant blues and soft pinks found in tropical waters perfectly encapsulate the essence of Cool Summer. These hues reflect the clarity and depth of the ocean, mirroring the refreshing and rejuvenating qualities that define this palette. Whether it’s the shimmering surface of the sea or the dynamic hues of the marine life beneath, these colors offer a cool, tranquil base that resonates with the Cool Summer individual.
- Pink Sunset: The fleeting beauty of a pink sunset provides a richer, deeper contrast within the Cool Summer spectrum. This aspect of the palette introduces a blend of soft yet vivid pinks and purples that capture the dramatic yet serene moment when the sun dips below the horizon. These colors, although slightly warmer than the typical Cool Summer tones, still harmonize beautifully with the cool essence of the season, offering versatility and depth.
- Green Aurora: The mysterious and mesmerizing greens of the auroras bring a magical element to the Cool Summer palette. These greens, cool-toned and ethereal, represent the more enigmatic side of Cool Summer. They evoke a sense of wonder and natural beauty, perfectly aligning with the cool, understated elegance of this color season.
Each of these natural phenomena—tropical waters, pink sunsets, and green auroras—not only highlights the unique aspects of the Cool Summer palette but also inspires a connection with the natural world, reflecting the season’s inherent beauty and tranquility.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cool Summer
What is the difference between true summer and cool summer?
True summer and cool summer are often considered to be the same. True Summer originates from the 4 season system, in which was cool, light, and muted…cool summer is part of the 12 season flow system in which it borrows some brightness from secondary winter influence.
Am I true winter or cool summer?
True or cool winter and cool summer can share some crossover colors. Both are influenced by the other, however there is one key thing that can distinguish these 2 seasons. For true/cool winter, black and white will be stunning and accentuate the high contrast. For cool summer, black and white will be too harsh against your softer coloring.
Can cool summer wear orange?
No, don’t do it. Orange is a naturally warm color and can’t be cooled down, so the true cool seasons of summer and winter should avoid it.
Can cool summer wear gold?
Gold metal can be very classic, and summer types often seem to gravitate to classic styling. However, silver toned metals will be more flattering for this ultra cool season.
Can cool summer wear red?
Absolutely cool summer can wear red. The best reds will be cool, blue based, and medium value, neither too dark or light.
Can I still wear black?
Of COURSE you can still wear black. I personally believe that black is a staple in any wardrobe. Any season can wear black, but some may find it overwhelming. Black is likely to be much more harsh on cool summer than some other seasons. Black definitely isn’t your BEST color, and deep shades of gray will be most suitable. However, if you’re building a capsule wardrobe choosing black as a base may be easiest to find.
I hate these colors, could my season be wrong?
Yes absolutely, it could be true. But I want to challenge you, what is it that you hate? Is it the neutrals that you don’t like? Perhaps you don’t like gray? Refer back to my statements above about wearing black. Is it one of the color families, yellow or green perhaps? Don’t wear them! Just because a palette includes all these colors doesn’t mean you should wear them all. I dare you to look at your closet and see if you naturally gravitate to any of these colors. If the answer is no, and you still feel this is completely wrong, let me know! I can help!
Can I only wear these colors?
No way! You should wear what you love! If you want to wear burgundy, then go for it! You may find, however, that learning your season affects how other colors make you feel. If you feel confident rocking a color, then it’s yours to own. But if you don’t, feel free to leave it to the seasons that wear it well. If you’re looking to expand your palette, you can also consider sister seasons.
Action Steps for Embracing Your Cool Summer Palette
- Identify Your Colors: Start by familiarizing yourself with the Cool Summer color palette. Keep it handy on your phone or print it out for quick reference when shopping. Buy the Cool Summer guide here to go deeper.
- Purge Your Closet: Remove items that are far from your Cool Summer colors or don’t make you feel good. Consider donating or reselling them.
- Invest in Neutrals: Buy wardrobe staples in your best neutral colors like navy, gray, and soft white. These will be the backbone of your wardrobe.
- Choose Your Best Colors: Pick 2-3 signature colors from your Cool Summer palette that you love the most. These will give your capsule wardrobe some variety.
- Plan Your Capsule: Following the 100 Piece Wardrobe Framework, build a capsule wardrobe around your neutrals and accent colors. Aim for versatility and cohesiveness.
- Shop Smart: When shopping for new items, always have your palette in mind. This will save you both time and money in the long run.
- Trial and Adjust: Don’t be afraid to experiment a bit. Wear your new colors and pay attention to the compliments you receive and how you feel in them. Make adjustments as needed.
- Seek Guidance: If you’re struggling to implement your Cool Summer palette, consider seeking professional help. A color analysis session can be a transformative experience.
- Celebrate You: Remember, God made you beautiful in your unique way. Embrace your Cool Summer attributes as a reflection of His creativity.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to simplifying your wardrobe while looking your best, feeling confident, and honoring your uniqueness.
Final Thoughts on Cool Summer
The Cool Summer color palette is a beautiful balance of softness and clarity. With your naturally cool undertones and low-to-medium contrast features, these gentle, powdery shades enhance your elegance without overpowering you. Whether you’re drawn to the muted calm of porpoise and celeste or love adding personality with berry and jelly tones, these colors create harmony between your wardrobe and your natural coloring.
As you experiment with the color combinations and outfit ideas we’ve shared, you might notice just how much easier it is to get dressed… and feel confident doing so. From weekend casual to polished professional, Cool Summer colors work across seasons and settings, giving you options that feel both timeless and fresh.
Remember, building a wardrobe that supports your Cool Summer essence doesn’t require starting from scratch. Begin with what you already own and love in your palette, then add intentional pieces that help you feel more like yourself every time you get dressed.
Your colors are an invitation to show up as your most graceful, quietly radiant self. Let them guide you, and don’t be afraid to enjoy the process.
Are you a Cool Summer? Let us know in the comments!
Related Color Analysis Articles:
- 5 Fashion Mistakes to Avoid
- How to Declutter Your Closet Using Color
- Universally Flattering Colors
- Cool Summer vs Cool Winter
Cool Summers are truly beautiful in their cool brilliance. They can wear a wide variety of cool colors that accentuate their beauty.
Stacey is the owner and creator behind Radiantly Dressed. She is a certified image consultant and AICI member focusing on creating simplicity in wardrobes via color and style.
I can’t decide if I am soft or cool summer. Ashy dark brown hair going gray, brown hazel eyes, fair with freckles. I now look better with softer colors than I used to. I may have been autumn previously. Any feedback?
Hi Dawn!
Your undertone will not change, but muted seasons may become softer. So you wouldn’t become a summer if you were originally an autumn. An autumn becoming softer would slide into soft autumn. A quick check is what color your cheeks become when flushed: if it’s more purple-red that’s a cool undertone, more coral-red is a warm undertone! Hope this helps you!
what if you have Olive tones too? I get flushed often but it’s like true red, no purple or coral, just red.
Hi Shayna! Olive skin tone is most commonly found in the winter seasons 🙂
You must be deep winter. I am white like a snow, but I tan to olive skin color, I am ashy blonde but again with golden&ginger highlights so it’s kinda confusing because deep winter is never described as a blonde. From what you say, you also have features – like freckles – that aren’t typical for winters, but olive skin is a game changer. Try color palette for deep winter and decide if they fit you the best.
Thanks Stacey! Appreciate all the hard work you put into this. I always knew I was a summer but now I know what type of summer.
Thanks for straightening out the 40 year mystery and palate education!
Greatly appreciative,
Tracy
Hey Tracy!!!
Happy to have helped you solve the mystery!!!!! It’s a great feeling to find your season!!!
I’m pretty sure I’m a Cool Summer but I border on Cool Winter, I think. Fairly med-dark ash brown hair, graying quite a bit. I definitely cool skin tone…light-med, very few freckles, I can tan but always burn first. My eyes are hard for me to figure out. They’re blue-gray with a rust ring.
What a lovely and useful article, thanks so much, I’m cool summer 🙂
I’m not sure whether I’m a cool summer or a soft summer. I’m definitely a cool-neutral, my eyes are a blue-gray with a yellowish starburst around the pupil, my hair is quite a dark ash brown but I’m going gray/silver (mostly around my face), I feel my features are more soft than bright. Thanks for all this great info. I love your website ????!
I seem to have all of the traits of a cool summer, except that I have natural red highlights that brighten a bit when it gets a lot of sun. I’m not sure where that really places me?
Hi Callie!
Hair really isn’t applicable to color analysis as much as suggested. It’s a function primarily of how your skin reacts to color. If all signs point to cool summer, then red highlights isn’t going to change that!
I’m struggling with my analysis. I keep coming up with cool winter, mainly because of my very dark hazel eyes. But my skin and hair definitely point to cool summer and I feel I wear those colors better. Cool winter colors are so harsh on me. My dark eyes play well with cool winter colors but neither my pink freckled skin nor my light ash brown hair do.
I’m looking for a “colors for the whole year” image for true summer. I found it for soft and light summer and I fiund it super helpful. Thanks!
Hi April! I am just really behind on updating all the posts. Look for that this coming year!
I think I might be true summer because I look most natural in lilac-colored lipstick and my skin takes on a yellow cast with even a little bit of warmth. Also, my skin is very reflective and mirrors pretty much anything I wear. My hair is medium ash brown going gray. The confusion is about my eye color. It is gray-green hazel with a rust ring in the center. I keep reading that hazel eyes put me in the soft summer group, but my skin reflects the gray in soft summer colors and makes me look old and tired. Is it possible to be true summer with gray-green hazel eyes with rust in the center?
Hello,
I am wondering if I am cool summer or cool winter.
I have medium dark brown hair, green and brown eyes. Skin is light during winter and in summer medium, neutral tone.
Look good in black, white, dark blue, red, but also rose pink.
Know that winter should have more contrast, which I am not sure I have. But on the other hand, some soft and muted colors look washy on me.
Can You give me an advise?
Hey Veronika,
If you look good in black and white but struggle with muted colors winter is your best bet 🙂
Stacey
Hi Stacey,
I’m struggling to identify if I’m a cool summer or winter.. I definitely have a cool undertone and have bluegray eyes with a dark navy outer ring. I was born platinum blonde but my hair has now darkened to a sandy/dirty blonde. I sometimes find muted colors wash me out at bit, I think I look good in both black and white and I like pastel colors as well as bold (pinks, reds, greens & blues) colours but not really muted colours..
I know its not common for blondes to be winters but I find myself more strongly in that palette. My skin tone isn’t porcelain or very fair, I’d fall in the more light/beige range.
Let me know what you think!
Steph,
You would need exceptionally high contrast as a blonde to be a winter. Black and white are really going to be the best final test here. Checkout this article for more: Cool Summer vs Cool Winter: Discover the Difference between the Cool Seasons
It’s a shame that your site only include Caucasian people. Cool summers are also found in people of color. I came here for inspiration and left with frustration after finding yet another site that does not recognize non-white people in their assessment. Is this your intent?
Hi Ceely. I believe that any ethnicity can be any season, although some are likely highly rare. In over 150 analyses I have never personally seen a POC cool summer, so I do not have any examples with this. I have seen several Soft Summer POC however.