Deep Autumn is warm and dark and shares characteristics with autumn and winter in the 12 season system of color analysis.
Do you love the colors of autumn as it leans into winter? The dark red of turning maples, the browns of leaves decomposing, the deep evening teal of short days?
If you feel drawn to these colors and feel they accentuate your beauty, you might be a deep autumn!
The is a comprehensive guide to deep autumn in the 12 season system of color analysis. Keep reading to learn the physical characteristics, best makeup, a color palette, wardrobe staples for deep autumn, and how to create your own custom palette.
Table of Contents
The 12 Color Seasons
In seasonal color analysis we look at the skin, eyes, and hair to find a common color family. The 6 main color components are warm, cool, deep, light, soft, and bright.
The autumn color family is warm and includes soft autumn, true/warm autumn, and deep autumn.
- Soft Autumn
- True/Warm Autumn
- Deep Autumn
Today we’ll be exploring the rich beauty of deep autumn.
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Warm and Dark
Deep Autumn is classified in the following ways: warm hue, dark value, neutral chroma.
- Warm hue
- Dark value
- Neutral chroma
The warmth we are looking for occurs in the skin primarily, but will also be found in the eyes and somewhat in the hair. Deep autumn is closer to neutral than true warm autumn, as it leans into winter and the cooler hues.
Deep autumn eyes are typically brown, hazel, or green. The hair is dark – brown or black – with hints of mahogany, red, auburn, or gold. The overall appearance is low/medium contrast, rich brown tones upon each other.
Because it is leaning towards winter, dark or deep is the secondary characteristic of deep autumn. These colors are rich and remind you of fallen leaves, ripe winter vegetables, and deep forests. The chroma of deep autumn is neutral, slightly leaning towards muted/soft.
Makeup for the Deep Autumn Woman
To emphasize the features of deep autumn, makeup colors should be both warm and deep as well.
For the eyes, choose medium and dark brown neutrals. For accent colors, think olive green, forest green, deep teal, and dark purple.
For the cheeks, rich warm shades of coral, peach, and copper are wonderful against the dark warm skin of deep autumn.
On the lips, never wear nude! The neutral lip for a deep autumn woman will in actuality be more of a caramel color. Wearing a light color such as nude will clash with the depth of the other features.
Deep autumn can also wear the darkest warm shades of wine, raisin, and espresso. All these will offer bold options for lip color.
Avoid cool tones like pink or berry red lipstick, cool blue and green eyeshadows, and soft pink cheek colors.
Inspiration
Deep autumn is characterized by a rich depth of color. Chocolate brown, ripe aubergine, forest green, deep mustard, pumpkin, wine, and midnight teal are all colors that shine on a deep autumn woman.
Here we see some different elements where deep autumn is naturally found. The 6 color rainbow depicts the truest, most neutral form of colors, but the deep autumn rainbow is warmer and greatly shaded.
The fallen leaves in an autumn forest represent the deep oranges and reds, while the trees provide brown and dark olive.
The evergreen forest shows representation of greens and brownish grays. Everyone loves chocolate, and the rich brown with pops of pomegranate is perfect for a deep autumn.
Finally, the harvest vegetables display the rich variation of color in the autumn palette, from mustard yellow to plum purple.
Deep Autumn Color Palette
In creating a palette for deep autumn we start with neutrals, and work through the major color families.
Black and white are out for autumn with brown and sometimes navy taking the place of black, and cream functioning as white. Olive and camel are colored neutrals that will be staples in the deep autumn wardrobe.
Reds and oranges are prominent in the deep autumn palette, although a rich warm pink such as boysenberry can be worn as well. Yellows take the tones of foods such as Dijon and regular mustard, and warm honey. Many greens can be worn along the dark spectrum. Blues are typically cool, but adding green makes them suitable for autumn individuals. Warm 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. Warm pinks often become deep coral, some reds may be too cool, any blue without green is also too cool. Purples are best that lean towards red instead of blue.
There are some colors that deep autumn should always avoid. Black and white have been mentioned as they are too stark and high contrast for deep autumn. Pastels should always be avoided as they lack the shaded aspect of deep autumn’s features. Colors should be neither overly saturated or muted with gray to match the neutrality deep autumn’s chroma.
Wardrobe Essentials for Deep and Warm Coloring
When putting together outfits, low contrast options featuring mostly darker colors in the palette will be best. Using light neutrals is still a suitable outfit, however.
Patterns should feature mostly dark colors with a hint of light, such as traditional leopard.
When choosing other patterns such as florals, plaids, and stripes, look for options that have a dark background with smaller elements as contrast.
Dark wash denim is preferred over medium and light wash. Leather should be in the brown family, like mocha or cognac.
Yellow and rose gold are great metals for deep autumn.
Frequently Asked Questions about Deep Autumn
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 is overwhelming. Fortunately as a deep autumn that is less likely than someone who is a light season. Black isn’t your BEST color, however, as you’ll find dark brown and even dark navy are more flattering. However, if you are building a capsule wardrobe around dresses, I highly recommend using black as a base simply because you’ll be able to find items easier.
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 brown? Refer back to my statements above about wearing black. Is it one of the color families, yellow or orange 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!
Should I wear all of these colors?
Well, that depends on you and what you consider minimalism! If you like a lot of variety, then go for it! However, when building a small capsule, you’ll find that limiting your color options is the best idea. I recommend the following:
- Black base
- Dark neutral
- Light neutral
- Main color
- 2-3 Accent colors
Can I only wear these colors?
No way! You should wear what you love! If you want to wear lavender, 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.
The following are sister seasons for deep autumn:
Related Color Analysis Articles:
- Explore the 12 Seasons of Color
- Color Theory for Color Analysis
- Eye Patterns and Color Analysis
- Personality and Color Analysis
Ready to create your own color palette based on your season?
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about the attributes of deep autumn. These individuals are truly lovely in their warmth and depth. They can wear rich luxuriously warm colors that many others cannot.
Are you a Deep Autumn? If so, say hello in the comments!
Deep Autumn sits on the cusp of autumn and winter and is warm and dark.
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 had my colours done 22 years ago and am fascinated by colour theory and analysis but have to say it can be confusing at times . Have to say this is by far the best article I have ever read on deep autumn . Thank-you x
Wow Dee that’s an amazing compliment. Thank you so much! I’m so happy it was useful for you!
I am sixty-four years old and had my colors “done” way back in the eighties. My daughter, a deep winter, suggested I might be a deep autumn. And, I am. I have always loved and looked great in olive green and finally it makes sense. I look forward to buying new makeup colors and finally giving away that cool candy pink top I always hated. Now I know why.
This is a great article. The list of worst colors clinched it.
I feel a bit silly being mistaken for so long but I am ready to embrace my true colors.
Thank you!
Amy
Hey Amy! I’m glad you finally found a perfect fit! There is a lot of overlap between the deep winter and autumn seasons, and so confusion is completely normal!
Hello Stacey I’m also 64 years old and had my colours done a long time ago and I’m deep Autumn I love the colours but wondered if you could suggest a capsule wardrobe for deep Autumn thank you Gai
Hey Gail! If you’re looking for a capsule wardrobe palette, there are 12 additional options in the Deep Autumn seasonal guide! If you want to build your own, I suggest choosing a signature color that looks best on you from the palette, and adding 4-6 coordinating colors! I just did a post on best neutral colors for each season as well!
Thank you for this post! I was trying to find out what colour clothes and makeup i should buy on my next shopping spree and this is very helpful! I always knew i looked fabulous in yellow and vinotinto (wine colour).
Much love x
I self proclaimed that I am warm/deep autum. I started building a capsule wardrobe. This article covers a lot and gave me a broader perspective on what to add to my wardrobe. Thanks
I had my colours done over ten years ago and was told I was a “Snow White” or cool Winter, however on the past year or so I have realised that I’m actually more neutral than cool toned and believe I am a deep Autumn. I’ve started wearing Autumn colours, which I had previously avoided (such as chocolate and olive) and have been amazed at how good they look on me. Your website and this article has confirmed to me that I am actually an Autumn and I’m a little frustrated that I’ve spent so many years avoiding colours that really suit me!
Hi Maria!
That’s quite interesting! I’m glad you found colors that feel more in tune with who you are!!1
You are very thorough. I read you, screenshotted you & took note of you. Thank you for a very comprehensive explanation. I am cleaning my closet now. The funny part though is that all the color pallete for deep autumn has always been my favorites. The color theory fully explains why some colors I pick just don’t look good on me—another wasted money. I love you. You’re an amazing teacher.
Lorda!!!
What an amazing compliment, thank you so much! The right colors make a huge difference and cleaning out closets has never been easier when you can identify the “not good” colors! Thanks for being here!
I’ve been really confused about exactly this – am I a deep autumn or a deep winter?! And now I’m sure, absolutely deep autumn! Thank you, thank you, thank you! This article was exactly what I needed, so very good written with loads of knowledge! The best I’ve read on this topic! Now I feel sure about what (colors) to look for when shopping for new clothes.
Elin, thank you!!!! There’s a really fine distinction between deep autumn and deep winter and loads of people get stuck here! I’m glad this helped you figure it out! Happy you’re here!
Hi! All the surface criteria say I’m a deep autumn but I feel more like a warm autumn person. But no worries, I love the color palette. I’m 20, and just starting out towards building a wardrobe that would work for me for the years to come. Your article was very very helpful, I read it thoroughly and I appreciate your effort. Thank you.
Hey Kritika!
Thanks for the feedback! An autumn can theoretically wear the entire range from soft through deep. Deep Autumn typically has some cool crossover whereas a Warm Autumn will have warmth in all the features!
This is the best, clearest, and most comprehensive article on color theory I have ever read! Thank you. I am one of those Deep Autums who can sneak in periwinkle.
Thank you so enjoyed reading the analysis so true for me I’m actually grey havnt coloured my hair for ages and still these colours for deep autumn are still a great choice
Look forward to pics of combo outfits suitable to my colours happy day thanks Pearl
This is the best article I came across about deep autumn. I am 42 years old living in NYC. Most of my wardrobe is black, grey and white ：/
I have learnt about this theory a year ago trying to find best color to wear at the wedding party and my skin was glowing like never before when I picked the boysenberry for the event. So now I’m more conscious what to buy and am building up my deep autumn wardrobe. Thank you so much 🙂
Thanks so much for the great feedback! Glad you found a stunner color for such an important event!
Thanks for this info, I had been trying to figured out my season for years…but every test I did there was always someting out.
I have dark brown hair with a red undertone, my eyes are dark brown…again there is some red in them, my skin is white with a yellow undertone, that my family used to called “the fake hepatitis”, because in the city I used to look very pale in winter and people used to thought I got it. Now I live in the mountains and wanted or not I’m always tanned. I’ll try to follow this tips but I had always thought earth we not my colors and yellows will bring that yellow sikcness tone on my face. Quite scared, but I’m tired of looking washed out and plain. 💜
Hey Romina,
If you have white skin with yellow that could be a manifestation of olive skin, in which case winter is almost definitely a better choice!
I’ve enjoyed reading your blog on color analysis ad have learned a lot. I am still confused about one thing — years ago, when my hair was still brown my “season” was determined to be deep autumn bordering on deep winter, and those colors worked very well for me. So did the colors you’ve classified as true/warm autumn. They still work well for me even though my hair is now rooted dark blonde. I would have thought lightening my hair would necessitate a change in my wardrobe’s color palette, but it hasn’t.
This was the most concise, comprehensive, and educational article I’ve ever read on Deep Autumn. It answered so many questions I’ve had. And the idea of sister seasons was inspired!!! I’m a little of both Deep Autumn and Deep Winter, so I’m vacillating between the two. Seriously, thank you for this obvious labor of love. My favorite is the part where you put the deep autumn colors into the other seasons. Absolutely sensational. I’ve already sent my friends their corresponding color articles.
Thank you so much!!!! I’m so glad it was helpful!
Hello, I am constantly stuck between dark autumn and dark winter. What are colors I can try so it shows me I am one or the other. I am African American, more leaning towards the lighter complexion side (vague I know). Dark brown almost black eye and dark brown natural hair color. Thanks. I will also happily do a consult because I struggle to shop for myself now. Thanks again
Hey Keonda,
Light complexion makes me suspect that you might also consider clear winter/spring if you have higher contrast. As far as the definitive between those two, I would check a warm orange-rust versus a blue based magenta. A true dark cobalt would also say winter more than autumn. Hope that helps, and happy to do an analysis for you if you choose!
Really interesting article. I am mostly a deep autumn: very dark brown hair with red/ golden highlights in the sun, hazel eyes but I’m relatively pale unless I get a lot of sun during the summer so I do have a lot of contrast between my dark hair and skin. That’s where I get a bit confused and think I toe the line between deep autumn and winter. I definitely gravitate toward autumn colors like pumpkin, rust, olive green, etc BUT I love wearing (and find it flattering) my basic bright white T shirts which is considered a no no for a true deep autumn so can I be both? Winter and autumn?
Hey Rachel
I find this pretty common actually, lots of deep autumns really like a bright white. I would suspect that you are more neutral-warm versus neutral-cool based on the colors you like, but always wear what you love.
Thank you for your article! I am struggling with colour as I age but after reading your article I believe I am a dark autumn. I have fair skin that freckles. Dark brown almost chocolate eyes and black hair that now has lots of silver. When I was young I had very rich dark brown hair with warm highlights. But since my grey has started coming in my hair looks black and no more highlights. Unless you count the silver. I struggled between knowing if I was autumn or winter but dark brown is probably my best colour. Where I am struggling is the silver and black hair. Can a dark autumn go silver? And still be a dark autumn? I am working on rebuilding my wardrobe with better colours for me. Thank you for your help!
Hi Colleen! Absolutely it can be silver! You may find that silver and black increases you contrast so you can wear some of the brighter colors in warm autumn.
Thank you so much for responding! Your article is so informative. It’s my favourite that I keep coming back to. I have read other suggestions about holding different colours up to your face and taking a picture to compare. Would you suggest doing that in a window area where there is natural light? I admit I still struggle to see which colours work better . Part of the problem is I’m so pale but I definitely have a yellow undertone but can also look red in some areas. If it is possible to send you a picture let me know. I would love to nail this down so I buy the best colours moving forward!
So beautiful 🙂