How to Find Your Best Colors: A Beginner’s Guide to Seasonal Color Theory
Discover What Colors Look Best on You
Do you ever feel like certain colors just "work" on you—while others make you feel dull, tired, or washed out? That’s not in your head. It’s color theory at work and it dates back to Johannes Itten and his infamous color wheel and includes Suzanne Caygill who first determined people could be classified into four color seasons based on their characteristics like skin tone, eye pattern and hair color. Of course we cannot leave Carole Jackson who popularized seasonal analysis in the 80s with her book Color Me Beautiful.
What Is Seasonal Color Analysis?
Seasonal color analysis is a method that helps you identify the colors that naturally flatter your skin tone, eye color, and hair color. (Don’t be surprised if I ask you about what your hair looked like as a teen…it matters!) It's based on the idea that everyone falls into one of four home seasonal palettes: Spring, Summer, Autumn, or Winter. In Color Guru each season includes three sub-seasons, a range of hues tailored to complement specific undertones and contrast levels.
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Summer: Cool, light & muted
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Autumn: Warm, deep & muted
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Winter: Cool, deep & clear
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Spring: Warm, light & clear
Once you know your home season & subseason, it becomes much easier to choose clothes, makeup, and accessories that highlight your best features. We can even chat about hair color!
How to Begin Finding Your Best Colors
Here are a few wardrobe tips to get you started:
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Notice the Compliments: What colors do people compliment YOU in the most?
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Test Against Your Face: Hold up different shades near your face in natural light. Do your eyes pop? Does your skin look clearer? Do you glow? Does your jawline sharpen?
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Watch for Drains: If a color makes you look pale, shadowed, or tired—it might be outside your season.
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Avoid Overthinking: It’s okay to love certain colors! Seasonal color analysis isn’t restrictive; it’s about helping you feel confident and radiant. I won’t ever tell you that you “can’t” wear something you love!
Why This Matters
Wearing the best colors for your skin tone helps:
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Bring harmony to your wardrobe
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Simplify shopping and outfit planning
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Boost your natural glow (yes, really!)
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Build long-term style confidence
Want a Personalized Palette?
That’s where I come in. As a certified Color Guru consultant, I specialize in helping you discover your season & subseason with expert guidance AND a custom palette you can actually use. Plus I’ll take pictures in your best combos & send those to you as a reference. As a bonus, we will talk makeup & hair, giving you the option to order colors directly in your palette.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining your style, this guide is your first step toward a more confident, color-happy you!
