4 seasons and 16 subgroups

​One of the initial posts on this blog highlighted the transformative power of colour analysis.​

This captivating subject not only aids in selecting clothing and accessories but also influences makeup and hair colour choices, making it a crucial first step in image consulting.​

Colour analysis is a sophisticated process that demands skill, expertise, and specialized tools (such as the renowned drapes, frames, etc).​

Today, I aim to clearly elucidate the concept of the four seasons and their respective subgroups. Before delving further, I suggest taking the assessment to determine your colour undertone for an initial assessment. The categorization of types into four types is based on conventional names and is not related to birth month or seasonal wardrobe. The inspiration behind these categories is the colours of nature during the four phases of the solar year.

spring

UNDERTONE - WARM VALUE - LIGHT / CLEAR INTENSITY - HIGH

Spring types exude a unique chromatic characteristic that can be harmonized through colour repetition. This season boasts a diverse palette of warm and bright colours, ranging from beige/apricot to blue. However, black and grey are considered enemy colours. Spring types have a radiant complexion that allows them to carry off strong colours better than summer and autumn types.

summer

UNDERTONE - cool VALUE - LIGHT / medium light INTENSITY - low

Summer types exude elegance with their delicate colour choices, ranging from blonde to light brown. They confidently rock pastels, powdery, and mother-of-pearl shades. However, they steer clear of bold and aggressive colours, especially warm and orange tones, as they know what works best for them.

autumn

UNDERTONE - WARM VALUE - medium/dark INTENSITY - low

The autumn colour palette is an incredibly diverse range of stunning shades, from Jennifer Lopez dark to Nicole Richie's blonde and Julianne Moore redhead. What unites them all is their warm undertones and medium-low intensity, making them perfect for those who prefer softer shades. However, if you're not a fan of black, feel uncomfortable with blues, or dislike pastels, then this palette may not be the best fit for you.

winter

UNDERTONE - cool VALUE - dark INTENSITY - HIGH

This season, we have an incredible range of skin tones to choose from, including olive shades like Salma Hayek and lighter tones with captivating gem-like eyes, similar to those of Eva Green. The Cool category, represented by icons like Olivia Colman, showcases softer hues with moderate to low intensity, exuding a refined subtlety. It's important to note that not all individuals with brown hair align with the autumn colour palette, so I would recommend focusing on their fair complexion while avoiding shades of orange and beige that may not harmonize effectively.

16 subgroups

As you have noticed, the theory of the seasons is a bit reductive: it claims to put the whole world in only four categories! In the last thirty years, in fact, several tonal theories have been born that have widened the range of typologies. In practice (and in simple words), each season is in turn divided into 4 categories, depending on its dominant characteristic.

​FOR EXAMPLE: The spring season is warm, light and bright. But within it there are types who are particularly light; others that are particularly warm; still others, which have a high intensity and are particularly brilliant. In addition to these three subgroups, there is the pure palette: the one that encompasses all the characteristics of the season in a rather homogeneous way, in terms of undertone, value, intensity and contrast.

​Here are the SUBGROUPS of each colour season:

SPRING: Light; Warm; Bright; True

SUMMER: Light; Cool; Soft; True

AUTUMN: Deep; Warm; Soft; True

WINTER: Deep; Cool; Bright; True​

As you may have understood, this is a very complex analysis, which must necessarily be done live, with natural light, without make-up or tanning. There are numerous apps available for identifying your season, but I would be cautious in trusting them due to the variability in cameras, lighting conditions, and other factors.​

I have tried to explain it in simple words, and I hope I have been comprehensive, without too many technicalities.

Many other tips, in my daily column in Instagram Stories: ask me a question, I answer (almost) all your doubts!