Light Summer vs Light Spring
- Soul of Colour
- Nov 7, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
If you’ve figured out that your primary characteristic is your lightness but can’t decide between Light Summer and Light Spring, fear not - we’ll go over the differences in this article!
Light Summer and Light Spring are the two lightest palettes in the colour analysis system. They share a lot in common, so distinguishing between the two can be a bit difficult. Both seasons share lightness as their primary characteristic, coming to life in light and airy colors and being overpowered by dark tones. However, Light Summer belongs to the Summer family and Light Spring to the Spring family. One is neutral cool and the other is neutral warm. If we go back to the colour wheel, we can see that:
The summer seasons are cool, muted and light
The spring seasons are warm, bright and light
Aside from the difference in temperature, there is also a subtle difference in brightness. Springs are slightly brighter, and Summers are slightly more muted. Although, Light Springs are the softest of the Spring family, and Light Summers are the brightest of the Summer family.
The Palettes
The Light Summer palette feels serene, airy, and slightly ethereal. It’s reminiscent of a cool, misty morning or the soft light of dawn. The colours have blue or grey undertones, giving them a cool, refreshing feel.
The Light Spring palette feels bright, fresh, and lively. It’s like the first bloom of flowers in spring or the soft warmth of the sun on a clear day. The colours have yellow or peach undertones, with a warm, sunny feel to them.
How to Determine If You’re a Light Summer or Light Spring
The main determining factor between Light Summer and Light Spring is temperature. Although both are neutral-leaning seasons, Light Summers lean slightly cool and Light Springsl ean warm. This is the primary difference between the two seasons and the main aspect you should focus on when trying to decide between the two.
1. Assess Your Skin’s Undertone:
This can be tricky to determine, especially for neutral seasons. Some hints to look at are:
What does silver jewellery do to your face and skin? What does gold jewellery do? Which one makes you more radiant?
How do you feel in yellow, apricot and salmon vs baby blue, light pinks and light purples? Which one feels more harmonious?
Do your features have a golden glow to them or are they more icy?
Do you prefer light grey or cream as a neutral?
Take note of your answers to each of these questions and see if you lean more towards one or the other.
2. Eye and Hair Color:
Soft Summer: Light Summers are more likely to have light blue, grey or soft green eyes. Their hair might be light blonde, light brown, or a soft ash brown, with cool undertones. The skin often has more of a gray-ish quality to it. The overall features are cool and delicate.
Soft Autumn: The eyes of Light Springs are often green, blue or blue-green. Their hair hair might be light blonde, golden blonde, strawberry blonde or light brown with warm undertones. The skin often has more of a reddish, peach-y quality to it. The overall features are bright and light.
3. The Color Test:
Another great way to see which season suits you best is to pick up fabrics from the Light Summer and Light Spring palettes and compare them to each other. Look at the effect the color has on your skin tone, eyes and lips.
Pastel Pink vs. Warm Peach: Pastel pink (cool and light) vs. warm peach (warm and light). Which one makes your complexion look more vibrant?
Icy Blue vs. Sunshine Yellow: Icy blue (cool and light) vs. sunshine yellow (warm and light). Which one brightens your eyes and skin?
Lavender vs. Light Coral: Lavender (cool and light) vs. light coral (warm and light). Which one makes you look more radiant?
This should give you some indication of which season might be your home season and which colours suit you best. Experiment a little with the different colours and watch how you feel and how other people react - some hints that you are on the right track are:
people asking you if you changed something about your appearance (even if you haven’t)
feeling more refreshed, awake, confident and radiant
not needing to wear as much make-up
Tips for Each Season
Light Summer: The Cool and Airy Palette
The Light Summer palette is filled with cool, soft colours that are light, delicate, ethereal and airy. These colours are gentle and harmonious, with an emphasis on cool pastels and light neutrals. Key colours in this palette include:
Pastel Pink: A soft, cool pink with a hint of blue.
Icy Blue: A light, cool blue that feels fresh and clean.
Lavender: A gentle, cool purple that’s delicate and soothing.
Soft Mint: A cool, light green that’s refreshing and subtle.
Light Gray: A cool, neutral grey that complements the palette’s overall coolness.
Wardrobe Staples: Go for cool pastels, light greys, soft blues, and delicate lavenders. Think of airy, ethereal fabrics in these shades that create a serene, feminine and delicate look.
Makeup: Choose cool-toned makeup like soft pinks, cool mauves, and light greys. Avoid overly dark, warm, brown or orange-based products.
Hair Color: Stick to cool-toned highlights or hair colours, such as ashy blonde or soft, cool browns. Avoid adding too much warmth or depth to your hair.
Read more about Light Summers.
More outfit ideas on Pinterest.
Light Spring: The Warm and Bright Palette
The Light Spring palette is full of warm, light colours that are bright, youthful and fresh. These colours have a cheerful, lively feel, making them perfect for those with warm undertones. Key colours include:
Warm Peach: A soft, light peach with warm undertones.
Sunshine Yellow: A bright, light yellow that’s warm and sunny.
Light Coral: A warm, soft coral that’s fresh and vibrant.
Spring Green: A warm, light green that’s lively and bright.
Soft Ivory: A warm, light neutral with a hint of yellow.
Wardrobe Staples: Choose warm pastels, light peaches, soft yellows, and bright corals. Opt for light, natural fabrics in these shades to create a fresh, lively look.
Makeup: Warm, soft tones work best for you—think light corals, warm pinks, and soft golds. Avoid anything too dark, cool or icy.
Hair Color: Embrace warm, golden tones in your hair color, such as honey blonde, strawberry blonde, caramel or warm light brown. Stay away from overly ashy, dark or cool tones.
Read more about Light Springs.
More outfit ideas on Pinterest.
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