True Autumn vs Deep Autumn
- Soul of Colour
- 1 hour ago
- 5 min read
So, you’re pretty sure you’re an Autumn. You figured out that warm, earthy tones suit you best, and anything too cool or light or bright just doesn't sit right. But now you’re stuck on the finer details: are you a True Autumn or a Deep Autumn? In this article, we'll delve into some of the key differences.
Both True Autumn and Deep Autumn belong to the Autumn family, and they share a lot of similar traits. However, their primary characteristics are different.
True Autumn: warmth is primary
Deep Autumn: depth (darkness) is primary
If we go back to the colour wheel, the distinction becomes clearer:
True Autumn: warm, muted, medium-deep
Deep Autumn: deep, warm, muted
True Autumn sits in the center of the Autumn season and is completely warm in temperature. Deep Autumn, on the other hand, is pulled toward Winter. It’s still warm, but significantly deeper and richer, with more intensity and contrast.
True Autumn colours feel rich and earthy, like golden leaves in sunlight. Deep Autumn colours feel darker and more intense, like a forest at dusk or cocoa shadows in late afternoon.
So while both palettes are warm and grounded, True Autumn is lighter and softer, whereas Deep Autumn is darker, richer, and more intense.
How to Determine If You’re a True Autumn or Deep Autumn
To tell these two apart, focus on which is the core feature - depth or warmth.
True Autumn: warm first, depth second
Deep Autumn: depth first, warm second
1. Find Your Primary Characteristic
This is often the hardest part. Both seasons share warmth, but the question is: which trait dominates?
Do your best colours feel golden and earthy, or richer and darker?
Do shades like camel, terracotta, olive, and pumpkin feel natural, or do you shine more in deep chocolate, forest green, burnt auburn, deep mahogany and espresso brown?
Does your overall appearance have moderate contrast (True Autumn), or does it handle darker hair and deep, rich colours without being washed out (Deep Autumn)?
If lighter, warmer shades leave you looking muted or tired, that’s a strong Deep Autumn signal.
2. Eye and Hair Colour Patterns
As always, these are patterns, not rules, but they help clarify things.
True Autumn: True Autumns usually have warm, earthy eyes like hazel, amber, warm brown, or olive green. Hair is can range from chestnut brown to auburn with rich, golden or reddish undertones. The skin is often quite tan and glowy. The overall features have an earthy warmth. Natural redheads whose hair and skin are a little darker can fall into this season. The overall effect of a True Autumn’s appearance is warm, rich, and earthy.
Deep Autumn: Deep Autumns often have warm brown, chocolate brown, hazel, or dark green eyes with a golden or earthy hue. Hair is usually dark with warm undertones, like dark brown or chestnut, though some Deep Autumns have warm black hair and some have deep auburn or mahogany hair.
3. The Colour Test
Compare fabrics from True Autumn and Deep Autumn palettes. Watch your reaction:
Warm Camel vs Chocolate Brown: Which makes your skin glow?
Pumpkin vs Burnt Orange: Which feels more natural and flattering?
Olive vs Forest Green: Which enhances your eyes?
Tomato red vs Mahogany: Which feels more natural?
Signs you’ve found your home season:
-Skin appears more vibrant and even
-Eyes seem brighter
-Hair and skin look balanced without makeup
-Colours feel effortless and natural
If deeper, richer shades consistently enhance your appearance more than mid-range warm tones, you’re likely Deep Autumn.
4. Contrast Check
Deep Autumns can typically handle a little more contrast in their appearance given that they border the Winter seasons. Darker hair looks fabulous on them and they can handle outfits that have some more contrast - dakrer colors mixed with lighter shades.
True Autumns typically shine in outfits with softer contrast, pairing colors that are more similar to each other in depth. Likewise, hair that is too dark can be overpowering fro True Autumns.
5. Comparing Sister Seasons
Finally, the method that might give you the most reliable answer - looking at the sister seasons. This should give you a pretty clear answer since one of them will usually be a complete no-go.
All palettes in the 12-season color analysis system have a sister season which shares the primary characteristic. You should be able to borrow some colors from your sister season and feel comfortable in that palette as well.
True Autumn’s sister season is True Spring, and Deep Autumn’s, Deep Winter.
Could you pull off Deep Winter-inspired colours like deep navy, dark chocolate, blackened plum, without looking harsh? That points to Deep Autumn.
Could you wear brighter, medium-rich True Spring shades like golden yellow, coral, or terra cotta comfortably? That usually indicates True Autumn.
One of the sister palettes will feel immediately “off.”
True Autumn
The True Autumn palette is filled with warm, earthy colours that are rich and natural. These colours are perfect for those who can wear deep, muted tones with a warm undertone. Key colours include:
Burnt Orange: A deep, warm orange with a rich, earthy feel.
Olive Green: A muted, warm green that’s natural and grounding.
Mustard Yellow: A deep, warm yellow with a golden, earthy tone.
Rust: A warm, muted red with a brownish undertone.
Warm Brown: A rich, deep brown with warm, golden undertones.
Warm Plum: A rich, warm purple with an earthy feel.
Warm Burgundy: A deep, warm red with brown undertones.
Wardrobe Staples: Choose rich, earthy colours like burnt orange, olive green, mustard, rust, terracotta and warm brown. Think cosy, textured, earthy fabrics that reflect the warmth and depth of autumn.
Makeup: Opt for warm, earthy and natural tones in your makeup—think deep brown eyeshadows, warm red lipsticks, and rich gold highlighters. Avoid anything too bright, light or cool.
Hair Color: Embrace warm, rich hair colours, such as chestnut brown, deep auburn, or golden brown. Avoid colors like platinum blonde, jet black, or ashy brown.
Read more about True Autumns.
More outfit ideas on Pinterest.
For Deep Autumns
The Deep Autumn palette is filled with rich, earthy colours that evoke a cosy, grounded feel. Key colours for Deep Autumns include:
Burnt Orange: A warm, earthy orange that complements warm undertones beautifully.
Deep Olive Green: A deep, warm green that feels natural and earthy.
Warm Burgundy: A rich, deep red with a warm base.
Golden Brown: A warm, golden-brown shade that feels luxurious and grounding.
Mahogany: A deep, warm red-brown that adds warmth and sophistication.
Dark Chocolate: A deep brown that works as a neutral.
Wardrobe Staples: Opt for deep browns, warm greens, golden yellows, and rich oranges. Look for cozy textures, earth-toned fabrics, and natural materials that highlight the warm tones in your palette. Think “Dark Academia”.
Makeup: Go for warm, earthy tones like deep browns, rich terracottas, and golden bronzes. Avoid icy shades or colors that are too cool, as they can clash with your warm undertones.
Hair Color: Embrace the warmth with golden highlights, rich chestnuts, or deep warm browns. Avoid overly ashy tones that might wash you out.
Read more about Deep Autumns.
