In the realm of men’s style and image consulting, seasonal colour analysis stands as a powerful tool for enhancing your look and building confidence fast.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll present you all 12 seasonal colours for men and guide you to find your unique colour palette and leverage it for the best fashion styling results.
What is Seasonal Colour Analysis?
Seasonal colours are the result of seasonal colour analysis, a theory founded on the principle that natural colours harmonise with an individual’s unique colour complex and can be used to enhance appearance by creating a cohesive, flattering look.
According to the theory, the 4 main seasons (Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter) correspond to distinct colour palettes that complement different skin, hair, and eye colours.
Each of the 4 seasons is further detailed into 3 sub-seasons, to a total of 12 unique colour palettes.
Spring Colour Season
- Bright/Clear Spring – Vivid, warm colours with high clarity and brightness (think clear, bright, and warm tones).
- True/Warm Spring – The warmest spring palette, balanced and not overly bright or muted (pure warmth).
- Light Spring – Soft, warm, and light colours, pastel-like tones with warmth but not too intense.
Summer Colour Season
- Light Summer – Soft and light colours with a cool undertone, pastel and muted.
- True/Cool Summer – The coolest version of summer colours, blue-based and purely cool.
- Soft Summer – Cool but muted tones, with a more gentle and greyish appearance (not too bright or clear).
Autumn Colour Season
- Soft Autumn – Muted, warm tones, with earthy and slightly cool undertones (neither too deep nor too warm).
- True/Warm Autumn – The most traditional, warm, rich, and earthy autumn colours, pure warmth and depth.
- Deep/Dark Autumn – Deeper, warm colours that lean towards the more intense, but still with an earthy warmth (closer to winter).
Winter Colour Season
- Bright/Clear Winter – Bright, cool, and clear colours with high contrast, and jewel tones.
- True/Cool Winter – Purely cool and bold, sharp colours like black, white, and very cool hues.
- Deep/Dark Winter – Deep and cool colours with intense depth and contrast, closer to deep autumn but cooler.
Important – Each season has its own characteristics, but not every season has a “Bright,” “Light,” or “Deep” version.
Bright – Refers to high-intensity, clear, and vivid colours (found in Spring and Winter, which are clearer and more contrasting seasons). Bright subseasons only exist for Spring and Winter (because of their higher clarity and contrast).
Light – Refers to soft, light colours (found in Spring and Summer, which are lighter seasons). Light subseasons exist only for Spring and Summer (due to their lighter tones).
Deep – Refers to rich, darker colours (found in Autumn and Winter, which are deeper seasons). Deep subseasons exist only for Autumn and Winter (as they have more depth and darkness).
Soft – Refers to muted, toned-down colours (found in Summer and Autumn, which are more muted seasons).
Seasonal Colour Analysis Key Components
Seasonal colour analysis examines three core aspects of a man’s natural colouring to determine his seasonal palette:
- Skin Undertone – The underlying hue of your skin, which can be warm, cool, or neutral. The undertone is distinct from the surface tone of the skin and remains constant regardless of tanning or skin conditions.
- Hair Colour – Your natural hair colour, including the interplay of highlights and lowlights, plays a crucial role in determining your seasonal colour. Even if you have grey hair or are balding, the natural pigmentation is relevant to the seasonal colour analysis.
- Eye Colour – The combination of colours in your iris, including the primary colour, secondary hues, and unique patterns or variations, contributes to your overall seasonal colour profile.
These three aspects work in concert to create your unique colour profile, which aligns with one of the 12 seasonal colour palettes presented above.
The interplay between these features determines the level of contrast, depth, and clarity that characterises your natural colour.
If you want to find out fast your main seasonal colour, take our free colour quiz for men.
Spring – The Colours of Renewal
The Spring season in colour analysis is characterised by warmth, brightness, and clarity.
Men who fall into the Spring category have a warm undertone to their skin, hair, and eyes, creating a harmonious and vibrant appearance.
Before we delve into the specific sub-seasons, let’s explore the general characteristics of Spring seasonal colour:
- Warm undertones in the skin, with a golden or peachy cast
- Hair colours ranging from golden blonde to rich auburn, with natural highlights
- Clear, warm eye colours such as golden brown, bright blue, or clear green
- An overall fresh and radiant appearance
The concept of colour temperature is crucial in understanding Spring palettes. Spring colours are warm, reflecting the natural warmth in Spring-type colouring.
This warmth harmonises with the wearer’s complexion, enhancing their natural vibrancy.
The Spring seasonal colour is further detailed into three sub-seasons, each with its unique colour palette:
1) Bright/Clear Spring – Combines the clarity of Winter with the warmth of Spring
2) True/Warm Spring – Embodies the heart of the Spring season with warm, clear colours
3) Light Spring – Blends the warmth of Spring with the lightness of Summer
1) Bright/Clear Spring
Bright Spring is the transitional palette between Winter and Spring, combining the clarity of Winter with the warmth of Spring.
The Bright Spring palette comprises extremely saturated and bright colours, rivalled in their vibrancy only by Bright Winter.
These colours reflect the naturally clear colouring of this season. Key colours in this palette include:
- Vibrant coral
- Clear turquoise
- Bright golden yellow
- Vivid grass green
- Electric blue
- Clear, warm red
Bright/Clear Spring Male Celebrities
Damian Lewis – Fair skin with warm undertones, blue eyes, and vibrant red hair.
Zac Efron – Tan skin with warm undertones, bright blue eyes, and naturally light brown hair.
Robert Pattinson – Fair skin with slightly warm undertones, hazel eyes, and dark brown hair.
As you can see, men with a Bright/Clear Spring colour palette have the following characteristics:
Skin tone
Neutral-warm undertones with a clear, translucent quality. The skin appears luminous and may have a subtle golden or peach cast.
Hair colour
Ranges from golden blonde to rich brunette, with natural highlights that create a multi-dimensional effect. Red hair in this season tends towards a clear copper or strawberry blonde.
Eye colour
Clear and bright, with colours such as turquoise, clear green, or bright blue. Brown eyes in this season have golden or amber flecks.
The most prominent feature of Bright Springs is the clearness of its colouring, which imparts a bright, luminous, and fresh appearance.
This clarity allows them to wear highly saturated colours without being overwhelmed.
Styling Recommendations for Bright/Clear Spring Men
Bright Spring men can enhance their natural vibrancy through their wardrobe choices. Consider the following suggestions:
Suits
Wear suits in clear, bright navy or a warm medium grey and pair with shirts in white or soft warm colours from your palette.
Casual Wear
Incorporate bright, clear colours into your casual wardrobe. A vibrant polo shirt or a clear blue denim jacket can make a strong statement.
Accessories
Use bright accessories to add pops of colour to neutral outfits. A golden yellow tie or a turquoise pocket square can enliven a classic suit. Both silver and gold jewellery can work well due to the neutral-warm undertone.
Patterns
Choose clear, distinct patterns with high contrast. Geometric prints or bold stripes in your palette colours can be particularly flattering.
Grooming
When choosing hair products or fragrances, opt for those with fresh, citrusy notes that complement your vibrant palette.
Colours to Avoid
Muted or pastel colours can make Bright Springs appear washed out. Steer clear of dusty or greyed-out hues.
Outfit Ideas for Bright/Clear Spring Men
Combine a crisp white shirt with a bright navy suit and coral tie with golden cufflinks to create a polished yet energetic look that harmonises with his natural colouring.
While Bright Spring colours are vibrant, they can be incorporated into a professional wardrobe tastefully.
Use your most saturated colours as accents in ties, pocket squares, or socks.
Opt for clearer, brighter versions of traditional business colours like navy, grey, and blue for suits and shirts.
2. True/Warm Spring
With warmth and brightness in its purest form, the True/Warm Spring subseason is the heart of the Spring season.
The True/Warm Spring colour palette has intensely warm and saturated colours, evocative of high-quality colouring pencils or a field of wildflowers in full bloom.
These colours are rich and vibrant but lack the extreme clarity of Bright Spring. Key colours include:
- Golden yellow
- Warm coral
- Fresh apple green
- Warm turquoise
- Bright orange-red
- Periwinkle blue
True/Warm Spring Male Celebrities
Eddie Redmayne – Fair skin with warm undertones and freckles, hazel-green eyes, and red-gold hair.
Chris Hemsworth – Golden tan skin, bright blue eyes, and naturally dirty blonde hair.
Ewan McGregor – Warm beige skin tone, bright blue eyes, and light brown hair.
Men with True Spring seasonal colour display the following characteristics:
Skin tone
Distinctly warm undertones, with a golden or peachy cast. The skin frequently has a natural glow or radiance.
Hair colour
Ranges from golden blonde to warm auburn. Brunettes in this season have distinct golden or red undertones. True/Warm Springs have natural highlights that give their hair a sun-kissed appearance.
Eye colour
Warm and clear, including golden brown, amber, warm green, or turquoise. There’s a sparkle or golden fleck in the iris.
True/Warm Spring men have the warmest colouring within the Spring family, with no trace of coolness in their features – sunny and glowing, reminiscent of a perfect spring day.
True Springs have low contrast between their hair, skin, and eyes, which influences their best colour choices.
Styling Recommendations for True/Warm Spring Men
True/Warm Spring men can fully embrace warm, clear colours in their wardrobes. Consider these suggestions:
Suits
Choose suits in warm, rich colours like camel, golden brown, or warm olive. Pair with shirts in ivory or soft warm colours from your palette.
Casual Wear
Incorporate warm, vibrant colours into your everyday wardrobe. A golden yellow sweater or a coral chino can add a cheerful touch to your look.
Layering
Experiment with layering different shades from your palette. A warm green jacket over a golden yellow shirt creates a harmonious, dimensional look.
Accessories
Opt for warm-toned metals like gold or brass for watches and jewellery. Choose leather goods in warm tan or cognac shades.
Grooming
Select grooming products with warm, spicy, or fruity scents that complement your warm colouring.
Colours to Avoid
Cool or muted colours can clash with True Spring’s warm colouring. Avoid pure white, black, and cool pastels.
Outfit Ideas for True/Warm Spring Men
For smart-casual events, True/Warm Spring men should pair warm khaki trousers with a coral linen shirt.
A soft turquoise blazer could add a complementary layer, while brown leather loafers and a golden watch complete the ensemble, creating a look that’s both refined and vibrant.
In a professional setting, True/Warm Springs can incorporate their palette through warm-toned neutrals like camel, warm grey, and golden brown.
Use more vibrant colours from your palette in accessories or as accents in patterns.
A warm brown suit with a light peach shirt and a tie featuring small patterns in your palette colours can create a professional yet harmonious look.
By understanding and embracing your Spring colour palette, whether Bright or True, you can create a wardrobe and personal style that truly allows your natural colouring to shine.
Remember, these guidelines are a starting point – feel free to experiment and adjust based on your personal preferences and lifestyle needs.
3) Light Spring
Light Spring represents the transitional palette between Winter and Spring, combining the delicacy of Summer with the warmth of Spring.
The Light Spring palette comprises light, warm, and clear colours. These colours reflect the naturally delicate and warm colouring of this season. Key colours in this palette include:
- Peach
- Light coral
- Warm pink
- Light aqua
- Soft yellow
- Light golden brown
Light Spring Male Celebrities
Paul Bettany – Very fair skin with warm undertones, blue-grey eyes, and naturally blonde hair.
Chris Pine – Fair skin with warm undertones, bright blue eyes, and dark blonde to light brown hair.
Owen Wilson – Fair skin with warm undertones, blue-green eyes, and golden blonde hair.
As you can see, men with Light Spring seasonal colours exhibit the following characteristics:
Skin tone
Warm undertones with a delicate, sometimes translucent quality. The skin appears light and may have a subtle golden or peachy cast.
Hair colour
Ranges from light golden blonde to light brown, with subtle warm highlights. Grey hair in this season tends to be a soft, warm blonde-grey.
Eye colour
Light and clear, including light blue, aqua, light green, or amber. There’s a sparkly quality to the eyes.
The most prominent feature of Light Springs is the delicate, fresh quality of their colouring, which imparts a youthful, springtime appearance.
This lightness allows them to wear soft, warm colours beautifully.
Styling Recommendations for Light Spring Men
Light Spring men can enhance their natural freshness and warmth through their wardrobe choices. Consider the following suggestions:
Suits
Wear suits in light, warm neutrals like beige, light golden brown, or soft warm grey. Pair with shirts in off-white or light, warm colours from your palette.
Casual Wear
Incorporate light, warm colours into your casual wardrobe. A soft yellow polo shirt or light coral chinos can create a fresh, approachable look.
Accessories
Use light-coloured accessories to add subtle accents to neutral outfits. A light aqua tie or a peach pocket square can add a gentle touch of colour.
Patterns
Choose light, clear patterns or subtle textures in your palette colours. Think of watercolour-like prints or fine stripes.
Grooming
When choosing hair products or fragrances, opt for those with light, fresh, or citrusy notes that complement your delicate palette.
Colours to Avoid
Dark or highly saturated colours can overwhelm Light Spring’s delicate colouring. Steer clear of black, dark navy, or intense jewel tones.
Outfit Ideas for a Light Spring Men
For a professional setting, a Light Spring man might combine an off-white shirt with a light golden brown suit.
A light coral tie and rose gold cufflinks could add complementary accents, creating a polished yet gentle look that harmonises with his natural colouring.
Light Spring colours can create a fresh and approachable impression in a professional wardrobe. Use your light, warm colours in shirts, ties, and accessories.
Opt for lighter versions of traditional business colours like beige or light grey for suits.
Remember, the key is to maintain a light, warm palette that enhances your natural colouring while projecting a friendly and competent image.
For casual wear, Light Spring men can embrace their palette fully:
- Pair light aqua chinos with a soft yellow polo for a fresh weekend look.
- Layer a light coral sweater over a white t-shirt for a pop of colour.
- Choose light golden brown or beige shorts for summer, paired with pastel tops.
- Opt for light-wash denim to keep your jeans in harmony with your overall lightness.
This fresh, light approach to colour will help you project an image of approachability, youthfulness, and gentle confidence in both professional and casual settings.
Summer – The Soft Hues of Serenity
The Summer season in colour analysis is characterised by coolness, softness, and a gentle muted quality.
Men who fall into the Summer category have a cool undertone to their skin, hair, and eyes, creating a harmonious and serene appearance.
Before we delve into the specific sub-seasons, let’s explore the general characteristics of Summer colouring:
- Cool undertones in the skin, with a pink or blue cast
- Hair colours ranging from ash blonde to cool brown, sometimes with a hint of grey or silver
- Soft, cool eye colours such as blue, grey, or cool brown
- An overall gentle and refined appearance
The concept of colour temperature is crucial in understanding Summer palettes.
Summer colours are cool, reflecting the natural coolness of Summer-type colouring.
This coolness harmonises with the wearer’s complexion, enhancing their natural elegance.
The Summer season is further detailed into three sub-seasons, each with its unique colour palette:
1) Light Summer – Blends the softness of Summer with a touch of Spring’s lightness
2) True/Cool Summer – Embodies the heart of the Summer season with cool, muted colours
3) Soft Summer – Combines Summer’s coolness with a hint of Autumn’s softness
1) Light Summer
Light Summer represents the transitional palette between Spring and Summer, combining the lightness of Spring with the coolness of Summer.
The Light Summer palette comprises soft, cool, and light colours. These colours reflect the naturally delicate colouring of this season. Key colours in this palette include:
- Powder blue
- Soft pink
- Lavender
- Sage green
- Periwinkle
- Cool light grey
Light Summer Male Celebrities
Daniel Craig – Fair skin with cool undertones, light blue eyes, and blonde hair.
Alexander Skarsgard – Very fair skin, blue-green eyes, and naturally blonde hair.
Ryan Gosling – Fair skin with cool undertones, blue eyes, and dark blonde to light brown hair.
Men in the Light Summer colour category have the following characteristics:
Skin tone
Cool undertones with a delicate, translucent quality. The skin is light with a subtle pink or peach cast.
Hair colour
Ranges from light ash blonde to light cool brown, with a subtle shimmer or silver quality.
Eye colour
Light and cool, with colours such as blue-grey, cool green, or light hazel. There’s a crystalline brightness to the eyes.
The most prominent feature of Light Summers is the delicate, ethereal quality of their colouring, which imparts a gentle, fresh appearance.
This softness allows them to wear light, cool colours without being overwhelmed.
Styling Recommendations for Light Summer Men
Light Summer men can enhance their natural delicacy through their wardrobe choices. Consider the following suggestions:
Suits
Opt for suits in soft, cool greys or light navy. Pair with shirts in crisp white or soft cool colours from your palette.
Casual Wear
Incorporate light, cool colours into your casual wardrobe. A powder blue polo shirt or a light grey sweater can create a fresh, approachable look.
Accessories
Use soft-coloured accessories to add subtle accents to neutral outfits. A lavender tie or a sage green pocket square can add a gentle touch of colour.
Patterns
Choose soft, watercolour-like patterns or subtle stripes in your palette colours.
Grooming
When choosing hair products or fragrances, opt for those with light, fresh, or aquatic notes that complement your cool palette.
Colours to Avoid
Very dark or highly saturated colours can overwhelm Light Summer’s delicate colouring. Steer clear of harsh black, bright orange, or deep burgundy.
Outfit Ideas for Light Summer Men
For a professional setting, a Light Summer man might combine a crisp white shirt with a light grey suit.
A powder blue tie and silver cufflinks could add complementary accents, creating a polished yet gentle look that harmonises with his natural colouring.
Light Summer colours can be easily incorporated into a professional wardrobe. Use your softer colours in shirts, ties, and accessories.
Opt for lighter versions of traditional business colours like navy and grey for suits.
Remember, the key is to maintain a soft, cool palette that doesn’t overwhelm your natural colouring.
2) True/Cool Summer
True Summer represents the heart of the Summer season, embodying coolness and softness in its purest form.
The True Summer palette consists of cool, muted, and medium-intensity colours. These colours are soft and sophisticated, lacking any brightness or warmth. Key colours include:
- Steel blue
- Rose pink
- Soft fuschia
- Cool mint green
- Plum
- Blue-grey
True/Cool Summer Male Celebrities
Matt Bomer – Cool-toned fair skin, light blue eyes, and dark brown hair.
Andrew Garfield – Light beige skin with cool undertones, brown eyes, and medium brown hair.
Orlando Bloom – Light to medium skin tone, dark brown eyes, and dark brown hair.
True/Cool Summer men have the following characteristics:
Skin tone
Cool undertones, with a pink or blue cast as the skin appears porcelain-like, almost translucent.
Hair colour
Ranges from ash blonde to cool brown, without any warm highlights. Grey hair in this season tends to be a cool, steely shade.
Eye colour
Cool and clear, including blue, grey, cool green, or cool brown. There’s a serene, misty quality to the eyes.
True Summers have the coolest colouring within the Summer family, with no trace of warmth in their features.
Their appearance is serene and elegant, reminiscent of a cool, misty summer morning.
Styling Recommendations for True/Cool Summer Men
True/Cool Summer men should embrace cool, soft colours across the entire wardrobe.
Suits
Wear suits in cool navy, blue-grey, or soft charcoal and pair with shirts in white or soft cool colours from your palette.
Casual Wear
Incorporate cool, muted colours into your everyday wardrobe. A steel blue sweater or cool mint green chinos can add a sophisticated touch to your look.
Layering
Experiment with layering different shades from your palette. A soft plum jacket over a light blue shirt creates a harmonious, refined look.
Accessories
Opt for cool-toned metals like silver or white gold for watches and jewellery. Choose leather goods in cool grey or navy shades.
Grooming
Select grooming products with cool, fresh scents that complement your cool colouring.
Colours to Avoid
Warm or bright colours can clash with True Summer’s cool, muted colouring. Avoid oranges, bright yellows, and warm browns.
Outfit Ideas for True/Cool Summer Men
For a smart-casual event, a True Summer man might pair cool grey trousers with a soft blue shirt.
A steel blue blazer could add a complementary layer, while navy leather loafers and a silver watch complete the ensemble, creating a look that’s both refined and serene.
In a professional setting, True Summers must use cool-toned neutrals like navy, grey, and cool blue and softer colours (from their palette) in shirts, ties, and accessories.
A navy suit with a light blue shirt and a tie featuring small patterns in your palette colours is ideal to create a professional yet harmonious look.
3) Soft Summer
Soft Summer represents the transitional palette between Summer and Autumn, combining the coolness of Summer with a touch of Autumn’s softness.
The Soft Summer palette comprises muted, cool colours with a touch of greying.
These colours reflect the naturally soft colouring of this season and key colours in this palette include:
- Dusty blue
- Mauve
- Soft teal
- Sage green
- Dusty rose
- Soft plum
Soft Summer Male Celebrities
Michael Ealy – Medium brown skin with cool undertones, striking light blue eyes, and black hair.
Mark Ruffalo – Light olive skin, dark brown eyes, and dark brown curly hair.
Ashton Kutcher – Fair skin with neutral undertones, hazel eyes, and dark brown hair.
Soft Summer men showcase the following similar features and characteristics:
Skin tone
Neutral-cool undertones, with a subtle grey or mauve cast. The skin has a soft, muted quality.
Hair colour
Ranges from dark ash blonde to soft cool brown, with a slightly muted or ashy quality. Grey hair tends to be a soft, dove grey.
Eye colour
Soft and cool, including blue-grey, green-grey, or soft brown. There’s a gentle, misty quality to the eyes.
The most prominent feature of Soft Summers is the muted quality of their colouring, which imparts a gentle, sophisticated appearance.
This softness allows them to wear muted, cool colours beautifully.
Styling Recommendations for Soft Summer Men
Soft Summer men can enhance their natural look through smart colour choices in line with the garments, footwear, and accessories.
Suits
Wear suits in muted navy, soft charcoal, or grey teal. Pair with shirts in soft white or muted cool colours from your palette.
Casual Wear
Incorporate soft, muted colours into your casual wardrobe. A dusty blue polo shirt or sage green chinos can create a refined, approachable look.
Accessories
Use muted-coloured accessories to add subtle accents to neutral outfits. A mauve tie or a soft teal pocket square can add a gentle touch of colour.
Patterns
Choose soft, muted patterns or subtle textures in your palette colours.
Grooming
When choosing hair products or fragrances, opt for those with soft, green, or woody notes that complement your muted palette.
Colours to Avoid
Bright or highly saturated colours can overwhelm Soft Summer’s muted colouring. Steer clear of bright red, vivid yellow, or electric blue.
Outfit Ideas for Soft Summer Men
For a professional setting, a Soft Summer man might combine a soft white shirt with a muted navy suit.
A dusty rose tie and pewter cufflinks could add complementary accents, creating a polished yet gentle look that harmonises with his natural colouring.
Soft Summer colours can be easily incorporated into a professional wardrobe. Use your muted colours in shirts, ties, and accessories.
Opt for softer, more muted versions of traditional business colours like navy and grey for suits.
Remember, the key is to maintain a soft, cool palette that enhances your natural colouring without overwhelming it.
By understanding and embracing your Summer colour palette, whether Light, True, or Soft, you can create a wardrobe and personal style that truly allows your natural colouring to shine.
Remember, these guidelines are a starting point – feel free to experiment and adjust based on your personal preferences and lifestyle needs.
Autumn – The Rich Tones of Harvest
In colour analysis, the Autumn season is characterised by warmth, richness, and a deep, earthy quality.
Men who fall into the Autumn colour category have a warm undertone to their skin, hair, and eyes, creating a harmonious and robust appearance.
Before we delve into the specific sub-seasons, let’s explore the general characteristics of Autumn colouring:
- Warm undertones in the skin, with a golden, peachy, or bronze cast
- Hair colours ranging from golden brown to rich auburn, sometimes with coppery or red highlights
- Warm eye colours such as amber, hazel, warm brown, or deep green
- An overall rich and earthy appearance
The concept of colour temperature is crucial in understanding Autumn palettes.
Autumn colours are warm and muted, reflecting the natural warmth and depth in Autumn-type colouring.
This warmth harmonises with the wearer’s complexion, enhancing their natural richness.
The Autumn season is further detailed into three sub-seasons, each with its unique colour palette:
1) Soft Autumn – Blends the muted quality of Summer with Autumn’s warmth
2) True/Warm Autumn – Embodies the heart of the Autumn season with warm, rich colours
3) Deep/Dark Autumn – Combines Autumn’s warmth with a touch of Winter’s depth
1) Soft Autumn
Soft Autumn represents the transitional palette between Summer and Autumn, combining the muted quality of Summer with the warmth of Autumn.
The Soft Autumn palette comprises muted, warm colours with a touch of greying.
These colours reflect the naturally soft and warm colouring of this season. Key colours in this palette include:
- Warm taupe
- Soft olive green
- Dusty coral
- Muted teal
- Warm rose
- Soft gold
Soft Autumn Male Celebrities
Jude Law – Slightly muted skin tone, soft blue-green eyes, and ashy blonde hair.
Josh Hartnett – Neutral to warm skin, deep set brown eyes, and medium brown hair.
Ewan McGregor – Warm beige skin tone, bright blue eyes, and light brown hair.
Soft Autumn men have the following characteristics:
Skin tone
Neutral-warm undertones, with a soft golden or peachy cast. The skin has a gentle, muted quality.
Hair colour
Ranges from dark blonde to light brown, with subtle golden or ashy highlights. Grey hair tends to be a soft, warm grey.
Eye colour
Soft and warm, including hazel, soft green, or light brown. There’s a gentle, misty quality to the eyes.
The most prominent feature of Soft Autumns is the muted quality of their colouring, which imparts a gentle, earthy appearance. This softness allows them to wear muted, warm colours beautifully.
Styling Recommendations for Soft Autumn Men
Soft Autumn men can enhance their natural look through clever wardrobe choices such as:
Suits
Wear suits in muted warm browns, soft olive, or warm grey and pair with shirts in off-white or soft warm colours from your palette.
Casual Wear
Wear soft, warm colours such as a dusty coral polo shirt or muted teal chinos to create a refined, approachable look.
Accessories
Use muted-coloured accessories to add subtle accents to neutral outfits. A soft olive tie or a warm taupe leather belt can add a gentle touch of colour.
Patterns
Choose soft, muted patterns or subtle textures in your palette colours. Think of faded paisley or muted plaids.
Grooming
When choosing hair products or fragrances, opt for those with soft, woody, or earthy notes that complement your muted palette.
Colours to Avoid
Bright or highly saturated colours can overwhelm Soft Autumn’s muted colouring. Steer clear of icy pastels, stark white, or intense cool colours.
Outfit Ideas for Soft Autumn Men
For a professional setting, Soft Autumn men should combine off-white shirts with warm taupe suits.
A dusty coral tie and antique gold cufflinks could add complementary accents, creating a polished yet gentle look that harmonises with his natural colouring.
Soft Autumn colours can be easily incorporated into a professional wardrobe. Use your muted, warm colours in shirts, ties, and accessories.
Opt for softer, more muted versions of traditional business colours like brown and olive for suits.
Remember, the key is to maintain a soft, warm palette that enhances your natural colouring without overwhelming it.
2) True/Warm Autumn
True/Warm Autumn subseason is the heart of the Autumn season, embodying warmth and richness in its purest form.
The True/Warm Autumn palette consists of warm, rich, and earthy colours. While intense and saturated, these colours maintain a muted feel.
Key True/Warm Autumn colours include:
- Rust
- Moss green
- Pumpkin orange
- Golden brown
- Terracotta
- Deep gold
True Autumn Male Celebrities
Ryan Reynolds – Golden-toned skin, warm brown eyes, and light auburn hair.
Christian Bale – Deep olive skin undertones, amber-brown eyes, and dark brown hair.
Simon Baker – Warm golden skin, green-hazel eyes, and honey-blonde curly hair.
Men in the True/Warm Autumn colour range have the following characteristics:
Skin tone
Distinctly warm undertones, with a golden or coppery cast skin that has a natural glow or richness.
Hair colour
Ranges from golden brown to rich auburn. True Autumns have natural highlights that give their hair a multidimensional, warm appearance.
Eye colour
Warm and clear, including amber, warm brown, or rich green. There’s a golden or coppery fleck in the iris.
True Autumns have the warmest and richest colouring within the Autumn family, with golden and robust colours, reminiscent of a perfect autumn day with changing leaves.
Styling Recommendations for True/Warm Autumn Men
True Autumn men must fully embrace warm, rich colours in their wardrobes.
Suits
Wear suits in warm, rich colours like chocolate brown, deep olive, or warm charcoal and match with shirts in ivory or warm colours from your palette.
Casual Wear
Incorporate warm, earthy colours into your everyday wardrobe. A rust-coloured sweater or moss-green chinos can add a rich touch to your look.
Layering
Experiment with layering different shades from your palette. A golden brown jacket over a terracotta shirt creates a harmonious, dimensional look.
Accessories
Opt for warm-toned metals like gold or copper for watches and jewellery. Choose leather goods in rich tan or cognac shades.
Grooming
Select grooming products with warm, spicy, or woody scents that complement your rich colouring.
Colours to Avoid
Cool or pastel colours can clash with True Autumn’s warm, rich colouring. Avoid icy blues, cool pinks, and stark white.
Outfit Ideas for True/Warm Autumn Men
For smart-casual events, True/Warm Autumn men should pair warm brown trousers with pumpkin orange shirts.
A moss green blazer could add a complementary layer, while cognac leather shoes and a gold watch complete the ensemble, creating a look that’s both refined and rich.
In a professional setting, True Autumns can incorporate its palette through warm-toned neutrals like brown, deep olive, and warm grey.
Use richer colours from your palette in ties and accessories.
A chocolate brown suit with an ivory shirt and a tie featuring small patterns in your palette colours can create a professional yet harmonious look.
3) Deep/Dark Autumn
Deep/Dark Autumn represents the transitional palette between Autumn and Winter, combining the warmth of Autumn with the depth and intensity of Winter.
The Deep/Dark Autumn palette comprises deep, warm colours with a touch of intensity borrowed from Winter.
These colours reflect the naturally rich and warm colouring of this season. Key colours in this palette include:
- Deep burgundy
- Forest green
- Rich plum
- Burnt orange
- Deep teal
- Dark chocolate
Deep/Dark Autumn Male Celebrities
Kit Harington – Rich, tan skin with dark brown eyes and nearly black curly hair.
Jamie Dornan – Warm beige skin, dark brown eyes, and deep brown hair.
Gerard Butler – Olive skin, hazel-green eyes, and dark brown hair.
Men in the Deep/Dark Autumn colour palette have the following characteristics:
Skin tone
Warm undertones with a deep, rich quality. The skin appears golden-olive or has a bronzed cast.
Hair colour
Ranges from deep brown to black, with warm undertones or highlights. Red hair in this season tends towards a deep auburn or burgundy.
Eye colour
Deep and warm, including dark brown, deep green, or rich hazel. There’s an intensity to the eyes, sometimes with golden flecks.
The most prominent feature of Deep/Dark Autumns is the combination of warmth and depth colouring, which imparts a rich, intense appearance.
This allows gents with this colour spectrum to wear deep, warm colours with striking effects.
Styling Recommendations for Deep/Dark Autumn Men
Deep/Dark Autumn men can enhance their natural depth and warmth through smart wardrobe choices such as:
Suits
Opt for suits in deep, warm colours like charcoal with a warm undertone, deep olive, or dark brown. Pair with shirts in soft white or rich warm colours from your palette.
Casual Wear
Incorporate deep, warm colours into your casual wardrobe. A burgundy sweater or forest green trousers can create a rich, sophisticated look.
Accessories
Use deep-coloured accessories to add striking accents to neutral outfits. A deep teal tie or a rich plum pocket square can add a touch of elegant colour.
Patterns
Choose rich, warm patterns or textures in your palette colours. Think of deep plaids or warm animal prints.
Grooming
When choosing hair products or fragrances, opt for those with deep, spicy, or woody notes that complement your rich palette.
Colours to Avoid
Pastel or light colours can clash with Dark Autumn’s deep, warm colouring. Steer clear of baby blue, light pink, or icy colours.
Outfit Ideas for Deep/Dark Autumn Men
For a professional setting, a Dark Autumn man might combine a soft white shirt with a deep olive suit.
A burnt orange tie and dark gold cufflinks could add complementary accents, creating a polished yet rich look that harmonises with his natural colouring.
Dark Autumn colours can create a powerful impression in a professional wardrobe. Use your deep, warm colours in suits, ties, and accessories.
Opt for darker, richer versions of traditional business colours like navy and charcoal for suits.
Remember, the key is to maintain a deep, warm palette that enhances your natural colouring while projecting authority and sophistication.
By understanding and embracing your Autumn colour palette, whether Soft, True, or Dark, you can create a wardrobe and personal style that truly allows your natural colouring to shine.
Winter – The Colours of Contrast
The Winter season in colour analysis is characterised by coolness, clarity, and high contrast.
Men who fall into the Winter category have a cool undertone to their skin, with hair and eyes that create a striking contrast.
Before we delve into the specific sub-seasons, let’s explore the general characteristics of Winter colouring:
- Cool undertones in the skin, with a blue or pink cast
- Hair colours ranging from dark brown to jet black, or occasionally platinum blonde
- Eye colours that contrast sharply with the skin, such as deep brown, clear blue, or bright green
- An overall crisp and high-contrast appearance
The concept of colour temperature is crucial in understanding Winter palettes.
Winter colours are cool and clear, reflecting the natural coolness and clarity in Winter-type colouring.
This coolness harmonises with the wearer’s complexion, enhancing their natural contrast and brightness.
The Winter season is further detailed into three sub-seasons, each with its unique colour palette:
1) Bright/Clean Winter – Blends Winter’s clarity with a hint of Spring’s brightness
2) True/Cool Winter – Embodies the heart of the Winter season with cool, clear, and high-contrast colours
3) Deep/Dark Winter – Combines Winter’s coolness with a touch of Autumn’s depth
1) Bright/Clean Winter
Bright/Clean Winter represents the transitional palette between Winter and Spring, combining the coolness and clarity of Winter with a touch of Spring’s brightness.
The Bright/Clean Winter palette comprises cool, clear, and bright colours.
These colours are the most vivid of all the seasons, reflecting the naturally bright and clear colouring of this season. Key colours in this palette include:
- Bright white
- Electric blue
- Fuchsia
- Lemon yellow
- Bright purple
- True red
Bright/Clean Winter Male Celebrities
Henry Cavill – Fair skin with pink undertones, bright blue eyes, and dark brown hair.
Tom Hiddleston – Pale skin with cool undertones, blue-green eyes, and dark blonde to light brown hair.
Benedict Cumberbatch – Fair skin, heterochromia eyes (blue, green, and gold), and auburn hair.
Men in the Bright/Clean Winter colour palette have the following similar characteristics:
Skin tone
Cool undertones with a clear, sometimes translucent quality. The skin has a bright, porcelain-like appearance.
Hair colour
Can range from dark brown to black, or sometimes a very light, cool blonde. The key is high contrast and a cool, clear quality to the colour.
Eye colour
Bright and clear, electric blue, clear green, or bright brown. There’s a notable contrast between the iris and the whites of the eyes.
The most prominent feature of Bright Winters is the clarity and brightness of their colouring, which imparts a vivid, almost sparkling appearance.
This allows them to wear bright, clear colours with incredible impact.
Styling Recommendations for Bright/Clean Winter Men
Bright/Clean Winter men can enhance their natural vibrancy through smart wardrobe choices such as:
Suits
Opt for suits in clear, dark colours like true navy or charcoal. Pair with shirts in bright white or icy pastels from your palette.
Casual Wear
Incorporate bright, clear colours into your casual wardrobe. An electric blue polo shirt or bright white chinos can make a strong statement.
Accessories
Use bright accessories to add pops of colour to neutral outfits. A fuchsia tie or a lemon-yellow pocket square can enliven a classic suit.
Patterns
Choose clear, distinct patterns with high contrast. Geometric prints or bold stripes in your palette colours can be particularly flattering.
Grooming
When choosing hair products or fragrances, opt for those with crisp, fresh notes that complement your bright palette.
Colours to Avoid
Muted or warm colours can diminish Bright Winter’s natural radiance. Avoid muted pastels, warm browns, and oranges.
Outfit Ideas for a Bright/Clean Winter Men
For a smart-casual event, Bright/Clean Winter men should pair crisp white trousers with electric blue shirts.
Use a navy blazer as a complementary layer, bright white sneakers and a silver watch to complete the ensemble, creating a look that’s sophisticated and energetic.
Bright/Clean Winter colours can make a strong impact in a professional setting when used judiciously.
Stick to darker suits in navy or charcoal, but don’t be afraid to incorporate your brighter colours in shirts, ties, and accessories.
A charcoal suit with a bright white shirt and a tie featuring small patterns in fuchsia or electric blue can create a professional yet dynamic look.
2) True/Cool Winter
True/Cool Winter represents the heart of the Winter season, embodying coolness, clarity, and high contrast in its purest form.
The True/Cool Winter palette consists of cool, clear, and high-contrast colours.
These colours are intense and pure, without any muting or warmth.
- Pure white
- Jet black
- Ice blue
- True red
- Royal purple
- Emerald green
True/Cool Winter Male Celebrities
George Clooney – Cool ivory skin, dark brown eyes, and silver-grey hair.
Cillian Murphy – Pale, cool-toned skin, striking ice-blue eyes, and dark brown hair.
Mahershala Ali – Deep cool-toned skin, dark brown eyes, and black hair.
True/Cool Winter colour men have the following characteristics:
Skin tone
Cool undertones, with a blue or pink cast. The skin may appear very pale or have a clear, translucent quality.
Hair colour
Ranges from dark brown to blue-black, creating high contrast with the skin. Some True Winters may have platinum or silver-white hair.
Eye colour
Clear and cool, including ice blue, clear green, or deep brown. There’s a striking contrast between the iris and the whites of the eyes.
True Winters have the coolest and clearest colouring within the Winter family, with no trace of warmth in their features.
Their appearance is striking and dramatic, reminiscent of snow against a clear night sky.
Styling Recommendations for True/Cool Winter Men
True/Cool Winter gents should fully embrace cool, clear, and high-contrast colours.
Suits
Choose suits in stark contrasts like black or very dark navy. Pair with shirts in crisp white or icy light colours from your palette.
Casual Wear
Incorporate clear, cool colours into your everyday wardrobe. A pure white t-shirt or ice blue polo can create a crisp, fresh look.
Layering
Experiment with high-contrast layering. A black jacket over a white shirt with a pop of true red in the tie creates a striking, harmonious look.
Accessories
Opt for cool-toned metals like silver or white gold for watches and jewellery. Choose accessories in clear, bright colours for impact.
Grooming
Select grooming products with cool, fresh scents that complement your clear colouring.
Colours to Avoid
Warm or muted colours can clash with True Winter’s cool, clear colouring. Avoid orange, warm browns, and muted pastels.
Outfit Ideas for True/Cool Winter Men
For a formal event, a True/Cool Winter man might pair a crisp white shirt with a black tuxedo.
Add a bow tie in true red and silver cufflinks for a classic, high-contrast look that showcases the True Winter palette perfectly.
In a professional setting, True/Cool Winters can create powerful, authoritative looks.
Stick to high-contrast combinations like black suits with white shirts. Use your clear, cool colours in ties and accessories for impact.
A black suit with a white shirt and a tie in royal purple or emerald green can create a professional yet striking look.
a) Deep/Dark Winter
Deep/Dark Winter represents the transitional palette between Autumn and Winter, combining the depth of Autumn with the coolness of Winter.
The Deep/Dark Winter palette comprises deep, cool colours with a touch of softness borrowed from Autumn.
These colours reflect the naturally rich and cool colouring of this season. Key colours in this palette include:
- Dark burgundy
- Charcoal grey
- Deep purple
- Forest green
- Dark teal
- Navy blue
Deep/Dark Winter Male Celebrities
Idris Elba – Deep cool-toned skin, dark brown eyes, and black hair.
Adam Driver – Pale cool-toned skin, dark brown eyes, and black hair.
Rami Malek – Light olive skin, large dark brown eyes, and black hair.
Men with Deep/Dark Winter seasonal colours have the following similar characteristics:
Skin tone
Cool undertones with a depth that can sometimes be mistaken for warmth. The skin appears olive or has a cool beige cast.
Hair colour
Dark, ranging from deep brown to black, with a cool undertone.
Eye colour
Deep and cool, including dark brown, charcoal, or deep blue. There’s an intensity to the eyes, sometimes with contrasting light flecks.
The most prominent feature of Dark Winters is the combination of depth and coolness in their colouring, which imparts a rich, intense appearance.
This allows them to wear deep, cool colours with striking effects.
Styling Recommendations for Deep/Dark Winter Men
Deep/Dark Winter men can enhance their natural depth and coolness through smart wardrobe choices such as:
Suits
Wear suits in deep, cool colours like charcoal, navy, or deep burgundy. Pair with shirts in pure white or icy pastels from your palette.
Casual Wear
Incorporate deep, cool colours into your casual wardrobe. A navy sweater or charcoal trousers can create a rich, sophisticated look.
Accessories
Use deep-coloured accessories to add striking accents to neutral outfits. A dark purple tie or a forest green pocket square can add a touch of elegant colour.
Patterns
Choose rich, cool patterns or textures in your palette colours. Think of deep plaids or subtle pinstripes.
Grooming
When choosing hair products or fragrances, opt for those with cool, crisp, or woody notes that complement your rich palette.
Colours to Avoid
Warm or overly bright colours can clash with Dark Winter’s deep, cool colouring. Steer clear of orange, warm browns, or sunny yellows.
Outfit Ideas Deep/Dark Winter Men
For a professional setting, a Deep/Dark Winter man might combine a crisp white shirt with a deep navy suit.
A dark burgundy tie and silver cufflinks could add complementary accents, creating a polished yet powerful look that harmonises with his natural colouring.
Deep/Dark Winter colours can create a commanding impression in a professional wardrobe. Use your deep, cool colours in suits, ties, and accessories.
Opt for darker versions of traditional business colours like navy and charcoal for suits.
Remember, the key is to maintain a deep, cool palette that enhances your natural colouring while projecting authority and sophistication.
Styling Beyond Seasonal Colours
Knowing your Season Colour is just a small step towards dressing like a successful, confident gentleman.
True fashion mastery lies in knowing and matching your body shape/type with your seasonal colour – skin, eye, and hair colours.
It requires understanding how to shop and pair the most ideal garments, footwear, and accessories from the most relevant, heritage brands.
This is paramount to being able to dress correctly by body shape, occasion, location, time of the day, and lifestyle.
Find Your Body Shape
Different garments flatter different physiques so discover your body shape now by taking our free body shape quiz for men.
Identify Your Best Colors
Fashion comes in a wide range of colours, but not every hue will complement your natural colouring so find out your ideal colours with our free seasonal colour quiz for men.
Then, learn how to dress by occasion, location, season, and even time of the day.
Dress for the Occasion
Understanding how to choose and style garments from various heritage brands, and style them by occasion, season, location, and body shape is crucial.
From casual weekends to formal events, each occasion requires a unique approach to styling.
To save time, headaches, and even money, get in touch with The VOU’s expert stylists now.
Get Expert Styling Advice
Take our comprehensive fashion style analysis for men, and let our expert stylists guide you in selecting and curating items of maximum impact in a wardrobe that communicates success and confidence.
Remember, owning luxury brands isn’t enough. To look stylish, confident, wealthy, and successful you must match your body shape, colour palette, season, occasion, location, time of the day, to perfection.
With these tools and expert guidance, you’ll not just wear the brand—you’ll master it, creating a wardrobe that truly reflects a unique fashion taste and many achievements.
