So you’ve heard of colour analysis—maybe from TikTok, maybe from a stylist, or maybe you’re just tired of buying clothes that look better on the hanger than they do on you.

But when you start googling, you hit a wall.
Soft Autumn vs Soft Summer?
They look… kind of the same?
Muted tones. Low contrast. Similar vibes.

So how do you tell which one you are?

Let’s break it down properly—based on chromatic features, not just swatches—and help you figure out whether you’re better off in dusty mauve or muted terracotta.

First: What Even Is Colour Analysis?

Colour analysis (or color analysis, depending on where you live) is about discovering which tones bring out the best in your natural features—your skin tone, hair, and eyes. It’s not about what’s trendy or what you love on others; it’s about what actually flatters you.

And no, this isn’t just about colour.
It’s about chroma, contrast, temperature, and depth.

When done well (yes, even through an online colour analysis), it becomes a game-changer. Your wardrobe finally makes sense. Your makeup looks polished. And your face lights up—without needing more product.

Soft Autumn and Soft Summer: What They Have in Common

Let’s start with what makes them similar.
Both Soft Autumn and Soft Summer are:

✔️ Muted – They don’t suit bright, clear, saturated colours.
✔️ Low contrast – Their features tend to blend gently, rather than popping dramatically.
✔️ Subtle and soft – Think harmonious, calm, and blended—not sharp or bold.

So if you look washed out in strong blacks, neon tones, or icy blues—you might be in the soft category.

But here’s where the real difference lies:
👉 Undertone and chroma.

Jennifer Aniston - Soft Summer , Gisele Bündchen - Soft Autumns

Examples:

Soft Summer: Cool + Muted

Think: Jennifer Aniston

Her features are soft, low-contrast, and cool-toned. Her best colours are dusty pinks, blue-greys, lavender, soft navy, and muted mauve. She looks radiant in silver jewellery, and her hair always has that perfect ash-toned blend—not golden.

Chromatic Features of Soft Summer:

Cool to neutral undertone
Ashy, taupe, or greyish tones in hair
Muted blue or grey eyes (or soft green)
Skin that often turns pink when flushed
Blush looks best in cool berry, mauve, dusty pink
Hair colour flatters when it’s cool brunette or ash blonde

Key Point: Soft Summers should avoid warmth. Camel, rust, and golden beige tend to make the skin look dull or uneven.

Soft Autumn: Warm + Muted

Think: Gisele Bündchen

She’s the poster woman for effortless, earthy elegance. Gisele’s golden complexion, warm hazel eyes, and soft, caramel-toned hair all point to Soft Autumn. Her best colours are olive, camel, terracotta, warm beige, and muted coral. Gold jewellery makes her skin glow.

Chromatic Features of Soft Autumn:

Warm to neutral undertone
Hair has golden, red, or caramel undertones
Eyes often have a warm tint (hazel, warm green, light brown)
Skin tans easily and may have a golden glow
Best blush shades include peach, soft cinnamon, warm rosewood
Lipsticks like muted terracotta or peachy nude work beautifully

Key Point: Soft Autumns should avoid overly cool shades. Blue-greys or icy pastels tend to drain warmth from the face.

Jennifer Aniston - Soft Summer lipstick makeup, Gisele Bündchen - Soft Autumn lipstick makeup

Jennifer Aniston - Soft Summer blush makeup, Gisele Bündchen - Soft Autumn blush makeup

The Problem With Wearing the Wrong Palette

Wearing colours outside of your natural season might not seem like a big deal—until you see the before and after.

A Soft Autumn in icy pink? Washed out.
A Soft Summer in camel? Lifeless.

The wrong tones can:

Emphasise redness or dullness in the skin
Make you reach for more makeup
Clash with your hair or eyebrows
Make your outfits feel “off”—even if they’re expensive

Jennifer Aniston - Soft Summer hair color, Gisele Bündchen - Soft Autumn hair color

What About Black?

It’s too harsh for both seasons—sorry.

If you’re Soft Autumn or Soft Summer and love black, keep it away from your face. Try adding a scarf or blazer in your colour palette to soften it. Or, try deep navy, charcoal, or warm espresso as an alternative.

Why Online Colour Analysis Works (Yes, It Really Does)

With a few clear photos, I can help you identify your:

Undertone (cool, warm, neutral)
Contrast level
Depth and chroma
Seasonal palette match

And the best part? You don’t need to leave your house.
I’ve worked with clients around the world—from London to Dubai—and they all say the same thing:
“Why didn’t I do this sooner?”

Jennifer Aniston - Soft Summer colour pallet, Gisele Bündchen - Soft Autumn colour pallet

Final Thoughts: Knowing Your Season Is a Style Superpower

Understanding the difference between Soft Autumn vs Soft Summer gives you clarity, confidence, and a wardrobe that actually works for you.

Whether you're updating your makeup bag, refreshing your wardrobe, or preparing for a branding photoshoot—knowing your palette makes every decision easier.

And it doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be you.

Colour Analysis: Are You Soft Autumn or Soft Summer? How to Tell the Difference and Why It Matters