Question 1

Can Summers wear black at all?

Accepted Answer

In small doses, yes — but almost always better when it's not right next to your face. Black trousers with a soft rose knit on top? Fine, because the knit is doing the face-framing work. A full black dress worn alone? That's where you'll look drained. If you love the polish of black, swap it for soft charcoal or deep cool navy in your coats, dresses, and blouses — you keep the elegance without the harshness. Save pure black for accessories and bottoms where it can't steal light from your complexion.

Question 2

What's the difference between a Summer and a Winter?

Accepted Answer

Both are cool, which is why they get confused, but the quality is completely different. Winters are *bright and high-contrast* — vivid jewel tones, pure black, optic white, and crisp colouring where hair and skin sit far apart on the contrast scale. Summers are *soft and low-contrast* — dusty, misty, watercolour shades, and gentler colouring where everything blends together. A Winter looks stunning in true fuchsia; a Summer would look overwhelmed by it and glows in dusty pink instead. If you'd like the full comparison, my [Winter colour palette guide](/style-hub/winter-colour-palette) goes into detail on the contrast test.

Question 3

How do I keep Summer colours from looking washed out in photos?

Accepted Answer

Summer shades can read a little flat in harsh overhead lighting or strong direct sun, which is why you might have been pushed towards bolder colours in the past. The fix isn't to abandon your palette — it's to play with depth. Build contrast *within* your palette by mixing a deeper Summer shade (soft plum, deep cool navy, soft charcoal) with a lighter one (dusty rose, pearl, powder blue). That tonal depth photographs beautifully. Also, natural daylight is kind to Summers — plan your photo moments accordingly.

Question 4

Can I wear warm-toned lipstick?

Accepted Answer

I'd steer away from it. Warm orange-reds, coral-corals, and brick shades tend to fight cool Summer skin and can make your teeth look yellower and your complexion sallow. Your lipstick happy place is cool pinks, rose, mauve, cool plum, and soft berry. Dusty rose and mauve in particular are made for Summer colouring. If you love a red, choose a cool blue-red rather than an orange-red — it'll still feel bold without clashing.

Question 5

What if my hair goes grey — does my palette change?

Accepted Answer

Generally no, it usually strengthens it. Most women who were Summers in their natural hair colour stay Summers as they grey, because cool grey hair sits beautifully within the Summer palette. If anything, you might find your colours become even more obviously right. The occasional exception is women who were borderline Spring-Summer — silvering can push them more clearly cool. If your grey has come in with a warmer yellow cast, a toner from your hairdresser every few weeks will keep it cool and working with your palette.

Question 6

I love navy — is that a Summer colour?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but the version matters. True navy and softer cool navy sit beautifully on Summers and make a lovely sophisticated alternative to black. What you want to avoid is a warm, almost purple-leaning navy, or a very dark, near-black navy that behaves the way pure black does on your skin. Aim for a medium-depth cool navy — the kind you'd describe as "soft" rather than "inky". It's one of the most useful neutrals in a Summer capsule and works as beautifully in a trench coat as it does in a blouse.

Summer Colour Palette: Your Complete Style Guide