Palettes / Summer
Light Summer color palette
Soft, cool and light. Watercolor pastels with a blue undertone and low contrast.
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Is Light Summer your palette?
- Undertone: Cool, blue-pink undertone. Silver usually flatters more than gold, and blue-based shades like berry and blue-red beat orange-based ones.
- Value: Light overall coloring with little contrast between skin, hair and eyes. Heavy darks tend to overpower.
- Chroma: Features blend gently. Softened colors look harmonious, while neon shades look loud.
16 Light Summer colors
Tap a swatch to copy its hex codeBest neutrals
- Soft White #F5F3EE
- Soft Mint #B5E1CF
- Powder Pink #F2C4CF
- Powder Blue #B7D3E9
- Light Gray #C8CACD
- Soft Aqua #9AD3D1
- Rose Brown #B39A94
- Blue Gray #8C9DB5
Colors to avoid
Orange, black, and heavy earth tones. The opposite palette on the seasonal wheel, Deep Winter, is usually the least flattering overall.
What suits Light Summer
Pick a category to shop the paletteSister palettes
These sit next to Light Summer on the seasonal wheel and share one of its characteristics. If you're between palettes, the colors they share with Light Summer are the safest choices.
True Summer
Both share the same undertone (cool) and chroma (soft). Light Summer is light in value where True Summer is medium. Both belong to the Summer family.
Light Spring
Both share the same value (light). Light Summer is cool in undertone where Light Spring is warm; Light Summer is soft in chroma where Light Spring is clear. Light Summer is a Summer palette and Light Spring is a Spring palette, so they sit on either side of the warm–cool divide.
Light Summer FAQ
What colors are in the Light Summer palette?
The Light Summer palette includes soft white, light gray, blue gray, soft navy, powder blue, sky blue, periwinkle, lavender, light orchid and powder pink, among others. It is cool in undertone, light in value and soft in chroma, and its dominant characteristic is light.
What colors should a Light Summer avoid?
Orange, black, and heavy earth tones. The palette on the opposite side of the seasonal wheel, Deep Winter, is usually the least flattering overall.
Can a Light Summer wear black?
Pure black is usually too harsh for a Light Summer. The deepest shade in the palette, soft navy (#5A6E93), is the closest substitute for suits, coats and evening wear.
What are the best neutrals for a Light Summer?
The most versatile neutrals in the Light Summer palette are soft white (#F5F3EE), soft mint (#B5E1CF), powder pink (#F2C4CF), powder blue (#B7D3E9), light gray (#C8CACD), soft aqua (#9AD3D1), rose brown (#B39A94) and blue gray (#8C9DB5).
What jewelry looks best on a Light Summer?
The most flattering metals for Light Summer are silver, white gold and rose gold. Polished or softly brushed, and delicate. Pearls are a natural fit. Gemstones that echo the palette include pearl, rose quartz, aquamarine, moonstone, lavender amethyst and blue topaz. Go easy on brassy yellow gold and chunky dark metals.
What lipstick colors suit a Light Summer?
Lip shades that follow the Light Summer palette include rose pink, soft berry and pink nude. For cheeks, try cool pink and soft rose.
What is the difference between Light Summer and True Summer?
Both share the same undertone (cool) and chroma (soft). Light Summer is light in value where True Summer is medium. Both belong to the Summer family.
What is the difference between Light Summer and Light Spring?
Both share the same value (light). Light Summer is cool in undertone where Light Spring is warm; Light Summer is soft in chroma where Light Spring is clear. Light Summer is a Summer palette and Light Spring is a Spring palette, so they sit on either side of the warm–cool divide.