Differentiating through Dark Autumn vs True Autumn vs Soft Autumn

Learn to see all the common mistakes about seasonal color types

The Autumn color palette is a rich and warm tapestry of hues that evoke the changing of the seasons.

From the deep, earthy tones of the forest floor to the vibrant golden shades of the sun-drenched foliage, the Autumn palette is a true feast for the senses.

The Autumn color palette is a harmonious blend of warm, earthy tones that range from deep, rich burgundies and plums to vibrant golds and ochres.

These colors are often inspired by the natural world, drawing inspiration from the changing leaves, the ripening harvest, and the cozy comforts of the season.

Whether you’re drawn to the deeper, richer hues or the more vibrant and golden tones, the Autumn palette offers a versatile and timeless aesthetic that can be effortlessly incorporated into your wardrobe.

As we delve deeper into the Autumn color palette, it’s important to recognize the nuances that exist between the different seasons.

While they may share a common foundation of warm, earthy tones, each Autumn season has its own distinct character and personality.

Before I jump into the most interesting part, let me show you what I choose for my own self in term of the color.

Many of you asked me what my type is and I always say it’s an Autumn transit, which is also called an In-Transition type.

Let me remind you what that is. It’s a type in between the transitional types.

The owners of which will jump from one color palette to another one just by virtue of being “in transition.”

The skin undertone in both seasons will be very similar or even the same, and it will be warm and cold at the same time.

And the contrast will jump from low to medium at most times.

This is what we call a “neutral” skin tone that will lean towards warm if Autumn and cold if Summer, and sometimes being right in the middle if you tend to jump quite often.

This is especially helpful for people who cannot find their seasonal type, and both gold and silver shades fit them well.

If you are an “in transition” type, you will even use both cold and warm colors for your wardrobe and not only jewellery.

Not only that, but this type can also wear color conglomeration of cold + warm at the same time.

For example, blue (cold) and red (warm); yellow (warm) and blue (cold).

During summer time I tend to tan and my hair becomes lighter as opposed to the winter time when my skin appropriates a pinkish undertone which is never visible during the summer. My hair becomes darker and even my eyes tend to look rather grey-green as opposed to summer bright green or green-blue.

This time around I went to Greece for quite some time where I was blessed to appropriate a slight golden hue.

I’m in the specific time of the year where I can wear Soft Autumn, Canon Autumn and spiral down to a bit more higher contrasts.

This is what I took with me to Greece.

In this article, I will take such examples as:

• Leighton Meester that was previously typed as a Dark Autumn;

• Diane Lane that was previously typed as a True Autumn;

• Natascha McElhone that was previously typed as a Soft Autumn;

• Jennifer Stone as a True Autumn.

Distinguishing Dark Autumn from True Autumn

Dark Autumn is characterized by its deeper, richer hues that evoke the cozy and sophisticated ambiance of the season.

These colors are often described as “jewel-toned,” with a depth and intensity that commands attention.

Think of the rich burgundies, plums, and forest greens that seem to shimmer with an inner glow. These hues are perfect for creating a sense of luxury and elegance, and they pair beautifully with luxurious textures like velvet, satin, and rich wool.

In contrast, True Autumn is defined by its more vibrant and golden tones that capture the warmth and vibrancy of the season.

While both Dark Autumn and True Autumn share a common foundation in the Autumn color palette, the distinct differences in their hues and undertones can have a significant impact on the overall aesthetic and personality of an outfit.

I will start with Leighton first, as this is the most interesting case of a misconception. She was previously typed as a Dark Autumn.

And we can see why people would jump to a conclusion right away.

It’s easy to pick on one or two characteristics in this case it’s brown pigmented hair and dark brown eyes – you would automatically end up being in the category of Dark Autumn just because seemingly brown hair has red pigmentation in it.

This warm tonality of the hair that at some particular angle matches the degree of warmth of the eye color confuses people into thinking it must be some warm color palette for sure.

However, I’d argue with that because there are some cases like this for example that requires deeper research because it looks like it doesn’t really sit well with her.

Let’s see together why it doesn’t work as suggested.

Her skin – is the point where we “trip”. It doesn’t match the description of the Autumn type, there is no visible warm undertone or the overtone.

She gets a little of it when bronzed, but in general, that’s just it.

We can see that it’s not pale white and lacks clarity to call it Bright for example Spring.

If we take a closer look at the skin itself we can see that the skin is white with a baby pink undertone, but it’s not too thin in texture that’s why it’s not obvious to the naked eye that it might be Light Spring per se.

This skin has a rather mid-range thickness which is why you can’t see an obvious delicacy and the vibe of the aristocratic-looking skin (P.S. take a look at Elle Fanning).

When you look at her as a complete image you will not notice too much of a contrast even though her eyes do stand to be very contrasting.

But in the overall complexity of the image, this contrast between the features is completely fazed out.

Especially when adding more ginger-brown colors to her hair – it emphasizes the neutrality even more.

So much speculation has been done over the fact that her hair was naturally blond.

However, this theory that someone came up with that you are only one type since the moment you were born – is completely false (perceive it as complete nonsense).

It’s definitely not 100% of the time that Mother Nature knows better what hair color suits you the best.

This is one of such cases. Yes, it does happen a lot, but by far not for everyone.

So I’d say that deep darker colors suit her appearance much better than what she was originally.

You don’t have to agree or disagree with me on that, that’s just my personal opinion based on the multitude of people that I worked with.

This contrast that she has applied is deep but soft, meaning not as harsh as the Winter type because again she is in the mid-range contrast.

So, what would that appearance be if you cannot really put your finger on it?

We need to see what she looks like in gold and grey/silver colors first.

In this case I cannot say that I have a warm or cold color type preference here.

Both these colors can suit her and at the same time just be there as an odd-looking piece.

Let’s see how she would work with the pastels.

Here we can see that those are not bad, but it also feels that she needs more deep pigmentation in the hair for such a soft color.

For example here, the density of the hair color works well with the density of the eye color, and all together on the background of the pale soft beige color, it work really well for her.

Here we can see how pale colors require deepness of the color from her. That’s one of the types that is going to fluctuate a lot depending on different factors like changing the hair color or the season of the year.

Here is a good example of how it all can work out.

Pay attention to how warm and cool colors work for here here. Silver eyeshadow suits people not so often, but when we look at Leighton – it all works well on the contrast.

We can see here that deep dark colors suit her well especially when her hair matches the color of her eyes.

She can really work that deep dark color palette.

She is wearing really contrasting patterns here and it all works well for her.

So far we have established that deep, dark, and contrasting colors work well for her.

All shades of Spring pink from soft to bright Spring work really well as her pink undertone of the skin completely matches with it contributing to the healthy glow.

Highly contrasting colors work for her appearance really well.

What is this color palette that can wear deep dark color together with super bright Spring colors and be in the middle of gold vs silver type?

Of course, for those of you who have watched my content for a while now, you know it’s in-transition type.

That constellation of Deep Autumn vs Deep Winter with a transit to Bright Spring.

Diane Lane who was previously typed as a True Autumn and let’s see why it’s a common misconception.

Let’s see why this case is interesting.

We stumbled upon the realization that between cool grey and golden – cool grey looks so much more elegant.

The coolness of the color calms her appearance down and that is exactly what she needs.

A common misconception is again in the color of her hair, people tend to jump to easy conclusions.

But when we actually see her in comparison with how cool and warm shades work with others, we see that she needs to drive away from the common conclusion.

Absolutely indisputable fact that she needs Soft pastel colors and they better be on the cool side.

All colors ranging from the blue side of the palette to cool and soft green (as long as they are on the cool side) work wonderfully for her.

The undeniable fact that she cannot be an Autumn – this yellow mustardy shade – goes a different direction with her color type.

If she was any of the hypothetical Autumn types – she would be drawn to the transition to the Spring colors like hot pink or green for example.

But we can see, that it’s a total miss for her.

The way black interferes with the delicacy of her appearance is very vivid. Don’t even think she could be the Autumn.

Diane Lane is a Soft Summer color palette – not any type of Autumn.

We also have Jennifer Stone as a hypothetical True Autumn. Let’s see if that’s a hit or miss.

All of these actresses have a similar hair color – but what I don’t see is how well their skin must have blended in with the honey-yellow or mustard-yellow shading.

We see the clarity in the skin of hers and maybe someone would even think she is somewhere in the range of colors of Leighton Meester.

I’d rather see her in Bright Spring colors rather than dark and earthy tones.

She has a lot of clarity to prove it right, while deeper colors tend to fade it out.

She look more pale and dim with dark colors together with mustard yellow or brownish pigments.

Yes, she is an obviously warm type judging by the golden shade of her skin – fits her very well.

Identifying the Characteristics of Soft Autumn

Soft Autumn is characterized by its softer, more muted shades that capture the gentler, more subdued aspects of the Autumn season.

These colors are often described as “dusty” or “hazy,” with a subtle and harmonious quality that can be both soothing and sophisticated.

Think of the soft, earthy tones of olive greens, muted golds, and warm beiges that evoke the natural world in a more understated way.

The importance of understanding your undertones cannot be overstated when it comes to the Soft Autumn color palette. Unlike the deeper, richer hues of Dark Autumn or the vibrant, golden tones of True Autumn, Soft Autumn is all about finding the right balance between warm and cool undertones.

This can be a delicate balance, as the wrong shade can either appear too harsh or too washed out.

By taking the time to explore your unique undertones and how they interact with the Soft Autumn palette, you can discover the shades and hues that will truly flatter your complexion and bring out the best in your natural features.

Soft Autumn is a study in subtlety and harmony, where the colors work together to create a cohesive and elegant look.

Natascha McElhone’s color analysis was previously considered a Soft Autumn.

A very interesting type because I almost haven’t found any color-inappropriate pictures of her.

She is one of those people who can work with any color or any shade imaginable.

She looks absolutely incredible in both warm and cool shades, soft and deep. So what is actually her color type?

That must be an in-transition type.

The only thing that we need to know is what her “major” type is and which transit it belongs to.

That type is like an astrological chart, things are not as straightforward as with one specific type.

The reason why the stylists are drawn to typing her as a Soft Autumn or any other Autumn type is just because they see her hair color which is in golden-warm shades and her neutral skin tone.

However, this skin tone, especially if you have a neutral skin type will be your chameleon, so it can change in regards to the season or serve as a good color reflector of the color that you are wearing.

She has icy and sometimes grey-blue eyes and if you see her wearing grey, grey-blue, all cold derivated colors, teal green, or blue – it looks 100% spot on for her. Me, as an Autumn transit, I cannot wear grey or grey derivated colors. Even though I am a transit, Autumn tonality has a predomination in my case. But not with Natacha.

Those rather Soft Summer and True Summer colors work the best for her.

But, then how is she able to wear gold-shaded outfits and gold-tinted hair with this matching summer tan?

Looks good, right?

And probably you must have thought that she is an Autumn in-transition type.

But if she was she would look as good in grey colors and she would definitely transit down to even Bright Spring colors. And here, we see that she doesn’t.

She doesn’t spiral down to this trajectory. Not her thing, right?

It’s very difficult to distinguish this specific case because her skin type is very adaptive.

She can wear both Summer and Autumn colors.

She is definitely leaning towards the Summer type in essence but can work it out in the Autumn type from time to time.I’d say that Autumn colors are her second choice palettes.

Here we can conclude that her type is a Soft Summer and Soft Autumn transit leaning towards the Summer type. The Summer type is her essence.

Quick Autumn Color Types Explanation

Autumn Type	Color Palette	Best Colors	Worst Colors
Dark Autumn	Rich and Warm	Deep and intense colors	Pastel or cool tones
True Autumn	Warm and Golden	Earthy and warm tones	Cool or icy colors
Soft Autumn	Muted and Soft	Muted and soft shades	Harsh or bright colors

When it comes to building a wardrobe that celebrates the rich and sophisticated hues of Dark Autumn, it’s all about investing in pieces that flatter the complexion and capture the essence of the season.

These deep, jewel-toned colors are the perfect canvas for creating a sense of luxury and elegance, and they can be easily incorporated into a variety of outfits and occasions.

One of the key wardrobe essentials for Dark Autumn is a well-tailored blazer or jacket in a rich, burgundy or plum hue.

These colors not only add a touch of sophistication to any outfit, but they also have a way of flattering the skin tone and bringing out the best in the complexion.

Pair these pieces with a crisp white shirt or a flowing, jewel-toned blouse for a look that is both polished and effortless.

Another essential for the Dark Autumn wardrobe is a selection of luxurious, textured pieces that add depth and dimension to your outfits.

Think velvet dresses in deep forest greens, or a sumptuous cashmere sweater in a rich, chocolate brown.

These tactile fabrics not only feel amazing against the skin, but they also create a sense of warmth and coziness that is perfectly in tune with the Autumn season.

By investing in these key wardrobe essentials, you can cultivate a Dark Autumn style that is both timeless and on-trend.

Whether you’re dressing for a formal event or simply running errands around town, these rich, jewel-toned hues and luxurious textures will help you feel confident and effortlessly chic.

Flattering Hues and Textures for True Autumn

When it comes to embracing the warmth and vibrancy of the True Autumn color palette, it’s all about celebrating the natural beauty of the season.

These earthy, golden tones are the perfect canvas for creating outfits that are both stylish and approachable, with a touch of rustic charm.

One of the key pieces in the True Autumn wardrobe is a statement-making piece in a warm, burnished orange or deep mustard yellow.

These colors have a way of instantly brightening the complexion and adding a touch of radiance to any outfit.

Pair a vibrant orange blouse with a pair of crisp, white denim for a look that is both casual and chic, or opt for a flowing maxi dress in a deep, golden hue for a more formal occasion.

In addition to these vibrant hues, True Autumn also lends itself beautifully to natural, textured fabrics that capture the essence of the season.

Think soft, suede skirts in a warm camel tone, or a cozy, cable-knit sweater in a rich, earthy brown.

These natural fibers not only feel amazing against the skin, but they also create a sense of warmth and approachability that is perfectly in tune with the True Autumn aesthetic.

By embracing the warmth and vibrancy of the True Autumn color palette, you can cultivate a style that is both effortless and elevated.

Whether you’re dressing for a day in the countryside or a night out on the town, these earthy, golden hues and natural textures will help you feel confident and comfortable in your own skin.

Accessorizing to Enhance the Autumn Look

Accessorizing is the key to elevating any Autumn-inspired outfit and bringing the rich, warm tones of the season to life.

From statement jewelry to cozy scarves, the right accessories can transform a simple ensemble into a stylish and cohesive look that celebrates the beauty of the Autumn palette.

When it comes to jewelry, the Autumn season lends itself beautifully to warm, metallic tones that add a touch of sophistication and depth to any outfit.

Think of a chunky, gold-toned necklace that draws the eye to the face, or a stack of delicate, copper-hued bangles that add a touch of rustic charm.

These metallic accents can help to anchor the Autumn palette and create a sense of harmony and balance.

Scarves are another essential accessory for the Autumn season, as they not only provide warmth and comfort but also offer an opportunity to play with color and texture.

A plush, cashmere scarf in a rich, burgundy hue can add a touch of luxury to a simple sweater and jeans, while a lightweight, printed silk scarf in a warm, earthy tone can add a touch of whimsy to a more formal ensemble.

Bags and shoes are also important considerations when it comes to accessorizing for the Autumn season.

A structured, leather tote in a deep, forest green can add a touch of sophistication to a casual outfit, while a pair of suede ankle boots in a warm, camel tone can ground a more formal look and provide a touch of rustic charm.

By carefully selecting the right accessories to complement the Autumn palette, you can create outfits that are not only stylish and on-trend but also reflect the rich, warm tones of the season.

Whether you’re dressing for a cozy day at home or a night out on the town, these accessorizing tips will help you feel confident and effortlessly chic.