The 12-season system is a fascinating way to find out which colors best suit your skin undertone and color type. In this article, you will not only learn what the 12-season system is and why it is important to know your color type, but also how to recognize the individual color types and cleverly integrate them into your capsule wardrobe.
Why is it important to know your color type?
Before we get into the 12 color types in detail, let's take a look at why it's important to know your color type in the first place. Your natural colors that match your complexion, hair, and eyes can have an amazing impact on your overall appearance. By identifying your color type, you can not only ensure that the clothes you wear accentuate your beauty, but also build an effective capsule wardrobe .
The 12 Seasons System is a method that uses the seasons as inspiration to define different color types. Each color type corresponds to a specific palette of colors that work harmoniously with your individual characteristics. The goal is to find the best colors for you and optimize your external appearance while building an efficient capsule wardrobe .
The 12 color types at a glance
While the traditional four seasons - spring, summer, autumn and winter - already provide a rough guide to color types, the 12-season system unfolds a fascinating depth to more accurately capture the subtle nuances of natural beauty. It opens up a broader perspective by first dividing the seasons into four main categories, each of which is in turn broken down into three unique subgroups. This differentiated structure allows for a more precise definition of the variety of color types and paves the way for a tailored approach to the personal color palette.
color type spring
In spring, nature awakens from its winter sleep, and the spring type also presents itself in warm and vibrant colors. The main category of spring can be further divided into three unique subgroups. The Warm Spring radiates a sunny energy with golden blonde tones and warm peach colors. The Light Spring, on the other hand, prefers muted pastel colors such as lemon yellow and soft coral. For the Bright Spring, clear and vibrant tones such as intense orange and brilliant turquoise are the focus. This subtle differentiation makes it possible to underline your personal charisma in spring with even more precision.
Warm Spring: This color type is characterized by warm and bright colors that are reminiscent of the warmth of spring. Golden blonde tones, warm peach colors and vibrant green tones harmonize perfectly with the complexion of this color type.
Light Spring: The colors of this spring type are also warm, but a little more muted. Light tones such as lemon yellow, coral and light greens suit this color type particularly well.
Bright Spring: This color type prefers lively and clear colors. Intense shades of orange, turquoise and bright green underline the natural charisma of Bright Spring.
color type summer
Summer shows itself in all its softness and clarity. This season is divided into three main types: Light Summer , Cool Summer and Soft Summer . Light Summer loves pastel tones such as delicate blue and rose. Cool Summer prefers cool blue and green tones that emphasize its clear elegance. Soft Summer relies on muted earth tones such as mauve and taupe to underline the understated beauty of summer.
Light Summer: The pastel colors of summer are the focus of this color type. Soft blue and pink tones, as well as delicate lavender tones, give the complexion a cool and refreshing note.
Cool Summer: Cool blue and green tones dominate the palette of this color type. Shades such as ice blue, mint green and delicate lilac emphasize the cool elegance of summer.
Soft Summer: The colors of this color type are also cool, but more muted. Earthy tones such as mauve, taupe and muted blue-gray are perfect for this understated summer.
color type autumn
Autumn presents itself in a palette of warm and earthy tones . The three main categories within the autumn type are Soft Autumn , Warm Autumn and Deep Autumn . Soft Autumn relies on muted shades such as rust red and olive green to emphasize the gentle side of autumn. Warm Autumn is dominated by warm brown and yellow tones, while Deep Autumn reflects the depth of autumn with intense colors such as dark burgundy and fir green.
Soft Autumn: Autumn shows its soft side with earthy and warm tones. Rust red, olive green and warm brown tones are characteristic of this color type.
Warm Autumn: With a palette of warm, rich colors including warm brown, rust and mustard yellow, Warm Autumn exudes the warmth of fall.
Deep Autumn: Deep, rich and earthy are the attributes of this color type. Dark burgundy, fir green and chocolate brown emphasize the depth and intensity of autumn.
color type Winter
Winter fascinates with its clear clarity and intensity . Here the season is divided into the main types Cool Winter , Bright Winter and Deep Winter . Cool Winter prefers cool blue and green tones that emphasize its clear charisma. Bright Winter radiates a lively energy with intense colors such as bright red and turquoise. Deep Winter, on the other hand, emphasizes the mysterious side of winter with deep and dark tones such as dark burgundy and fir green. These subtleties in winter give space for a precise emphasis on the individual personality.
Cool Winter: Cool and clear colors dominate the Cool Winter. Cool blue and green tones, as well as intense black and snow white, express the winter clarity.
Bright Winter: This color type prefers vibrant and clear colors. Intense shades of red, turquoise and clear white underline the radiant charisma of Bright Winter.
Deep Winter: Deep, dark and intense – that characterizes Deep Winter. Dark burgundy, fir green and deep blue tones give this color type a mysterious elegance.
By identifying your color type, you can not only choose the colors that suit you best, but also build a capsule wardrobe that highlights your individual beauty.
How do I recognize my color type and integrate it into my capsule wardrobe?
The good news is that you can find out your color type relatively easily. Here are some tips on how to do it:- Look at your skin color: Look closely and analyze the undertone of your skin. Warm undertones indicate spring or autumn, while cool undertones are more suitable for summer or winter. Sometimes make-up foundations will say whether it is a warm, neutral or cool tone.
- Hair color and eye color: Your natural hair color and eye color can also give clues to your color type. Blondes tend to be summer or spring types, while dark hair is more suited to autumn or winter types. If you have cool ash-blonde hair, you tend to be more summer-type, while cold black or dark brown hair is often associated with winter. Warm blonde or reddish hair suits spring, while warm brown hair suits autumn.
- Try different colors: Try different colors on clothes and see which ones make your skin glow. The colors that make you look fresh and alive could indicate your color type.
Capsule Wardrobe and the Magic of Colors
A capsule wardrobe is a minimalist wardrobe that consists of a few, high-quality items of clothing. By knowing your color type, you can choose the right colors for your capsule wardrobe. This means that each piece can be combined in many different ways and you can easily put together different outfits without sacrificing style and harmony.
For example, if your color type corresponds to summer, integrate soft blues and pinks as well as neutral colors into your capsule wardrobe. An autumn type, on the other hand, can rely on earthy tones , such as ochre and rust, to create a warm and harmonious wardrobe. The capsule wardrobe thus becomes a well-thought-out selection of clothing items that not only harmonize with each other, but also emphasize your natural beauty.
Advantages of the color type in the capsule wardrobe:
Harmonious combinations: A color-type-conscious approach allows you to choose garments that can be harmoniously combined with each other. This creates more outfit possibilities with fewer pieces.
Fewer bad purchases: Knowing your color type prevents you from being seduced by current trends that do not match your individual color spectrum. You only invest in clothes that are not only fashionable but also flattering for your natural colors.
Easier decision-making: A capsule wardrobe tailored to your color type makes choosing your outfit in the morning easier. Everything goes together and you spend less time standing in front of the closet thinking about what goes together.
Our ultimate color type guides
Your journey to discovering your perfect color type will be an even more exciting experience with our comprehensive color type guides. In our extensive eBook guides, we offer a detailed exploration of the main categories of spring, summer, fall and winter. Each eBook is filled with a variety of color-coordinated outfit and color inspiration. In addition, our guides also include makeup and nail polish recommendations that enhance your natural beauty.
With our color type guides you will never choose the wrong lipstick again – discover your perfect shade!