Soft Autumn vs Soft Summer
These two are the most commonly confused seasons. Both look best in muted, blended colors and both have low contrast — the difference is a quiet shift in temperature.
Soft Autumn
Warm, mellow and earthy
- Olive #8A8B5C
- Salmon #E39B83
- Moss #7E8F5A
- Warm Teal #5F8F86
- Soft Terracotta #C1785C
- Khaki #BDAE85
- Mushroom #A48F7C
- Oatmeal #E8DCC6
Soft Summer
Muted, dreamy and sophisticated
- Dusty Rose #C9A1A8
- Sage #9CAF94
- Smoky Blue #7D93A8
- Mauve #9E7B8F
- Soft Teal #6F9C9A
- Heather #A897B5
- Rose Taupe #9A8582
- Oyster #E6E1DA
What they have in common
Muted colors, low contrast, medium depth. Neither suits pure black or neon brights.
Key differences
| Soft Autumn | Soft Summer | |
|---|---|---|
| Undertone | Neutral-warm — a hint of gold | Neutral-cool — a hint of rose |
| Best neutrals | Oatmeal, mushroom, olive | Rose taupe, soft grey, charcoal blue |
| Greens | Olive and moss | Sage and soft teal |
| Pinks | Salmon and peach | Dusty rose and mauve |
| Metals | Antique or brushed gold | Brushed silver or pewter |
How to tell which you are
- 1
Hold a camel scarf and a soft grey scarf under your chin in daylight. If camel evens out your skin, lean Soft Autumn; if grey does, lean Soft Summer.
- 2
Compare a salmon lipstick with a dusty rose one. Salmon looking natural points to Soft Autumn.
- 3
Check your hair in sunlight: golden or copper glints suggest Autumn, ashy tones suggest Summer.
If you can't decide, live in the overlap — sage, soft teal, taupe and muted rosewood flatter both — and let your best metal break the tie.
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