Do you know your season? How sure are you? In this article I’m breaking down seasonal color theory. (This content is also available on your favorite podcast app or on YouTube: Dressing Your Season: The Truth About Seasonal Color Theory.
Today I’m going behind the scenes to bust some myths and reveal some truths about seasonal color and design theory. Buckle up! Your season may not be what you think!
I’m Rebecca Mielke. As your Visual Identity Consultant, I take you on a journey of self-discovery, so you can align your inner and outer self, show up confidently, and contribute your gifts to the world.
If you have ever had your colors done and not felt like yourself, or if you resist the idea of being put into a box, whether it is one of four or one of 24, I want to tell you about my “from-scratch” color discoveries. This is the final step on your journey of self-discovery. In this virtual color analysis, I take your inherent coloring and your essential aesthetic and create a harmonious, one-of-a-kind palette for you.
A Very Brief History of Seasonal Color Theory
So, back in the 80s, I read Color Me Beautiful just like everyone else. And I remember distinctly the first time through thinking I must be a spring. Because shiny gold. But none of the seasonal coloring descriptions really fit me.
Paranthetically, I worked with a client recently who had been a TV producer back in those days and Carole Jackson had been a guest on the show. When she, the producer, asked Carole Jackson about which season her coloring was, she was unable to give an answer.
Which, IMO, kinda proves four seasons is oversimplified.
Suzanne Caygill originated the idea of color analysis and the four seasons. My mentor, Carla Mathis, worked for Suzanne for several years back in the 60s. (I think all the details are right in this, but that is not actually my strong suit.) While Carla was working for and assisting Suzanne, she observed that, while Suzanne said she was assigning seasons based on coloring, what she was in fact doing was assigning them based on energy and qualities of movement. There would be all kinds of palettes represented within each season. But the qualities of movement were shared.
Seasonal Color Theory & Design Qualities
- Spring had a light, upward movement
- Summer had a graceful, flowing movement
- Autumn had a determined, purposeful movement
- Winter had a stillness and drama
You can find remnants of this system in Carol Tuttle’s Dressing Your Truth program.
There are a handful of people in the world who carry on the legacy of doing custom palettes in the tradition of Suzanne Caygill. And years ago, I read something online written by one of them in which she made the point that the color selection is done to achieve a certain look consistent with the seasonal design energy.
Ok, here’s what I think seasonal design theory is really all about: it’s a quality of design that evokes a feeling.
Let me share an example.
Recently I profiled a woman who has been to multiple color analysis professionals and typically gets assigned winter as her season. And she looks stunning in winter colors.
When I profiled her, I perceived that she presents as far more intimidating than she actually is. I also noticed the pattern that all the other people I had profiled as the same type as her were all summers.
So I tested the pre-built summer palettes I had and found one that is perfect for her. It looks just as good as the winter, but she looks softer, prettier, and more like herself.
My Philosophy About Seasonal Color Theory
In my philosophy, the point of using seasonal color theory, and all the other systems I use to help you create a signature style, is to make you look like you!
Your homework this week is to take note of the effect different colors have on you. Do you look like yourself? Do people respond to you the way you want them to? Thanks for being here for the Signature Style Systems podcast. Have fun being you! I’ll meet you back here again real soon.