How does the colour palette work in summer when I’m tanned? Do I become a different type?

Your personal colour palette is based on your skin’s undertone, eye colour, and natural hair colour. Because these traits don’t fundamentally change when you get a tan, you don’t need to worry about suddenly belonging to a completely new season. Even with a summer tan, you’re still the same colour type as before.

What happens to the palette when you tan?

• Intensity can increase. Sun-kissed skin means you can wear slightly deeper shades from the same palette without the colours feeling too strong.
• The undertone remains. The warm or cool tone in your skin rarely changes enough to affect your entire colour type.
• You can borrow from neighbouring seasons. As a “Soft Summer,” you might pick accents from your sister season if you want, but the base of your palette remains the same in the long run.

How to maintain harmony in your wardrobe

1. Focus on the shades you already love. They look just as good when your skin gets more colour.
2. Adjust your makeup with the seasons. Follow a guide like Soft Summer Makeup to match your tan.
3. Test in daylight. Try clothes and makeup in natural light to see how the colours play against your skin tone.

So you remain the same colour type – for example, Soft Summer – even if your skin tone becomes more vibrant during summer. Experiment with your entire palette and add a little extra depth where it feels right.

Read more in Sister seasons and seasonal variation or book a digital colour analysis for personal advice.