Did you know that your natural coloring corresponds to a season? Read on to find which one is yours, and what colors you should be wearing according to Japanese color experts.
What is your color palette? You might be struggling to find the perfect color combination for your dream wardrobe. But, fear no more, seasonal color experts in Japan have a way to help you choose what to wear or not to wear. Exploding in popularity among Japanese fashionistas, seasonal color analysis—Japan-style—is the answer to your fashion prayers.
The origin of Seasonal Color Analysis in Japan
Open any Japanese magazine and you’ll see many different profiles: are you a “sweet” or “spicy” type of dresser, is your skin more “blue-based” or “yellow-based,” and are you a “spring,” “summer,” “autumn,” or “winter” type of person? All of these easy shorthand categories have the same purpose: if you find your best fit, an expert can guide you through the very best clothes and makeup made right for you.
Japan has a knack for taking inspiration from abroad and improving upon these concepts (strawberry shortcake, anyone?). Personal color theory exploded in popularity in the United States in the 1980s, with the publication of books such as Carole Jackson’s Color Me Beautiful (1980).
According to color analysts in Japan and abroad, your best colors—those which will best harmonize with your skin, eye, and natural hair colors—can be grouped into the four seasons, a concept dear to Japan. Recently, some have expanded the system to include 12 combination seasonal colors, such as Soft Summer (a mix of Summer and Autumn) or Dark Autumn (a mix of Autumn and Winter).
Light, Muted, and Cool: you’re Summer!
If your season is Summer, your undertone is cool and your features are lighter and softer!
Natural Hair Color: blonde to dark brown/black, but always with cool and ashy undertones
Natural Eye Color: cool-toned and muted, from blue or green to brown
Your bestcolors according to Japanese color analysts are: blue-based pinks, soft purples, and greyed blues. Since your features are light and have lower contrast, aim for an overall light-colored outfit that matches this- think of a dress with a delicate pattern in a color that blends nicely with its background.
For makeup, you should avoid heavy contouring and choose pastel-colored eye makeup with a pinkish matte or pearled lipstick for an ethereal Summer look.
Your Japanese celebrity muse is Ishihara Satomi (石原さとみ).
Dark, Muted, and Warm: you’re Autumn!
If your season is Autumn, your undertone is warm and your features are darker and softer!
Yourbestcolors according to Japanese color analysts are: warm browns, olive and moss greens, and terracotta orange. Autumns have a wide range of neutrals to stun in- from chocolate brown to khaki- embrace those earth tones!
Natural Hair Color: warm-toned and rich, from golden blonde and red to deep warm brown and black
Natural Eye Color: warm greens and blues to deep chestnut brown
For makeup, aim for golden and brown eye makeup with spicy-colored lips- think deep oranges and warm muted reds- to bring out your Autumn-ness.
Your Japanese celebrity muse is Kitagawa Keiko (北川景子).
Dark, Bright, and Cool: you’re Winter!
If your season is Winter, your undertone is cool and your features are darker and brighter!
Natural Hair Color: deep and dark coloring with ashy and cool undertones
Natural Eye Color: deep and bright, from cool blue to black
Your bestcolors according to Japanese color analysts are: bright red, dark pink, black, and white. Since your features have the highest contrast of all seasons, try playing this up in your outfits with bold patterns in contrasting cool and bright colors.
For makeup, Winter types can pull off a bombshell look- true red lips, bold black eyeliner, and a dark grey smoky eye.
Your Japanese celebrity muse is Mizuhara Kiko (水原希子).
Do you agree with this theory trending in Japan? What is your seasonal color? Tell us everything in the comments!
