You Might Be a Winter (And Here's How to Own It)

See our Winter Gemstone Collection

Let's talk about why some people can throw on a black leather jacket and look like they just stepped out of a magazine, while others put on the same jacket and somehow disappear into it. If you're one of those people who looks absolutely stunning in bold, dramatic colors but gets completely washed out in pastels, you might be dealing with a Winter color palette.

I'm not talking about seasonal trends here – this runs much deeper. This is about understanding your natural coloring well enough to choose colors that make you look like the most vibrant, confident version of yourself without even trying.

What Actually Makes Someone a Winter

The Winter palette comes down to two key things: you have cool undertones in your skin, and your natural coloring has high contrast. Think about it like this – if you were a photograph, you'd be that crisp, high-definition shot with deep shadows and bright highlights, not the soft, dreamy filter.

Here's how to check those cool undertones I mentioned: look at the veins on your wrist in natural light. If they appear blue or purple, you're cool-toned. If they look greenish, you're warm-toned.

If you honestly can't tell? You might be neutral, which means you can play in both warm and cool territories.

Here is an example of Winter Eye Color:

Typically a true Winter would have color like the hair colors below.

But Winter isn't just about being cool-toned. It's about having that natural drama in your coloring. Your hair might be deep brown or black, your eyes could be a striking blue, green, or dark brown, and your skin typically has that clear, bright quality to it.

The Different Types of Winter (Because We're All Unique)

This is where it gets really interesting. There are actually three different Winter palettes, and knowing which one you are makes all the difference in the world.

True Winter is what most people think of when they hear "Winter palette." You've got that classic Snow White thing going on – dark hair, light skin, and striking eyes. You can handle the most dramatic colors: true black, pure white, bright red, royal blue. These colors don't overpower you; they make you glow.

Deep Winter has a bit more warmth mixed in, but you're still definitely in Winter territory. Your hair might be that rich, dark brown with some golden undertones, and your skin could be a bit deeper or have some olive tones. You can wear those same dramatic colors as True Winter, but you can also handle some deeper, richer shades like emerald green or deep burgundy.

Bright (Clear)  Winter is where things get interesting because you're right on the border with Spring. You might have lighter hair – think ash blonde or light brown – but your eyes are typically very clear and bright. You need colors that are just as clear and bright as you are: true red, bright navy, clear emerald, and crisp white.

Your Winter Color Palette in Real Life

So what does this actually mean when you're standing in your closet or shopping for new pieces? Let me break it down in practical terms.

Your Power Colors:

• Blacks: This is your territory. True black, soft black, charcoal – you can wear them all
• Whites: Pure white, crisp white, bright white – not cream or ivory
• Reds: True red, cherry red, burgundy – anything with blue undertones
• Blues: Royal blue, navy, bright blue, ice blue
• Purples: Deep purple, magenta, bright violet
• Greens: Emerald, forest green, pine green
• Pinks: Hot pink, fuchsia, berry – the brighter, the better

Check out our Winter Collection 

Colors to Be Careful With:

• Anything too warm or golden (unless you're Deep Winter)
• Muted, dusty colors that lack clarity
• Colors that are too soft or pastel (they'll wash you out)
• Beige, camel, or warm browns
• Orange (unless it's a clear, bright orange-red)

The Jewelry Connection (This Is Where It Gets Fun)

Here's something most people don't realize: your color palette doesn't just apply to clothes. It applies to everything, including your jewelry. And when you get this right, it's like having a secret weapon.

If you're a Winter, white metals are going to be your best friend. White gold, platinum, and silver will enhance your natural coloring instead of competing with it. Yellow gold? It's probably going to clash with your cool undertones and make your skin look sallow.

Gemstones that will make you absolutely glow:

• Black stones: Black onyx, black spinel – these create that perfect contrast with your skin
• Clear, bright stones: Diamonds, clear quartz, white sapphires
• Deep blue stones: Sapphires, lapis lazuli, deep blue topaz
• Emerald greens: Emeralds (obviously), green tourmaline, malachite
• Rich purples: Amethyst, particularly the deeper varieties
• True red stones: Rubies, red garnets, red spinel

Find your perfect winter gemstone

The key is avoiding stones that are too muted or have warm undertones. That gorgeous golden citrine everyone loves? It's probably not going to do you any favors. But a clear, bright yellow sapphire? That could be absolutely stunning.

Makeup That Works With Your Coloring

Let's talk makeup for a minute because this is where Winter palettes can really shine or really struggle, depending on whether you're working with your natural coloring or against it.

Foundation: Look for undertones described as "pink," "cool," or "neutral." Avoid anything labeled "golden," "warm," or "yellow."

Blush: You can handle brighter, more intense blush colors than most people. Try berry tones, bright pink, or even a clear red.

Lipstick: This is where you can have some real fun. True reds, berry colors, bright pinks, even deep plums – you can wear lip colors that would overpower other palettes.

Eyeshadow: Cool-toned grays, silvers, deep blues, purples, and yes, even black. Avoid warm browns or anything too golden.

Eyeliner: Black is perfect for you, but you can also try deep navy or dark purple for something a little different.

Shopping Like You Know What You're Doing

Here's how to shop when you know you're a Winter. First, always try things on in natural light if possible. Those fitting room lights are notorious liars.

When you're looking at a color, ask yourself: Is this clear and bright, or is it muted and dusty? Does it have cool undertones or warm ones? Does it feel crisp and clean, or soft and blended?

For clothes, stick to your color palette but don't be afraid to mix and match within it. A black sweater with a bright red scarf and silver jewelry? Perfect Winter combination.

For makeup, read those undertone descriptions carefully. Most beauty brands are pretty good about labeling whether something is warm, cool, or neutral.

When You Get It Right (And When You Don't)

You'll know you're wearing your colors when people start asking if you've been on vacation or if you're wearing a new makeup. Your colors should make you look healthier, more vibrant, and just generally more "awake" – even when you're not.

When you wear colors that don't work, you might notice that people focus on the color instead of you. Or you might look tired even when you feel great, or your skin might look dull or sallow.

The Bottom Line

Understanding your Winter palette isn't about limiting yourself – it's about understanding what works so you can make confident choices. You don't have to throw out everything in your closet that doesn't fit the rules, but now you'll understand why certain things work and others don't.

And honestly? Once you start wearing colors that truly work with your natural coloring, you'll probably find yourself gravitating toward them automatically. Your Winter palette isn't a restriction – it's your roadmap to looking effortlessly put-together and confident.

The goal isn't to follow rules blindly, but to understand your natural coloring well enough to make choices that enhance rather than fight against what you were born with. And when you nail that? That's when you really start to shine.

See our Winter Gemstone Collection