You Might Be a Summer (And Here's How to Know for Sure)

See our Summer Gemstone Collection

Let's talk about something that might explain why certain colors make you look like you just got back from a spa vacation, while others make you look like you need one. If you've ever wondered why that gorgeous coral lipstick your friend raves about makes you look washed out, or why you gravitate toward certain shades without really knowing why, you might be dealing with a Summer color palette.

I'm not talking about seasonal fashion trends here. This is about the colors that work with your natural coloring – your skin, hair, and eyes – to make you look healthier, more vibrant, and just generally more put-together without trying.

What Actually Makes Someone a Summer

The whole Summer thing comes down to two main factors: you have cool undertones in your skin, and your overall coloring is on the softer, more muted side rather than high-contrast or super bright.

Here's what I mean by cool undertones – hold your arm up and look at the veins on your wrist. See them? If they look blue or purple, you're cool-toned. If they look greenish, you're warm-toned. Can't tell? You might be neutral, which means you can play in both camps.

But Summer isn't just about being cool-toned. It's about having that softer, more subtle kind of beauty. Think about it like this: if you were a photograph, you'd be the one with a gentle filter applied, not the high-contrast black and white shot.

The Different Types of Summer (Because We're Not All the Same)

This is where it gets interesting. There are actually three different types of Summer palettes, and figuring out which one you are makes all the difference.

Light Summer is probably the most common. You likely have light to medium ash blonde or light brown hair, blue or green eyes, and fair to light skin with pink undertones. You look amazing in soft, light colors – think powder blue, lavender, soft pink, and light gray. Heavy, dark colors tend to overpower you.

True Summer has a bit more contrast. Your hair might be a medium ash brown or darker blonde, your eyes could be blue, green, or soft brown, and your skin still has those cool pink undertones but might be a bit deeper. You can handle slightly more saturated colors than Light Summer – navy instead of powder blue, deeper rose instead of baby pink.

Soft Summer is where things get tricky because you're right on the border between Summer and Autumn. Your hair might have some warmth to it (think ash brown with golden highlights), your eyes could be hazel or soft brown, and while you still have cool undertones, they're more muted. You can actually wear some warm colors, but they need to be soft and muted, not bright or intense.

Your Summer Color Palette in Real Life

So what does this actually mean for your wardrobe and makeup? Let me break it down in practical terms.

Your Best Colors:

• Blues: Think soft sky blue, powder blue, periwinkle, soft navy
• Pinks: Rose, dusty pink, soft fuchsia, mauve
• Purples: Lavender, soft plum, lilac
• Greens: Sage, soft mint, blue-green, soft teal
• Neutrals: Soft gray, taupe, cream, soft white
• If you're Soft Summer: Add muted corals, soft yellows, and gentle warm browns

Colors to Approach Carefully:

• Bright, clear colors (they'll overpower you)
• Very warm colors like orange, bright yellow, or warm red (unless you're Soft Summer)
• Very dark colors like black (charcoal or soft black work better)
• Colors with a lot of yellow in them

The Jewelry Connection (This is Where It Gets Fun)

Here are the gemstones we have in a Summer Color Palette

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 this is where knowing your Summer palette becomes really practical.

If you're a Summer, silver jewelry is going to be your best friend. White gold and platinum work beautifully too. Rose gold can work for Soft Summers, but regular gold? It's probably going to clash with your cool undertones and make your skin look sallow.

Gemstones that will make you glow:

• Blue stones: Aquamarine is like it was made for you. Light blue sapphires, blue topaz, even turquoise.
• Purple stones: Light amethyst, lavender stones – these will bring out any purple flecks in your eyes.
• Pink stones: Rose quartz, pink sapphires, soft pink tourmaline.
• Green stones: Light peridot, pale emeralds, but stick to the softer shades.
• Pearls: Especially in white, cream, or soft pink.

The key is staying away from very saturated, bright gemstones. That gorgeous bright emerald might look stunning in the store, but on you? It might be too intense.

Makeup That Actually Works With Your Coloring

Let's talk makeup for a minute because this is where Summer palettes can really shine or really struggle.

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

Blush: Soft pink, rose, or berry tones. That bright coral everyone raves about? Probably not your friend.

Lipstick: Rose tones, soft berries, mauve, dusty pink. If you want to try red, go for a blue-based red rather than an orange-based one.

Eyeshadow: Soft grays, taupes, lavenders, soft blues. Avoid very warm browns or anything too golden.

Eyeliner: Brown is often better than black – try soft brown or charcoal instead of harsh black.

Shopping Like a Pro (No More Guessing)

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

When you're looking at a color, ask yourself: Does this have cool undertones? Is it soft rather than bright or intense? Does it make my skin look clearer or does it wash me out?

For clothes, stick to your color palette but don't be afraid to mix and match. A soft gray sweater with a dusty pink scarf and silver jewelry? Perfect Summer combination.

For makeup, read the undertone descriptions on foundations and stick to cool-toned formulas. When in doubt, ask for help – most beauty counter staff can help you figure out if something has warm or cool undertones.

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

You'll know you're wearing your colors when people start complimenting your skin, asking if you've been on vacation, or saying you look "glowing." Your colors should make you look healthier and more vibrant, not compete with your natural beauty.

On the flip side, when you wear colors that don't work, you might notice your skin looks sallow, you appear tired even when you're not, or the color seems to be wearing you instead of the other way around.

The Bottom Line

Understanding your Summer palette isn't about limiting yourself – it's about understanding what works so you can make better choices. You don't have to throw out everything in your closet that doesn't fit the rules, but now you'll know 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 reaching for them automatically. Your Summer palette isn't a restriction – it's your secret weapon for looking effortlessly put-together.

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 that? That's when you really start to glow.

See our Summer Gemstone Collection