True Summer vs Soft Summer: What's the Difference?
Understanding the nuances between these two cool-toned seasons
True Summer and Soft Summer are both cool-toned seasons, but they aren't the same. The difference is how much grey is in your colours. While a True Summer needs clear, cool tones to look their best, a Soft Summer works better with muted, dusty shades that match the softness in your skin, eyes and hair.
The main difference between True Summer and Soft Summer
The quickest way to tell them apart is to look at the intensity of the colours. True Summer is the 'coolest' of the summer seasons. If you're a True Summer, your natural colouring is clearly cool and sits in the middle, it's not overly bright, but it's not washed out either. Your palette is full of dusty rose, raspberry, cool blues and crisp silver.
Soft Summer is the bridge between summer and autumn. Because you're a Soft Summer, your colouring has a bit of that muted autumn quality. You can handle a tiny bit of warmth, but the main thing is that your colours need to be soft. If you put a vibrant, icy True Summer blue next to a Soft Summer, that blue might look like it's wearing you, rather than the other way around.
Cool Summer vs Soft Summer: how do they compare?
It's easy to mix up Cool Summer and Soft Summer because they both have a cool undertone. If you're a Cool Summer, your palette focuses on keeping that crisp, cool-blue edge. You don't have much room for muddiness or earthiness.
Soft Summer sits in a different spot. You're still cool, but you're not as 'cool-dominant.' You have more room for colours that aren't strictly icy or bright. Where a Cool Summer looks best in a clear, icy lavender, a Soft Summer will look more at home in a muted, greyed-down mauve. It's about finding that balance where the colour doesn't fight with the natural softness of your features.
Why black is usually tricky for both
Pure jet black tends to be a trickier colour for most summer types. It creates a stark contrast that can make your skin look a little grey or drained next to your face. This is especially true for Soft Summers, who need that bit of muted harmony to look their best. That doesn't mean it's off the table entirely, but it is worth knowing why it can feel a bit much.
Instead of hunting for the perfect black, try looking at greys. Soft Summers often look great in charcoal, stone or deep, cool slate. These give you that sense of depth without the intensity of black. If you're not sure which way to go, our guide on what to wear instead of black goes into more detail on how to find your best dark neutrals.
How to tell which one you are
The best way to see the difference is to hold colours up to your face in natural light. Look for a range of soft, muted blue-greys and some brighter, cooler berry tones. A Soft Summer will usually feel more comfortable in the muted, dusty side of the selection, while a True Summer will find that the slightly brighter, cleaner cool tones make them look more 'awake'.
If you're still feeling stuck, you can try our Very YOU quiz to get a result based on your features. Knowing whether you sit in the True or Soft category can change how you approach everything from your jewellery to your favourite sunglasses, and it saves a lot of time in the long run.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Soft Summer wear any True Summer colours?
Yes. Colour seasons aren't meant to be prisons. You can borrow from other seasons if the colour is cool and soft. If you love a colour from the True Summer palette, try to find a version of it that is slightly more muted.
Does my hair colour determine if I'm True or Soft?
It's one piece of the puzzle, but not the whole thing. Your overall contrast level and how much 'grey' or 'mutedness' there is in your eyes and skin matter just as much as your hair.
True Summer and Soft Summer are both cool-toned seasons, but they aren't the same. The difference is how much grey is in your colours. While a True Summer needs clear, cool tones to look their best, a Soft Summer works better with muted, dusty shades that match the softness in your skin, eyes and hair.
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BROOKE SHIRT - THE TAILORED - Black, Cotton Twill - 16
The Shirt Company
-£95.00TAILORED V-LINE SILHOUETTE — BROADENS THE SHOULDERS, NARROWS THE WAIST Flattering fit designed for real women No gaping at the bust Premium, breathable fabric Designed in London, made in limited pieces Featuring structured waist-to-shoulder panels, the Brooke blouse offers a sophisticated nod to the 80's while sculpting a flattering trapezoid silhouette that slims the waist and defines the shoulders. Crafted from medium-weight cotton twill, this crisp black blouse boasts precision shirt-making with front and back waist darts and a perfectly structured classic collar. Tuck it into high-waisted tailored trousers or denim for an effortlessly cool 80’s power dressing vibe and uber flattering silhouette. Model is wearing a size 10, height is 5'9" === Available in back only Limited quantity - small batch production Tailored fit 100% cotton twill, medium weight and structured Side panels creating a trapeze shape to slim waist and define shoulders Button front placket Standard two button cuffs Roomy across the bust Mind the gap button hidden inside the placket at bust point to prevent gaping Gathers at top of sleeve head Gentle gathers at cuffs Body length front: sizes 6-8: 66 – 66.5cm, sizes 10-12: 67 – 67.5cm, sizes 14-16: 68 –68.5cm, size 18: 69cm Body length back: sizes 6-8: 64 – 64.5cm, sizes 10-12: 65 – 65.5cm, sizes 14-16: 66 –66.5.cm, size 18: 67cm Machine wash, warm iron Model is wearing a size 10, height is 5’9"
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No sleeves needed for this awesome All Over Print Tank Top! This tank is made with 100% Premium Polyester and hand-finished to ensure your graphic is aligned, complete, and totally brilliant. Machine wash as much as you like - our tanks undergo sublimation printing that utilizes a special heat-dye application that resists fading and bleeds. Comfort & Style 100% Premium Polyester. This fabric is incredibly strong and durable as well as resistant to wrinkles, shrinking, abrasion, and mildew. Machine washable and easy to care for. Vivid & Original 360 Design High-definition sublimation printing technique covers the entire front, back... everything! Each fabric panel of the tank top is printed with the graphics before sewing to ensure the design is flawless and the construction is perfect. Quality - Hand Made in the USA Each tank is created and hand-finished in the USA. High construction quality with great attention to detail ensures it won't ever fade, crack, or peel! - On Cue Apparel Squirtle Men's Tank Top in Black - 3XL by iEDM
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No sleeves needed for this awesome All Over Print Tank Top! This tank is made with 100% Premium Polyester and hand-finished to ensure your graphic is aligned, complete, and totally brilliant. Machine wash as much as you like - our tanks undergo sublimation printing that utilizes a special heat-dye application that resists fading and bleeds. Comfort & Style 100% Premium Polyester. This fabric is incredibly strong and durable as well as resistant to wrinkles, shrinking, abrasion, and mildew. Machine washable and easy to care for. Vivid & Original 360 Design High-definition sublimation printing technique covers the entire front, back... everything! Each fabric panel of the tank top is printed with the graphics before sewing to ensure the design is flawless and the construction is perfect. Quality - Hand Made in the USA Each tank is created and hand-finished in the USA. High construction quality with great attention to detail ensures it won't ever fade, crack, or peel! - Set 4 Lyfe Metatronic Men's Tank Top in Black - 2XL by iEDM
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This hoodie is made with 100% Premium Quality Poly-Fleece Fabric and hand-finished to ensure your pullover hoodie graphic is aligned, complete, and totally brilliant. Machine wash as much as you like - our hoodies undergo sublimation printing that utilizes a special heat-dye application that resists fading and bleeds. Comfort & Style 100% Premium Quality Poly-Fleece Fabric. This fabric is incredibly strong and durable as well as resistant to wrinkles, shrinking, abrasion, and mildew. Machine washable and easy to care for. Vivid & Original 360 Design High-definition sublimation printing technique covers the entire front, back, hood, sleeves - everything! Each fabric panel of the hoodie is printed with the graphics before sewing to ensure the design is flawless and the construction is perfect. Quality - Hand Made in the USA Each hoodie is created and hand-finished in the USA. High construction quality with great attention to detail ensures it won't ever fade, crack, or peel! - BrizBazaar Dreamy Ohm Unisex Hoodie in Black - 2XL - Pullover by iEDM
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