Color Theory: Are You Bright or Soft?
More often than not, when I see someone wearing a color that doesn't look right on them it's because the color is too bright or too muted. They may have cool undertones and be wearing blue... but if they have soft coloring... a bright royal blue will wear them. If someone has brighter coloring, then a muted blue-grey will drain them of color.
Just like everyone has warm or cool undertones, you have a level of chroma. A level of saturation. The colors that you wear should be in harmony with your natural coloring and tone. So, if you have soft tones, then soft colors will look best. If you have brightness about you, then brighter colors (not muted) will look better on you.
How saturated a color is the chroma. Clear colors have no grey added to them. They can be light or dark, just not greyed or muted. Muted colors have grey added to them... muting them and softening them.
In this color theory lesson, I show you the difference between soft tones and bright tones... in the color wheel and in people. I've put together lots of examples, so that you can learn if you are soft or bright. At the end of the video, I show you what seasons you may fit into based on your overall chroma.
10 More Examples
10 More Examples with women of color
Once you've had a chance to watch, I'd love to know:
Have fun and wear what you love!
Jen Thoden
- Are you bright or soft?
- Do you have cool undertones or warm undertones?
- Posted in color theory, Jen Thoden's Color System
I’m still confused. I am pretty certain I am warm, but not sure on the bright. I used to have mid brown hair so always assumed I was autumn. Now that my hair is white and mid – light grey I am thinking I was always a spring as my eyes are a green/ blue / yellow combination, but can look a bit grey and do have a very small amount of rust around the pupil and a couple of flecks. So basically confused if I am autumn soft or spring bright.
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Your Color Style replied:
HI Sandra
Your Color Style is not seasonal color analysis, so I’m sorry but I won’t be able to help you find your season. You sound like you are bright and warm in Your Color Style.
Jen