How to Shift Your Color Palette, Makeup, and Style for Summer (Without Losing Your Moxie!)

Summer is here, and you know what that means — blue skies, warm sunshine, a little (or a lot of) tan... and a whole lot of confusion about what colors and makeup you should wear now. 🌞

In this week's episode of Midlife Moxie, we’re diving into one of the questions we get asked the most:
“Do I need to change my color palette for summer?”
(Hint: The answer is not what you might think!)

🎥 Watch or listen here:

🌸 Your Color Palette Shouldn't Change Just Because the Seasons Do

First things first: if a color flatters you in winter, it still flatters you in summer. Your color palette — based on your depth, undertone, and chroma — stays the same year-round.

BUT (and it’s a big but) how you wear your colors can — and often should — shift a little for the warmer months. It's all about:

• Fabric Choices: Think linen, cotton, and lighter weaves that breathe.

• Where You Wear Your Colors: Darker neutrals like black, navy, or chocolate? Absolutely still wearable — just style them differently (hello, open-toed shoes and lighter tops!)

• Overall Vibe: Lighter, breezier silhouettes and accessories give your outfits a true summer feeling, even if the colors are deeper.

☀️ What Happens to Your Skin (and Makeup) When You Tan?

Whether you tan naturally, fake it with sunless tanner, or just catch a little extra sunshine by accident — your skin tone can subtly shift during the summer months.

• If you’re cool-toned, a tan can make you pull slightly warmer. You might suddenly find that corals, warm reds, and vibrant greens look extra amazing on you.

• If you’re warm-toned, your golden undertones glow even more — making summer your season to shine in peach, salmon, golden yellows, and earthy browns.

And yes — your makeup may need a little seasonal update too!
We share when to swap out icy, silvery tones for warmer, more golden makeup (and why some of your favorite winter lipsticks and shadows might look "off" in summer).

👡 How to Style Your Dark Neutrals for Summer

Good news:
You do NOT have to abandon your beloved dark neutrals (like black, navy, chocolate brown) just because it’s hot outside.

Instead, style them differently:

• Choose lighter fabrics (hello, black linen pants!).

• Pick open-toe shoes or strappy sandals instead of heavy boots.

• Pair your darks with brighter, more vibrant colors for contrast (think navy and white, black and coral, brown and yellow — swoon!)

🧳 Summer Travel? Build a Capsule Wardrobe!

Planning a getaway?
We talk about smart summer packing strategies too. The secret?
Stick to a simple color palette — a few versatile neutrals + a pop or two of color — and choose pieces that mix and match easily.

Think:

• Linen shorts

• A denim skirt or shorts

• A lightweight vest

• Easy, breathable tops

• A great sandal and a colorful bag

You’ll pack lighter and look more pulled together with half the effort.

💄 Bonus Tips: Summer Makeup Switch-Ups

• Skip the heavy foundation: Try tinted moisturizers or lightweight foundations.

• Brighten your cheeks and lips: Swap chalky pinks for bold corals, vibrant pinks, or warm reds.

• Add bronzer strategically: A light touch of contour or bronzer brings life to your skin without looking muddy.

• Avoid icy, silver shimmer: Opt for golds, rose golds, and warmer highlighters instead.

We even share insider tips on how to use bronzing drops, leg makeup, and sunless tanner if you want to fake that beachy glow safely!

🎨 Favorite Summer Color Combos (for Every Color Type!)

We wrap up the episode by giving you our favorite summer color combinations for every Your Color Style type:

• Soft Cool: Gray-blue, white, and mauve

• Bright Warm: Coral, chocolate brown, and sand

• Bright Cool: White, black, and hot pink

• Soft Warm: Taupe, peach, and golden yellow

And yes — yellow is having a major moment this summer! (Gail is practically campaigning to make yellow everyone's signature color — and honestly, we’re here for it.)

🧡 Final Thoughts: Your Palette is Your Power

You don't have to reinvent yourself for summer.
You just need a few smart tweaks to how you style your colors, your makeup, and your accessories.

🌟 Your colors still flatter you.
🌟 Your style still reflects you.
🌟 Your Moxie just got a little sunnier.

So throw on that coral dress, swipe on that bold lipstick, grab a woven bag, and let's make this your most stylish summer yet!

✨ What did you think of this episode?

Tell us your favorite summer color combination in the comments below!
And if you need help updating your colors, your makeup, or your style — visit us at yourcolorstyle.com for color analysis, styling services, and more.

Jennifer Vax

Jen Vax is the founder of Your Color Style. She is a best selling author, speaker, artist and entrepreneur. She helps women learn how to wear color in a way that expresses their true nature. Take the FREE color analysis quiz to get started.