Not All Pastel Colors are the Same? Light vs Soft Seasons

Can't understand why only certain pastels work for you? Can't tell the difference between Light vs Soft seasons in finding your color season? In this video we talk about the relationship between Light and Soft colors, why it matters in finding your best colors, and how to figure out whether you belong to a Light or a Soft season!
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Related videos for you to watch:
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Playlist: 16+ Seasons Color Analysis System
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Playlist: Color Analysis & Skin Tones: Deep Dives
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[@myoldyoutubechannel]

This is me realising the difference between a bright, a light, and a soft is basically just... 1 colour, 2 colour, 3 colour. Colour on its own = Bright. Colour + white = Light. Colour + white + black = Soft.

[@heatherunicorn-sparkles1724]

Also, the soft, muted colors are not just colors mixed with the black and white mix but are also mixed with complementary colors (i.e., green+red).

[@yensid4294]

Color + Color's Complementary Color Color + Complement + white or black or both

[@Leticia_b_ceratti]

The best videos about color analysis. It's like... art meets science and fashion 😍🙏🏼.

[@stylemejenn]

You are the sweetest Leticia ❤❤❤

[@sueg2286]

@@stylemejenn You speak far too fast. It is very difficult to understand any of these concepts, when you are talking double the normal speed, for goodness sake slow down !!!

[@rixatrix]

I’m a soft summer and I look soooo much better in medium, muted tones. Soft summers are more neutral than cool but still in the cool side, and I have lighter hair (dark ashy blonde naturally) so when I was younger I was always told I should wear like baby blue, for example. Too light. Too cool. Give me a dusky mid-blue and I shine. Cobalt, too bright and cool, but I don’t look half bad in a muted rusty orange. It took me forever to figure out that muted was the biggest differentiator, with cool coming in second place.

[@heathermacdonald1528]

This is exactly how I feel as a soft summer! Do you feel like bright colors bring out grayness in your skin? I look so washed out in pastels and brights but medium-dark, soft colors make my skin and eyes glow.

[@kalulu1675]

I find that soft, cool, light, etc. are gradients and that there are so many gradient mixtures in each seasonal type. Personally, I am a Soft Summer, but lean into the lights a little. So for me, it's soft light colors nearest the face, with mediums a little farther away (and usually a mix). Also, I am somewhere between low and medium value contrast. Most Soft Summers are (supposedly) strictly low contrast. I find a lot of contrast variables in seasonal coloring, too.....but always on a subtle gradient.

[@juliehanson1175]

I always thought I was a Spring for many years. But, I didn't always want to wear the usual peach, periwinkle, and other typical colors even though they looked okay on me. Recently after watching a few videos it dawned on me that I was a Spring, but specifically a Clear/Bright Spring. It made all the difference in the world.

[@yomnahossam6773]

I love how you talk about the psychological attributes of colors because although I am a warm spring I hardly gravitated towards those bright warm colors. They reminded me of childrens’ clothes and toys but loved the soft and dark colors because they’re giving elegance even though they’re not harmonious with my complexion

[@kuromiya3957]

Once thought I was a soft summer, probably because I always had thing about muted colors. So I tried lots of cool muted and not-so-deep kind colors; and during that period of time I got questions like "are you ok? is everything alright? you look tired, you know?" on multiple occasions by different people. That's how I finally accept that I can never be a soft summer. Wish I had watched this video earlier, so I didn't have to learn it the hard way😥.

[@notaclue822]

There are many videos on KZbin about colour analysis, and yours is tops. Excellent explanation.

[@stylemejenn]

Glad you think so!

[@glendahannings6066]

In my opinion, your content is well explained and correct. I got a professional color analysis and I am a soft summer. The problem is finding clothes that I like and fit me in the muted colors. All the colors in stores are true or bright or high contrast patterns. My wardrobe consists of various shades of white, beige, and gray for the tops. I need light colors in the picture zone. It is difficult to find muted white that does not have a yellow cast. The only clothes with color that I own are athletic ones from Lululemon. They usually have a nice variety of soft colors. I wish I could buy basic tops like tees, sweaters, and shirts in soft colors. This is so frustrating.

[@ashleyschulte9280]

Have you tried Skims? They have a lot of muted colors that suit the soft summer color palette. For example, their cotton jersey t-shirt in the shades “Kyanite,” “Pacific,” and “Bone” might work for you 😊 (they have a ton of other styles of tops/ clothing in general, just wanted to give a specific example)

[@glendahannings6066]

Thank you!!!

[@victoriadaly998]

Awesome vid! It took me so much trial and error to figure out that I was a light spring. And the colors totally match my personality and uplift my mood. It gives myself and the people around me a sense of harmony as my outfit matches my own vibrancy

[@pajamamama5965]

This is absolutely fascinating! You explain it so well. Thank you! I can't tell you how challenging clothes shopping has been all my life. I always thought I was a summer with ash brown hair, blue eyes, and cool skin tone. I tried so hard to make pastels and soft colors work for me so much that I have a huge stash of makeup to try to fix what they were doing to my skin. Eventually I resorted to what I considered safe colors that are easy to find in store such as black, white, navy, and gray. Then I had a whole closet full of drab neutrals, but at least I didn't look sick when wearing them. The problem was I needed more clarity and brightness but didn't know it. I'm actually a bright winter and needed the icy light shades instead of pastels. Those are surprisingly hard to find. Now I'm leaning into the bright shades that are really saturated and I'm surprised and overjoyed to see how healthy they make me look.

[@YumeraChauque]

Light winter!!

[@Leticia_b_ceratti]

Same thing for me! Here on Jenn's chanel you'll find a video about soft winter / dark Summer , and It could be our case. 🙏🏼💕

[@BlueBird8925]

I found this video very interesting. I was professionally analyzed in person as a True Autumn. My chroma is more toward the softer side and depth is slightly more on the deep side. Pastels usually wash me out. However, because as you say, all of this is on a spectrum, I’ve noticed that sometimes I can wear very soft colours (even though darker colours usually look better), if they are warm. And I can wear slightly cooler colours even though my season is entirely warm, if they are soft and dark enough. It really does expand what colours you can wear outside of your palette. You just have to experiment for yourself and see what works on you! Thanks for all of your videos!

[@user-od8ve1sl2d]

When I had my colours done in the 1990s, I came out as Soft Autumn but often feel quite drab in those colours. Your video has shown me that I may be more a light Spring as when I wear those colours I definitely feel more energy and youth. Thank you for your explanation of what makes a colour ‘soft’ and ‘light’

[@stylemejenn]

Thanks for sharing! Glad you found the video helpful 🙌

[@Applegal06]

Thank you so much for this video and explaining the difference between light and soft! The part about mixing color with white and black is so helpful

[@stylemejenn]

I'm glad you found the video helpful! ♥

[@christysmith9791]

Thank you again, Jen! I feel like so many of us are still confused and I'm guessing it's because we're the ones who don't fit perfectly in one season. I think for us the best way to determine (other than paying someone to do it for us) might be process of elimination. Like what you said in the beginning of the video: "if light pastels make you look childish, you are not a light", etc.

[@stylemejenn]

Yes I agree 💯!

[@wanderingaround312]

4:12 You just put everything into perspective for me. I'm a soft autumn who likes to borrow soft summer colours, but it turns out i've been buying light spring/summer instead. No wonder I look worse, I wasn't differentiating between light vs soft pastels! 🤯🙈

[@rachelelizabethmason18]

Yes I’ve thought about this stuff a lot, and you’re the first person I ever seen touch on it. The wheel HAS to be a spectrum because 1.) you can’t convince me that all humans to have ever existed fit seamlessly within one of 12 categories and 2.) people will admit that your undertones can range from being VERY warm to VERY cool and some may be more neutral, and same for high, medium, and low contrast. But you’re the first I’ve heard mention that your clarity can be a spectrum too. It’s why it’s really hard for me to tell if my mom is a spring or an autumn, although she is definitely very warm, I think her softness/clarity is less obvious

[@TaLuLuDAY]

When I learned about Korean’s 16 personal color palette I was thinking maybe I’m Soft Winter instead of bright winter because sometimes super high brightness+saturation feels a bit too much. But now that you explain that Soft=More grey, then I’m probably not soft 😂 All the light color clothes I have I only look good in the “light” not “soft” category. Best explanation as always! Looking forward to more videos Jen!❤

[@stylemejenn]

Glad you liked the video! You might just be leaning slightly closer towards True Winter if you find very high brightness to be overwhelming? :)

[@marie.theartist]

Light colors: Hue with white added. Soft Colors: Hue with grey added

[@lynnfox8376]

Really useful advice especially as I don't fit into any of the 12 catagories. I feel that colours softened with ivory or brown rather than muted with black or grey suit me better. I feel they retain a vibrance which is often lost when colours are muted.

[@French-Kiss24]

I’m Caucasian with very light skin and dark hair. When I got draped professionally, to my surprise, I was identified with Summer, not Winter. I’m obviously high contrast, but black and optic white are too strong for me. So your comment that we are all on a continuum is perfect. So I now know that I sit at Summer, but have to bump up the clarity and contrast. So I slide toward Winter, but I’m still a Summer.

[@fayef171]

Hi Jenn! I love all your videos, especially the ones talking about Deep vs Dark, Deep Summer and Soft Winter, and now Light vs Soft. In another system, I was typed as Soft, Cool and Deep. And I struggled to know where I am in the 12 colour seasons. As I was learning more about colours and colour theories, and then also finding your videos, I feel like I FINALLY understand. Being able to understand and put into words what ‘is it’ that I actually like about certain colours (the ones that I like or the ones that suit me) and what they have in common, just makes me feel ‘content’ and ‘at peace’ 😊 Additionally, I also discovered that most of my favourite colours are tertiary colours (e.g. blue green / teal) and I derive satisfaction from being able to ‘group’ or ‘type’ them 😂

[@stylemejenn]

I’m glad you’re enjoying the content ❤️

[@TheBaumcm]

I’m a deep winter but trend softer than most winters, so a soft winter. I call it between deep winter and soft summer.

[@stylemejenn]

I've got a video called "Soft Winter & Deep Summer" if you haven't checked it out yet!

[@christysmith9791]

You never fail to blow my mind! 👏

[@stylemejenn]

Aw thank you for this ❤

[@boolena]

As always, your analysis is HELPFUL.

[@jcm85]

This video reminded me of the way I have edited my photos long term. I feel like the way we edit our photos can also indicate our season? I have always muted my selfies. I don’t like high contrast in my photos bc I think it washes me out. When I add the gray and reduce the contrast, it brings out my facial features and I think it’s more flattering. I also don’t like to desaturate the colors too much. I like a vibrant but muted color palette, if that makes sense. I’m olive skinned somewhere between cool/warm, dark, and muted.

[@lindaroy4061]

Another masterpiece :) Thank you for this Jenn!

[@stylemejenn]

Thank you as always Linda! Hope you have a lovely weekend ❤

[@tulpenballerina]

Your videos are well explained and as a bonus aesthetically pleasing! I really appreciate that!🎀

[@stylemejenn]

I'm glad you're liking my content! ❤

[@ourcozycorner8517]

Love when I see you have a new video! I know it’s going to be a treat. 😉

[@stylemejenn]

Hope you enjoyed it! :)

[@sunadesun383]

You are simply the best in color analysis videos. I have learned so much from you. Thank you for this high-quality content Jenn ❤

[@stylemejenn]

Thank you for this 🙏❤️

[@raraavis7782]

Your videos are the only ones I watch, even if they don't apply to me. Your approach is so thorough and logical and really makes me think about the underlying concepts.

[@stylemejenn]

I'm grateful for this comment - thank you ❤❤❤

[@4264127]

I like the light colors pallet a lot.they are angelic and romantic.sadly They don't like me back.I suit Dark Winter which I don't like They seem doom and gloom or if you want to appear intemedating which I'm not and I don't want to be 😢

[@TheBaumcm]

Deep winter and never really saw it that way. Light colors don’t look angelic on me. They make me look like the walking 💀. There are many brighter colors (raspberry pink, deep aquas, even cerulean, that look great and if I want to go more ethereal, powder blue, and mid tone soft purples and pinks can often do the trick. The palette is nowhere near as bold as clear or true winter, with many softer pinks and purples, albeit richer than those almost whites, included. There are also pastels included. It’s all about contrast. You might not be able to do all light, because the fundamental is deep, but you could do a light top with a dark bottom in the same color family, which would both contrast and give you the lightness you seek.

[@spacebar9733]

Can yall wear white or silver or pastel blues? I’m asking.

[@shirin9452]

Yeah but on you dark winter colours won’t look doom and gloom, they look romantic and beautiful. It’s almost like because you suit those colours, it changes what they mean for you. I’ll admit that I look very doom and gloom in dark winter but that’s because I’m a bright winter. If you’re truly dark winter, you’ll totally glow in those dark colours 😊

[@northwoodfalls1403]

The explanation about the effect pattern can have on how soft an item of clothing is was a great and very helpful observation.

[@stylemejenn]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@Offthebeatenpath.]

So detailed, thank you

[@stylemejenn]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lauralarez2032]

You look completly stunning!! ❤

[@stylemejenn]

Oh thank you! ❤️

[@Jacobjosh17]

That was so helpful!! Thank you 🙏 💋

[@wiwiholic]

I love you outfit and makeup here 😍

[@stylemejenn]

Aw thank you! 🫶

[@YuniX2]

I'm definitely somewhere between light summer and true summer. I just can't tell which way I Iean more heavily. I think part of it is that my hair is in the process of growing out right now - I could either keep lightening my hair to bright blonde or get maintenance on a cute bob, so right now I'm growing out my natural color. It's really hard to tell how much of the lightness is coming from my hair, and how much is inherent in my skin tone and other features.

[@lilya7110]

Another great video on the nuances of how color theory applies to humans and our appearance. thanks, Jen!

[@stylemejenn]

Absolutely! Glad you enjoyed it 🙌

[@jillianfontanasomm]

Brilliant! You really have a gift

[@stylemejenn]

Thank you so much! I’m glad you liked the video ❤️

[@IntegrityMeansAll]

I appreciate your videos

[@the_thing_is_wild]

Thank you for this video darling! Super helpful as always :) If you'd be able to please make a video about why metallics/ shimmer looks better on certain colour seasons, that would be amazing! I can't find anything like this online and v curious why plain cotton washes me out but any sequin, lurex, sparkle (or even items like velvet) just make me glow! I'm a spring (and at first glance I'm sure people would think I'm a light spring but my haircolour is naturally v dark and I have high contrast in my eyes so I think bright spring colours suit me best). Black also really suits me if it's velvet or silk (a warm navy is obv better though) but matte black is generally awful on me. Always curious why the shimmer suits?

[@YumeraChauque]

Brightness is your dominant season. You are probably close to bright winter,the reason why you look good in black,shimmery fabrics match with your natural bright complexion . In the part when you say velvet black is better than matte I feel related,this mean you need saturated colors,for more info you could just watch Jenny 's videos about contrast. Is on the playlist.

[@annaglushkova3276]

Soft autumn here! I'm so tired that most pieces of clothing that look good on me are in Boho style 😩 I like the effects of "Boho" color but I don't like the associations with the style that I have (to me it looks like I'm hippie, and it doesn't resonate with who I am). 😢😢😢😢

[@annaglushkova3276]

I also find soft colors in clothes in more expensive brands (probably because of this sophistication vibe that you're talking about). So it's either overpriced or hippie 🙄

[@annaglushkova3276]

Do you have any advice how to overcome these difficulties, Jenn?

[@stylemejenn]

If Soft is your dominant trait you might be able to borrow more from the Soft Summer palette. I find there to be less "boho-chic" styles with Soft Summer colors than Soft Autumn colors! So looking for colors leaning slightly warmer within the Soft Summer palette would be an alternative :)

[@annaglushkova3276]

@@stylemejenn thank you! Your advice is always helpful. Really!

[@valeriebouchard7365]

e Excellent video well done and thank you!

[@stylemejenn]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@koivunen2489]

This is more decorating than clothes related, but anyway: It really annoys me that muted colours are deemed "adult" because they're so damn boring to me. I want bright, clear colours in my home, but it's tricky to find them. I mean, I spent over a year looking for furniture paint that wasn't muted! I went to look at the paint samples in stores, and they were all grey. All I could see was grey, even in the ones that were, supposedly, colourful. I *did* eventually find what I was looking for, but that took a long time.

[@xcvbnbmtsv8831]

Love that

[@stylemejenn]

❤❤❤

[@corinasucre]

Thank you Jenn! This was so incredibly helpful!!! May I ask- is there something like a light and soft season?

[@stylemejenn]

I'm glad you liked the video! If you're talking about warm seasons, there are seasons like light autumn or soft spring that I would say are sort of "in-between" - but everything is on a spectrum in the end :)

[@corinasucre]

@@stylemejenn awesome! I will check for these two!🙌🏻🌸

[@angelap517]

I love your videos! Question: I am such a muted person in general that my first instinct learning about color analysis was that I was a soft summer. However, I quickly realized that muted colors dull me and make me look even more muted and gray, though that does seem contrary to what you're saying. Regardless, I now know that I need more clarity in the colors I wear to look my best. Despite being naturally light blonde with a light skin tone, many of the Light Summer colors still look off - like they're too light for me and make me look/feel childish. But I don't necessarily fit the "True/Cool Summer" aesthetic because of my natural coloring. How do I reconcile this information? Lol

[@stylemejenn]

I've also seen systems that use "Bright Summer" as a season, so you might be closer to that if you're sure your home season is Summer :)

[@Junesdigitalblog]

The most important thing for me when it comes to colors, it’s for it to be a light color. But I’m not a light season, I’m actually a soft summer 😂 anyone else like this?

[@jeolucas7793]

Plz make Bright vs Deep too!

[@stylemejenn]

Coming up next! :D

[@lesleymackayhunter7543]

Love your channel! ❤ been trying to figure my palette - I’m definitely a summer; but as I’m light, soft and cool (no one greater than the others) I get struck . Any suggestions?

[@stylemejenn]

Interesting! But if you can wear colors from all 3 seasons equally well, is there a point in narrowing down to one? 😋

[@anjaingedahllind]

What about the color grey? Do you consider it to be muted or clear? I believe I am a clear spring but I somehow look good in grey (particularly lighter grey jersey)

[@spacebar9733]

For bright springs warm greys or greenish toned greys. It’s a neutral for us though. It won’t look bad.

[@livelaughloveakhi]

I wonder if clarity can change if you get more tan? Like in dark skin and in the summer because I become even more dark I feel like I have higher contrast and need brighter colors and in the winter I can wear more slightly less bright colors

[@stylemejenn]

I tend to tan quite drastically in the summer and I find that I can wear a wider range of colors as well! I also think it's my mood overall in the summer time that makes me more drawn to colors in general haha

[@TheresaDisharoon]

I am a Spring. What is the soft version of soft in the Spring range? Muted colors are too dull and aging.

[@stylemejenn]

I have a video on Soft Spring if you haven't checked it out already :)

[@ririimari]

I just like light summer colors even tho I'm soft! :(

[@methebee]

I look unwell in any light color

[@ifyouknowyouknow6964]

This is great but this won’t help anyone who’s multiple races 😭 The mixing of skin colors topped with the dang under tone is frustrating lol For example , I’m peach skin tone (light ) so it can be easily confused with neutral or more yellow maybe like sand . But my undertone is not entirely warm. I can do both warm and cool, but don’t put crazy red with a weird blue tone to it , it will make my head look as if it floats lol This is so confusing

[@amandam7837]

Adding black/grey to a colour makes it pastel. Adding white makes it icy.

[@stylemejenn]

Mm I think it depends on how much white though. I would categorize icy as adding a hint of color to white rather than the other way around! How you interpret it could be different but just my two cents :)