Spring Styling Guide: How to Choose the Best Colors for Your Skin Tone

The right colors can enhance your natural features, bring out your best tones, and create a polished, effortless look for your senior photos. By understanding your color season, you can choose shades that complement your skin tone, making you feel confident and radiant in front of the camera.

This guide will help you determine your color season and pick the best colors and textures to highlight your natural beauty.

How to Determine Your Color Season

Your color season is based on your skin’s undertone, hair color, and eye color. To find your season, consider the following:

• Do you look better in gold or silver jewelry?
  • Gold typically complements warm tones, while silver enhances cool tones. If you find that both metals work for you, you may have a neutral undertone, meaning you can pull off a mix of warm and cool shades.
• Do soft, muted colors or rich, vibrant shades suit you best?
  • If muted, dusty tones (like soft pinks, sage green, or pastel blues) make you glow, you likely fall into the Summer or Autumn category. If bold, saturated shades (like emerald green, cobalt blue, or bright white) make your features pop, you’re more likely a Winter or Spring.
• Do you tan easily or burn quickly?
  • Warm undertones tend to tan quickly and develop a golden glow, while cool undertones often burn first before developing any color. If you burn and then tan slightly, you may have a neutral undertone.
• Look at the veins on your wrist.
  • If they appear more blue or purple, you likely have a cool undertone. If they lean green, you have a warm undertone. If it’s hard to tell, you may have a neutral undertone, which means you can experiment with both warm and cool colors.

Spring (Warm & Bright Features)

Best Colors: Soft peach, coral, warm pastels, golden yellow, aqua, mint green

Best Textures: Lightweight fabrics like linen, flowy chiffon, soft cotton, and gauze
If you have warm undertones, golden or strawberry blonde hair, and bright eyes, these fresh, warm tones enhance your features. Choosing light, breathable textures keeps your outfit looking soft and effortless.

Summer (Cool & Soft Features)

Best Colors: Dusty blues, lavender, rose pink, soft gray, sage green, periwinkle

Best Textures: Silky fabrics, lace details, soft knit blends, and light chiffon
Cool-toned pastels enhance soft features without overpowering them. Flowy, feminine textures like lace or chiffon create a dreamy, romantic look that photographs beautifully in outdoor settings.

Autumn (Warm & Rich Features)

Best Colors: Deep mustard, terracotta, olive green, burnt orange, chocolate brown, rust red

Best Textures: Suede, ribbed fabrics, cozy knits, structured denim, corduroy
Earthy, rich hues complement warm undertones and add depth to your images. Mixing in textured fabrics like suede or corduroy creates an interesting visual element without distraction.

Winter (Cool & Bold Features)

Best Colors: Jewel tones like emerald green, royal blue, fuchsia, bright white, jet black

Best Textures: Velvet, structured satin, crisp cotton, wool blends
Bold, high-contrast shades highlight striking features. Structured fabrics like satin or velvet elevate your outfit, creating a sleek, sophisticated look that stands out beautifully in photos.

Quick Styling Tips for Your Senior Photos

• Stick to Solid Colors: Patterns can be distracting, while solid colors keep the focus on you.
• Think About the Background: Warm tones pop in lush green fields, while bold colors contrast well in urban settings.
• Match Accessories to Your Palette: Gold jewelry enhances warm tones, while silver complements cooler hues.
• Mix Textures for Depth: A flowy dress with a structured jacket adds contrast and visual interest.
• Confidence is Key: Wear what makes you feel amazing—your energy will shine in your photos!

Your senior photos should reflect your personality and style. Choosing colors and textures that flatter your features will create images that feel authentic, timeless, and effortlessly beautiful.

Need more help with outfit planning? Let’s chat about the perfect look for your senior session!

xoxo – ashley