Color Analysis Tips
Stop Buying Black Jackets: The Best Winter Neutrals by Color Season
If I see one more black puffer coat, I’m going to puke. Okay, maybe that’s a teensy bit dramatic. But honestly, every winter it feels like the world turns into a black nylon blob. Shiny black puffers. Matte black parkas. Cropped black jackets that swallow people whole. I get it. Black is “easy.” It goes with everything. Except it doesn’t go with everyone. For many of us, black is harsh. It dulls our skin, deepens our shadows, and drains the life right out of our faces. And when it’s already gray and cold outside, that’s not helping anyone’s glow. This winter, instead of hiding in a black coat, try something that actually flatters you. When you choose one that fits your color season, you’ll look instantly more polished, more awake, and more you. Let’s make it simple. Scroll to your season and find a jacket (and cozy accents) that actually make you look alive this winter. SPRING SEASONS: Warm, Fresh, and Light If you come alive in golden light and warm tones, you’re probably a Spring. Your best neutrals are sunlit and soft. Think cream in your coffee, not charcoal on asphalt. Best Jacket Colors: Light camel, oat, ivory, buttercream, and warm beige. These lighter neutrals reflect warmth and give your complexion that fresh, radiant energy Springs are known for. Try These: Boden Stirling Check Coat (Rainbow Blanket Multigingham) - a stunner for in Spring-friendly colors. Boden Carlisle Wool Coat (Vibrant Pink) - you will not be missed in this color and style. The North Face Women’s THERMOBALL™ Jacket (Mars dust) - coral perfection. Best Scarf & Hat Colors: Buttercream, coral, or sky blue. These colors pop against warm neutrals without clashing. They bring brightness back to your face and add just enough personality. SUMMER SEASONS: Cool, Soft, and Effortless If you look best in cool tones and silvery jewelry, you’re a Summer. Your neutrals should be soft and misty, like sea glass or cloudy sky. Best Jacket Colors:Soft navy, stone, misty gray, rose taupe, and dusty blue. These hues are classic but gentle and perfect for your cool undertones and effortless aesthetic. Try These: Boden Longline Padded Coat (Woodland Green) - soft green with a pink peekaboo that will feel right on summer (and even soft autumn) palettes. LL Bean Women's Mountain Classic Down Coat, Sherpa-Lined (silver moon) - feels like you're wearing white, but icy perfection for Summer. Women's Mountain Classic Puffer Jacket, Colorblock (Storm Blue/Steel Blue) - retro, trendy, classic. Hard to believe but this one nails it. Women's Mountain Classic Puffer Jacket, Colorblock (Shore/Paperwhite) - retro, trendy, classic. Hard to believe but this one nails it. Best Scarf & Hat Colors: Heather gray, soft pink, or lavender. Cool, muted accents bring lightness near your face and make your outerwear feel intentional, not like an afterthought. FALL SEASONS: Warm, Rich, and Grounded If you come alive in autumn colors like golden leaves, pumpkin spice, and warm taupe, you’re a Fall. Your neutrals should be earthy, deep, and textured. Best Jacket Colors:Olive, warm taupe, caramel, chestnut, and dark camel. These hues feel rich and cozy while highlighting your natural warmth. Try These: Boden Borg Mix Coat (navy/kaki mix) - a standout that feels on trend but will last a lifetime. LL Bean Women's Mountain Classic Down Coat, Sherpa-Lined (nautical navy) - basic, but so not basic. Women's Bean's Down Hooded Jacket, Colorblock (Burgundy Brown/Rosewood) - colorblock perfection. Women's Mountain Classic Puffer Jacket, Colorblock (Taupe Brown/Gray Birch) - retro, trendy, classic. Hard to believe but this one nails it. Best Scarf & Hat Colors: Rust, cream, or forest green. These accents tie perfectly into your palette. They add depth without overpowering and pair beautifully with any warm neutral coat. WINTER SEASONS: Cool, Deep, and High-Contrast If your coloring is striking, with dark hair, cool undertones, and clear contrast, you’re a Winter. You can pull off drama and polish like no one else. Best Jacket Colors:Charcoal, deep navy, icy gray, pure white, and true black (yes, you can wear black, just balance it with texture or sheen). These shades keep your look crisp and powerful. Try These: LL Bean Women's Mountain Classic Down Coat, Sherpa-Lined (silver moon) - Ice ice, baby. Winter in all the ways. Boden Carlisle Textured Coat – a Cobalt Blue beuty that will last for years. Women's Bean's Down Hooded Jacket, Colorblock (Bright Mariner/Foggy Blue) - colorblock perfection. Women's Mountain Classic Puffer Jacket, Colorblock (Dusty Periwinkle/Dark Twilight Blue) - retro, trendy, classic. Hard to believe but this one nails it. Best Scarf & Hat Colors: Bright red, cobalt, or icy white. These strong, clear accents bring contrast near your face and create a look that feels intentional and striking, not overwhelming. Black might feel safe, but it’s rarely your best neutral. The right shade will do everything black promises and actually make you look alive. The next time you’re tempted by another black puffer, stop and ask: is it helping me glow, or is it just blending in? Your outerwear can still be practical and warm; it just deserves to work with your coloring, not against it. Not sure which season you are? That’s kind of my thing. Get The Glow Guide
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5 Easy Steps to a More Effortless Wardrobe
You know that moment when you are staring at your closet thinking “I have nothing to wear” while knee deep in clothes? Yeah. We've all been there, especially in a world constantly pushing trends and over consumption. Sometimes it feels easier to buy fast fashion than to actually think about pulling an outfit together from your own closet. So let's skip the three hours of doom scrolling “capsule wardrobe," and cut to the chase. Here's how to make your wardrobe work for you in five easy and very real life steps. Step 1: Start with what is actually working Before you add a single thing to your cart, take five minutes to look at what you already wear the most. What are you reaching for on repeat? The jeans you wear three times a week, the sweater you would panic if it was in the wash. What do those pieces have in common? Is it color, shape, fabric, vibes? We're going to think of these as your “effortless” pieces, the ones that feel like you even when you are half asleep and running late. That is your personal style talking. Keep them. Build around them. Everything else is auditioning for the right to stay. Often these colors are already a part of your color season because you naturally gravitate towards them. Step 2: Edit your closet like your pics You know how you have 206 nearly identical photos of your dog doing the same thing? Your closet is the same. We have duplicates that are not pulling their weight: five white tees that almost work, jeans that technically fit but never feel right, shoes that look great but give your feet the ick. It is time for a clean edit. Ask yourself: Would I buy this again today? Will I reach for this when I am getting dressed? Have I worn it in the past six months? Do I feel good when I put it on? If the answer is no, it is taking up space your real style needs. (You can also ask: would someone else love this more than me? And then put it in the thrift bin!) Step 3: Define your style vibe, no labels needed Forget trying to decide if you are classic, minimalist, or coastal something. You are not a Pinterest board; you are a person. Instead, think in vibes. Are you drawn to soft and cozy? Polished and structured? A little unexpected? You can use your camera role again here to find the commonalities. Pick three words that describe how those outfits feel. Not look, feel. That becomes your style filter. If something does not fit that energy, it is probably not for you, no matter how cute it looks on someone else. Step 4: Build your mini capsule You do not need a closet spilling out into your life. You just need a handful of things that actually play nice together. Start with: 3 base colors your neutrals: black, navy, beige, cream, olive, etc. 2 accent colors the ones that make you feel alive 1 pattern or texture something with personality: stripes, leather, linen, whatever feels “you” When your clothes share a color story and vibe, everything starts to click. Getting dressed turns into mixing instead of matching. And you will realize you actually like what is in your closet. If you're getting stuck on this step, you might want to find out your seasonal color palette. Knowing your palette will help you choose colors that help you glow naturally. Get the Glow Guide Step 5: Shop slower, shop smarter The goal is not a perfect closet. It is a calm one. Before buying something new, ask yourself three things: Does this work with at least three things I already own? Can I wear it to more than one kind of occasion office, weekend, date night? Do I actually feel good in it, or do I just like the idea of it? If it is a no, let it go. The right clothes will make you feel at ease, not like you are trying too hard. Shopping should feel like confirming what you already know about your style, not starting over every season. Step 6: Build pieces that meet your style vibe Once you start seeing what really works for you, your closet feels calmer. Shopping becomes easier. Run that simple checklist before you add anything new. And then when you do, you'll be sure to love it. This is a moment where less really is more. And if you want help with clarity, figuring out which colors actually make your wardrobe cohesive and take the guesswork out of shopping, that is exactly what I created The Glow Guide for. It is a personal color analysis that helps you understand which shades make you look and feel put together with less effort. Think of it as your shortcut to the “I just threw this on” kind of style confidence. Because style is not about having more; it is about finally loving what you already have. Get the Glow Guide
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Spooky Season Looks: What’s Your Color Season Costume Energy?
Embrace spooky season and look amazing doing it. This year, instead of throwing on cheap a one-size-fits-nobody outfit from a plastic bag, try something that actually highlights what makes you glow. While you're at it, you should also skip the trashy halloween pop-up store and head straight for the thrift. Colors that align with your season, will elevate a thrifted piece or even a last-minute DIY moment. Below, are Halloween costume ideas based on all 12 color seasons with tips on what to wear, what to look for when thrifting, and how to make it your own. Light Spring Your Vibe: Bright, soft, and fresh-facedYour Palette: Light peach, mint, ivory, soft yellow, clear coral Costume Ideas: Garden fairy, 90s angel, Vintage flower child Glow-Up Tip: Sheer shimmer, baby pink blush, and layered pastels Thrifting Tip: Look for flowy fabrics in sherbet shades and cotton Warm Spring (True Spring) Your Vibe: Golden, glowing, joyfulYour Palette: Warm coral, golden yellow, grass green, turquoise, ivory Costume Ideas: Sun goddess, Harvest nymph, Nature fairy Glow-Up Tip: Gold-toned highlighter and a bright coral lip Thrifting Tip: Focus on warm, sunny colors, anything that feels like spring in fabric form Bright Spring (Clear Spring) Your Vibe: Bold, punchy, playfulYour Palette: Hot pink, aqua, bright white, clear red, lemon yellow Costume Ideas: Disco ghost, Barbie with an edge, Technicolor butterfly Glow-Up Tip: A shiny lip and unexpected eyeliner like teal or violet Thrifting Tip: Think bold color blocking and anything that looks like it belongs under a disco ball Light Summer Your Vibe: Airy, cool, elegantYour Palette: Soft lavender, icy blue, pale pink, dove gray Costume Ideas: Ice fairy, Glam ghost in chiffon, Vintage doll Glow-Up Tip: Dusty rose cheeks and a soft lavender eye Thrifting Tip: Shop for soft, powdery tones in silky or sheer materials Cool Summer (True Summer) Your Vibe: Refined, graceful, quietly confidentYour Palette: Mauve, periwinkle, soft navy, raspberry, silver Costume Ideas: Elf queen, Moonlit mermaid, Enchanted librarian Glow-Up Tip: Mauve lipstick and a cool-toned shimmer eye Thrifting Tip: Look for flowing silhouettes in muted jewel tones Soft Summer Your Vibe: Muted, romantic, dreamyYour Palette: Dusty rose, soft blue, taupe, cool mauve, muted plum Costume Ideas: Gentle spirit, Ghostly poet, Layered witch Glow-Up Tip: Cool tones with a soft glow Thrifting Tip: Stick to washed-out, lived-in looking pieces with a vintage feel Soft Autumn Your Vibe: Warm, cozy, groundedYour Palette: Olive, camel, warm taupe, dusty orange, soft moss Costume Ideas: Cozy witch, Autumn forest creature, Candlelit ghost Glow-Up Tip: Peach tones and a warm brown eye Thrifting Tip: Knitwear, earth-toned skirts, and oversized pieces that feel like fall Warm Autumn (True Autumn) Your Vibe: Vibrant, earthy, boldYour Palette: Mustard, terracotta, rust, olive, warm cream Costume Ideas: Pumpkin queen, Woodland sorceress, Luxe werewolf Glow-Up Tip: Bronzed skin with copper eyeshadow and terracotta lipstick Thrifting Tip: Go for textures like suede, corduroy, and rich tones Deep Autumn (Dark Autumn) Your Vibe: Sultry, rich, magneticYour Palette: Deep teal, burnt orange, maroon, forest green, gold Costume Ideas: Sea siren, Mysterious villain, Modern witchGlow-Up Tip: Bold brows and metallic eyesThrifting Tip: Hunt for dramatic, statement pieces in moody hues Cool Winter (True Winter) Your Vibe: Crisp, polished, high contrastYour Palette: Icy pink, cobalt, pure white, black, fuchsia Costume Ideas: Ice queen, Vampire with polish, Minimalist phantom Glow-Up Tip: Fuchsia lipstick or icy blue liner for contrast Thrifting Tip: Think high-contrast staples — black, white, silver, bold pink Dark Winter (Deep Winter) Your Vibe: Bold, moody, captivatingYour Palette: Jet black, wine red, deep emerald, icy silver, dark purple Costume Ideas: Gothic royal, Fashion-forward vampire, Dragon queen Glow-Up Tip: Deep berry lip with silver shimmer Thrifting Tip: Reach for dramatic pieces with sharp edges and moody jewel tones Bright Winter (Clear Winter) Your Vibe: Striking, cool, high-glamYour Palette: Magenta, icy turquoise, black, optic white, true red Costume Ideas: Neon sorceress, Modern devil, Rave fairy Glow-Up Tip: Glossy cherry lip and bold eyeliner Thrifting Tip: Seek out pieces that pop — satin, sequins, and anything that looks like it demands a spotlight Real Talk You don’t need an expensive costume to make Halloween work. Whether you’re getting dressed up or just dipping a toe into the spooky season spirit, your season can help you thrift smarter, glow harder, and maybe even see your closet in a new way. Get Your Glow Guide Not sure of your season yet? The Glow Guide gives you a clear, personal color roadmap so you can shop smarter and love what you own. Get the Glow Guide
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Shopping Quince When Your Color Season is Summer
Discover the best Quince colors for Summer palettes. Build a cohesive wardrobe with flattering shades, soft neutrals, and effortless outfit ideas.
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Shopping for Wardrobe Basics at LL Bean
LL Bean is often overlooked, but it’s packed with timeless wardrobe basics that actually work for every color season. From flannels and denim to sweaters and Bean Boots, The Glow Guide breaks down which pieces and colors work for Winters, Summers, Springs, and Autumns. And how to spot them when you shop. Discover practical tips for filtering by the right shades and learn why knowing your season makes shopping easier and more fun.
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Cool Girl Fall: Your Color Season Guide to Shopping as a Summer
If you’re a summer season like me, fall shopping can feel tricky. Stores are chock full of deep rusts, spicy mustards, and pumpkin tones that look amazing on Autumns but not so much on us. Here’s the thing: being a summer doesn’t mean we can’t embrace fall vibes. It just means we’ll shop a little differently.
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Splurge-Worthy Sweaters from Boden (by Season!)
Boden might not be the most affordable brand in your closet, but they reliably have standout, quality pieces that live beyond trends while still looking chic. The pieces you’ll reach for year after year. Finding patterns that work for your season can also be tricky, but Boden makes it easier. Their collection has bold yet wearable designs that fit beautifully into seasonal palettes. I matched a few stunners to color season. Check them out and consider investing in a sweater that really earns its place in your wardrobe. Spring Eleanor Fair Isle Sweater Fresh and clear just like Spring. The mix of soft aqua, clear green, and pink sits right in Spring territory. The colors are bright and warm without feeling loud, so your features stay clear and glowing. Shop the Eleanor Fair Isle Summer Edie Fair Isle Sweater Summer palettes love gentle blends. Edie softens the classic fair isle into muted pinks, lilacs, and dusty blues. The overall effect is cool, calm, and polished. It looks thoughtful rather than busy and it will stand the test of time. Shop the Eleanor Fair Isle Winter Abi Jacquard Cardigan Winter coloring thrives on crisp contrast. Abi delivers with deep reds and clear blues set against inky grounds. The result is defined and vibrant. It reads statement while still feeling classic enough to wear for many seasons. Shop the Abi Jacquard Cardigan Autumn Embroidered Frill Sweater Autumn shines in earthy warmth. This sweater pairs an olive base with creamy embroidery that adds texture without glare. It teams beautifully with denim, camel, rust, or corduroy and brings out the cozy richness in Autumn palettes. Shop the Embroidered Frill Sweater Why this matters Splurge pieces earn their place when the color supports you. The right shade makes your skin look even, your eyes brighter, and your outfit feel effortless. When you know your season you can invest with confidence and enjoy each piece longer. Get Your Glow Guide Not sure of your season yet? The Glow Guide gives you a clear, personal color roadmap so you can shop smarter and love what you own. Get the Glow Guide
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Chroma Explained: What It Is and How to Find Yours (Without Overthinking It)
Ever wondered how color seasons are determined? Learn how Chroma, the intensity of a color, plays a powerful role in finding your most flattering shades.
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What Is a Color Season, Really?
You’ve heard your friend say she’s a “True Summer.” But what is a color season? Seasonal color analysis is a way of figuring out which colors actually flatter your skin tone, hair, and eyes. The idea is that everyone has a natural palette—and when you wear colors that match it, you look more alive, fresh, and glow-y.
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Discover Your Color Season
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Personal Color Season Analysis (Custom Palette, Email or Text Delivery)
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