dark Autumn

Spicy and mysterious, we see dominant depth and a neutral-warm hue in Dark Autumn so these individuals have black to intensify their colours as well as some yellow to warm them.

characteristics

Placed between Warm Autumn and Dark Winter in the seasonal flow theory, this subtype takes its warmth from the season and infuses it with mysterious depth. They belong to a season influenced by muted chroma so there is an element of softness about their features. Those who sit closer to Winter will have more neutrality to their colouring than those who flow back towards Warm Autumn.

CONTRAST

Due to the depth in their hair and eyes, Dark Autumn individuals tend to have quite high levels of contrast. However, they belong to a season influenced by muted chroma so this shade variance can be reduced by a matte complexion, grey pigmentation in the eyes and a softly glistening hair shine.

SKIN TONE

Dark Autumn skin ranges from light to deep with bronze or golden undertones. As they border Winter, they may also have neutral tones. This means they can wear silver and platinum, but warm metals are more effective. They tend to tan easily and may see purple or green veins beneath the skin. Complexions tend to be matte or sheer and freckles are common.

EYES

Generally, we see dark blue, dark brown, dark hazel, dark olive and warm black eyes in Dark Autumn. This season is influenced by muted chroma so eye colours tend to have some grey pigmentation to soften the intensity. We may also see soft separation on the outer iris edge as well as swirling erratic borders on the inner section and an Aztec sun shape around the pupil.

HAIR

Ranging from medium depth to dark, we see brunette and auburn hair in Dark Autumn. We also see black hair, but it tends to be tinged with brown as this softens the intensity of the colour. This subtype borders Winter so we do see neutral tones, but red and golden variations are more common. Their shine tends to glisten due to their soft chroma as individual flecks reflect the light rather than one glossy strip.

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colour palette

Though we’re steadily moving closer towards Winter, this subtype retains the warmth of a forest on a late October afternoon. Despite a misty fog signalling the arrival of cooler air, golden rays continue to highlight the golden brown of the final leaves falling from stripped branches. We also take influence from pine trees and evergreens, who reign supreme throughout the colder months. These are the last signs of life in an environment that has retired for the year.

metals

As this subtype borders Winter, many individuals with this colouring have a neutral tone that can handle silver or platinum metals. However, Dark Autumn does belong to a warm season and gold, bronze or copper will always be more effective. They should avoid shiny variations as these clash with their soft chroma. Antique and hammered variations work better.

neutrals

Pure white and pure black are too clean for Dark Autumn. Hazel needs warmer, softened variations to balance her chroma. Yellowish off-whites and deep chocolate browns work better. We therefore see lots of creams, beiges and browns in this palette instead.

accents

Dark Autumn colours are made by adding black to deepen and yellow to warm. This means the palette features rich shades such as turmeric yellow, paprika orange and olive green. You will also see some blues, but these are warmer variations as they also contain a hint of yellow. As the season is influenced by muted chroma, the colours are not bright and are mixed with some grey to soften their intensity.

combinations

Due to Dark Autumn’s high to intense contrast level, their best colour combinations are those which oppose each other in either hue or value. This applies to outfit selections as well as prints and patterns. The first two pairings demonstrate how light neutral and dark accents can be combined to echo Hazel’s natural contrast level. Similarly, the second two examples show how warm and cool accents can be paired to achieve the same objective. We can also use varying depths of same colour to create a monochromatic look, as demonstrated in the final two examples.

colours to borrow

Dark Autumn individuals who lean towards Warm Autumn can opt for the lighter, cooler colours on that palette (i.e. blues, greens, purples). Alternatively, those flowing towards Winter will be able to wear some of the warmer colours (i.e. reds). Hazel flows towards Winter, which is why the Warm Autumn colours are not as effective here. Please note, the colour codes given in the above examples marked with an asterisk correspond to those palettes. Please refer to the Warm Autumn or Dark Winter pages to see the full sample palettes.

colours to avoid

If Dark Autumn colours are deep and neutral-warm then its opposing palette is Light Summer, where we see light and neutral-cool colours. The pastel tints above blanch Hazel’s image. You see the colour before you see her, which demonstrates the imbalance it creates.

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