Soft Summer colors to avoid

A color outside the palette is a styling problem you can solve, not something forbidden. Change where it sits or how much you use.

Dusty rose, blue-gray and muted pine share a quiet, cool cast. Layer neighboring depths so one very bright piece does not steal all the attention.

Three shades to approach differently

Bright orange, stark white and intensely clear primary colors can dominate these gentle combinations.

Violet

Violet#8F00FF

Distance 101.6 from the closest palette color.

Try Dusky Purple 2 (#895B78) for a nearer option.

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Yellow

Yellow#FFFF00

Distance 95.0 from the closest palette color.

Try Greenish Grey (#9AB9AC) for a nearer option.

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Lime

Lime#BFFF00

Distance 93.6 from the closest palette color.

Try Dull Teal (#68B1A0) for a nearer option.

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A practical rule

Keep a difficult shade away from the face, soften it with a neckline or pair it with a familiar neutral. Preference still comes first.

For this softer palette, try colors of a similar depth together before adding a strong contrast.

Try it with what you own

Choose one item from your wardrobe or makeup kit. Compare it with a chip, then look at the actual item in neutral daylight. Keep notes about combinations you enjoy.

Try a fabric comparison

Return to all 72 Soft Summer colors

Season description reference: Soft Summer at The Concept Wardrobe. Palette subsets and styling recipes are original. Screen-color limitations.