dark autumn

Also known as a 'Deep Autumn', this is the darkest subtype of the Autumn season. Their colours are mixed with black to darken and yellow to warm, which creates a luxurious palette reminiscent of Moroccan spice markets.

characteristics

Dark Autumn is found between Warm Autumn and Dark Winter on the seasonal flow. This subtype features a high to intense contrast level meaning their best colours oppose those in their own palette in either hue or value. Their palette includes warm shades like golden turmeric, paprika red and rich amber.

CONTRAST

Dark Autumn individuals have high levels of contrast. Their hair and eyes are typically deeper than their skin but this level is still reduced by the softened chroma across their appearance. They may have grey pigmentation in their eyes and a glistening hair shine as well as a matte or sheer complexion. However, they border Winter so we may start to see some natural dewiness.

SKIN TONE

We see Dark Autumn individuals with light to deep skin tones in are either neutral-warm or warm in hue with golden undertones. This means their veins appear green or olive beneath the skin and warm metals such as oxidised copper, deep brass and yellow gold work best for them. They can also make use of cool metals such as silver and marcasite if they balance them with warm neutrals or accents in their clothing. Belonging to a muted season, matte and sheer complexions are common but we may see some luminosity due to bordering Winter. They may have freckles and tend to tan easily.

EYES

Typical examples of eye colours we see across Dark Autumn include brown, hazel, olive green and black as well as a very dark warm blue. However, any colour which is deep with some warmth is possible. Due to their season being influenced by muted chroma, these colours tend to have a touch of grey pigmentation, which reduces their reflectivity in contrast tests. We may also see soft separation on the outer iris edge as well as swirling borders on the inner section and an Aztec sun shape around the pupil. Some may have iris freckles.

HAIR

Due to their dominant depth, Dark Autumn individuals generally have medium to deep coloured hair. We see golden brunettes through to medium and dark auburns as well as brown black. Colours are typically golden, honey or red in tone. Neutral or ash colouring is also possible if the individual is influenced by bordering Winter. They also tend to have glistening finishes meaning individual flecks reflect the light rather than one strip as seen in brighter seasons.

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Close-up of wavy auburn hair strands, creating a textured pattern. The word "Bonny's" is written in cursive at the bottom right.

Dark Autumn: Hair Dye

Dark Autumn hair dye is deep and warm in shades of dark blonde, brunette and auburn. We also see warm purple fashion colours and brown-black

Dark Autumn

Dark Autumn: Lipstick

Dark Autumn lipsticks are deep and warm with a hint of softening grey. Such intensity is natural on these individuals.

Dark Autumn

colour palette

The Dark Autumn palette is reminiscent of a visit to a Moroccan spice market. The air is heady with natural perfume. Conical heaps of golden-yellow turmeric and fiery paprika catch your eye. Jars of preserved lemons glisten in shades of golden olive beside woven hessian sacks and ceramic bowls, stained with the deep purples of dried plums and figs. A richness of dark chocolate with deep brown earthenware pots, piles of dates, and slabs of spiced pastries.

metals

As a neutral-warm subtype, Dark Autumn individuals look best in oxidised copper, deep brass and yellow gold. However, they These should be deep in value and in either brushed, matte or textured finishes. They should avoid light metals as these are lost against such intensity. Similarly, shiny, polished finishes clash with soft chroma and look unnatural. The key is selecting dark metals, which look aged or tarnished to maintain natural depth.

neutrals

Dark Autumn's version of black is greenish dark brown. This is far more effective than pure black, which can be worn by this subtype but only when balanced with warm metals, neutrals and accents. Pure white can also overemphasise warm tones and make these individuals look yellow. Beiges and creams are far more effective and create a softer look.

accents

Due to its neutral-warm hue, the Dark Autumn palette contains more reds, yellows and oranges. These include cabernet red, burnt sienna and honey mustard. This subtype borders Winter so there are some blues but these are mixed with black to deepen as well as yellow to warm resulting in darker variations.

combinations

As their contrast level is high to intense, colour combinations need to oppose what is in the Dark Autumn individual’s natural palette. In the first two examples, we have shown how dark neutrals can be paired with light accents to achieve this effect. Alternatively, these individuals can select light neutrals to wear alongside dark accents. Another way to achieve balance is by pairing opposing hues such as warm accents and cool accents as shown in the final two examples.

colours to borrow

Depending on which way the Dark Autumn individual flows, they may be able to borrow colours from neighbouring Warm Autumn or Dark Winter. The Warm Autumn palette is dominantly warm with a moderate depth so their colours can be too rich and underwhelming on a Dark Autumn. These individuals will need to select the deeper, neutral and cool colours from this palette in order to maintain balance. The Dark Winter palette has the depth required for Dark Autumn but is neutral-cool. This means Dark Autumn individuals will need to select the warmer colours from that palette. Please note that the colours marked with an asterisk above are taken from the Warm Autumn and Dark Winter palettes respectively.

colours to avoid

As a dark and warm subtype, Dark Autumn’s worst colours are light and cool, such as those seen in Light Summer. The cool pastels in the examples above clash with Hazel's warmth and reflect white on her skin, making her look pale and unwell. This demonstrates that they are not suitable for her intensity. Again, the colour codes above marked with an asterisk are taken from the Light Summer sample palette.

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