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EVERYTHING YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SOFT SUMMER

The “Soft Summer” is one of the twelve color seasons within the seasonal color analysis system, a tool used to determine which colors best harmonize with an individual’s natural coloring. It’s a palette of subtle, muted, and cool tones, designed to enhance the delicate beauty of those who fall within this category.  Unlike the vibrant hues of spring or the deep richness of winter, Soft Summer embraces a gentle, blended look.  If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by bright colors and found yourself drawn to dusty, diffused shades, you might just be a Soft Summer. This guide will delve into every aspect of this captivating season, from its defining characteristics and ideal color palette to makeup, hair, and wardrobe recommendations, helping you understand and embrace your natural Soft Summer beauty.  

CHARACTERISTICS

When determining if you are a Soft Summer, focus on your overall appearance rather than individual features. The key traits of this season are muted, cool-toned coloring with a soft, blended look.

HOW TO IDENTIFY A SOFT SUMMER

  • Primary Aspect: Muted – your coloring appears soft and toned down rather than bright or vibrant.
  • Secondary Aspect: Cool – cooler shades complement your complexion better than warm ones.
  • Overall Look: Your skin, eyes, and hair blend harmoniously, creating a low to medium contrast appearance.
  • Jewelry Preference: Silver flatters your skin more than gold.

SOFT SUMMER FEATURES

Eyes

Soft Summer eyes are always softly greyed, regardless of their color. They can be:

  • Grey, grey-blue, grey-green, or grey-hazel
  • Muted brown in deeper complexions
  • Often feature a crackled glass pattern typical of Summer eyes

Skin

Soft Summer skin has cool undertones with a soft, muted appearance. It may be:

  • Neutral, olive, or neutral-cool with ashy undertones
  • Fair to tan, always toned down rather than vibrant
  • Occasionally freckled

Hair

Soft Summer hair is muted and ashy, never bright or golden. It ranges from:

  • Medium ash blonde to light/medium ash brown
  • Often develops ash-blonde highlights in sunlight

CONTRAST LEVEL

Soft Summers have a low to medium contrast between their skin, eyes, and hair. The overall effect is blended and harmonious, without stark light or dark elements.

SOFT SUMMER VS. SOFT AUTUMN

Both Soft Summer and Soft Autumn are muted seasons, but the key difference lies in their undertones:

  • Soft Summer leans cool, with grey and olive tones.
  • Soft Autumn leans warm, with walnut and honey tones.

SIMPLE TEST

To determine whether you are a Soft Summer or Soft Autumn, hold a grey fabric near your face in natural light:

  • If your eyes appear more greyish (even if they contain hints of green or brown), you are likely a Soft Summer.
  • If your eyes remain green, hazel, or olive, you likely lean towards Soft Autumn.

This high concentration of grey pigments is what gives Soft Summers their signature cool and muted look.

The Colour Palette

Soft Summer is a season of soft, misty hues, reminiscent of cool summer rains and the gentle transition into autumn. Its colours are delicate and layered, blending both cool and warm tones into a harmonious, almost chameleon-like effect.

SOFT SUMMER COLOURS

True to its muted and cool nature, Soft Summer’s palette consists of desaturated, low-contrast shades that align with the season’s natural softness. The dominant colours are greys, pinks, purples, blues, and greens—each subtle and complex rather than bright or clear. Sitting on the border between Summer and Autumn, this palette is the deepest of the Summer family, with a slight brownish depth from Autumn’s influence.

COLOUR DIMENSIONS

  • Hue: Slightly cool—while not as icy as True Summer, Soft Summer’s colours contain more blue than yellow undertones, resulting in cooler pinks, blues, and greys with minimal yellow shades.
  • Value: Medium—neither overly light nor dark, the palette consists mostly of mid-range tones.
  • Chroma: Low—the colours are highly desaturated and muted, with a distinctive greyed-out softness.

SISTER PALETTES

Soft Summer is positioned between True Summer and Soft Autumn on the seasonal spectrum. While all three share a muted quality, the differences lie in temperature and depth:

  • Compared to True Summer, Soft Summer’s colours are warmer, slightly darker, and more subdued.
  • Compared to Soft Autumn, Soft Summer’s colours are cooler and more grey-toned, while both remain medium in value and muted.
  • Compared to Light Summer, the colours are deeper and more toned down, though both share a cool-neutral balance.

If you lean towards True Summer, you may borrow its softer shades, like Moonlite Mauve or Lichen Blue. If you have hints of Soft Autumn, you can incorporate its cooler hues, such as English Manor or Dusk Blue.

Styling for Soft Summer

NEUTRALS

Soft Summer’s muted and desaturated nature makes traditional black and white too harsh. Instead, opt for dark greyish browns as your dark neutrals and soft greys, muted sand tones, and gentle browns as light neutrals. These shades complement your natural softness without overpowering your features.

COLOURS TO AVOID

Since Soft Summer thrives on cool, muted tones, avoid bright and overly warm colours. Vibrant pinks, blues, and rich earthy hues, such as orange-based reds and warm browns, will clash with your soft colouring. Highly saturated shades can overwhelm your delicate balance.

COLOUR COMBINATIONS

Soft Summer is best suited to low-contrast, blended colour pairings that mirror its naturally soft appearance. The most flattering combinations include:

  • Monochromatic looks – Pairing different shades of the same hue, such as light and dark green, creates a cohesive and seamless effect.
  • Analogous hues – Colours close to each other on the spectrum, like lavender and soft blue, maintain a harmonious and balanced look.
  • Soft neutrals with accents – Combining a muted beige with a similarly toned soft yellow ensures a gentle, natural flow.

Avoid high-contrast combinations, especially complementary colours like blue and orange, as they create too much visual tension.

PATTERNS & PRINTS

Soft, delicate patterns best suit this season’s understated elegance. Consider:

✔ Watercolour textures, delicate floral prints, and natural elements like feathers and birds.
✔ Small, loosely arranged designs that blend rather than stand out.

✖ Avoid large, bold patterns, geometric shapes, and high-contrast prints, as they will feel too harsh and structured.

METALS & ACCESSORIES

Soft Summer can wear both warm and cool metals, but silver is the most flattering. If choosing gold, opt for soft, muted versions like light rose gold or brushed gold rather than deep, rich yellows.

The best finishes are matte, brushed, satin, or lightly hammered to complement Soft Summer’s subtlety. Bright and shiny metals can appear too stark. Pearls are a great choice, especially those with layered, soft colouring rather than stark white.

26 POPULAR HAIRSTYLES FOR ASIAN MEN

Asian hairstyles are known for their classy and fashion-forward appeal, often featuring short sides and back with extra length on top for a sleek, modern look. If you’re looking to refresh your style, these versatile and stylish Asian men’s haircuts can complement any hair type or length, ensuring a sharp and flattering finish.

For a clean and masculine short haircut, consider pairing a fade or undercut with a slick back, two-block cut, side part, brush-up, blowout, Ivy League, or messy fringe. If you prefer longer styles, adding texture, volume, and natural flow can enhance your overall look.

No matter your hair type—straight, thick, wavy, or curly—these trendy styles can take your appearance to the next level.

For inspiration, explore some of the best Asian men’s hairstyles, from the ever-popular two-block cut to the sophisticated comb-over fade, and discover the latest trends that define modern, stylish looks.

Permed Hair with Short Sides

A permed hairstyle with short sides offers a stylish and modern look, adding boyish charm with soft, voluminous curls. This cut features longer hair on top, typically a few inches in length, permed into loose, natural-looking curls. To enhance the texture and shine, a generous amount of high-shine gel is used, giving the hair a sleek, wet appearance. The contrast comes from the shorter, curl-free sides, creating a sharp and polished finish that balances structure with movement.

Textured Slick Back with Low Undercut Fade

The textured slick back with a low undercut fade is a bold yet effortlessly stylish look that exudes masculinity. Featuring several inches of length at the front, this haircut gradually tapers down the sides and back for a clean, polished finish. Styling is simple—use a wide-tooth comb and a bit of styling paste to brush the top section straight back, creating natural texture. The comb enhances definition, while the undercut fade provides sharp contrast, making this an eye-catching and modern choice.

Shaggy Medium Center Parted Style


This shaggy, medium-length center-parted style captures the essence of the classic bad boy look while giving it a modern twist. The hair on top and at the sides is kept several inches long, blending into shorter lengths just above the ears, around the back, and at the nape. To achieve this effortlessly cool style, simply part the hair in the center and tousle it with a touch of texturizing pomade for a relaxed, lived-in finish.

Brushed Forward Short Hair with Drop Fade


Brushed-forward short hair with a drop fade strikes the perfect balance between boyish charm and subtle boldness. The top is left slightly longer, gradually tapering down the sides and back for a clean, structured look. The drop fade ensures a seamless transition to very short hair around the ears and nape, enhancing the sharp contrast. The finishing touch is the playful “flip” at the front, mimicking a subdued quiff for added personality and style.

Long Ponytail


The long ponytail offers versatile styling options, from a simple low knot to a flowing half-up, half-down look. This style works best with medium-length layered hair, providing natural movement and texture. To achieve it, gather the hair from the ears upward and secure it into a ponytail at the back, leaving the rest to flow freely. For a relaxed, effortless touch, allow a few strands to fall naturally around the forehead and sideburns.

Textured Comb Over Fade


The textured comb-over fade turns thick, straight hair into a sleek, modern statement. The top and front are left slightly longer, while a high fade seamlessly tapers down to the skin just above the ear. To achieve the signature textured, piecey look, apply a texturizing paste for definition and movement. The thicker the hair, the more volume and dimension this style creates after styling.

Classic Side Part


The classic side part is a timeless, dapper cut with roots in the 1950s. The hair is kept slightly longer than the traditional gentleman’s cut, allowing it to flow smoothly from the side part in a stylish and flattering way. This handsome look is ideal for guys who prefer a low-maintenance style, as it requires minimal effort at home—just some gel and a comb or brush for quick styling.

Shaggy Hair


Shaggy hair is one of the hottest trends right now. This short, versatile style features hair on the top and sides that falls just to the top of the ears, gradually tapering to a shorter length. The hair is parted in the center, falling to the side, back, and front in a relaxed, tousled manner for a windswept effect. The cut works well with various hair lengths, but it’s especially perfect for those with a bit of natural texture or wave, giving it an effortless, lived-in vibe.

Classic Pompadour


The classic pompadour is an iconic hairstyle renowned for its impressive volume and bold, eye-catching appeal. The hair on top is significantly longer than the sides and back, with a smooth fade creating a seamless transition between lengths. While achieving the perfect pomp requires a skilled stylist and some effort, with the right products and a bit of patience, it results in a charming and effortlessly stylish look that exudes confidence and sexiness.

Short Bro Flow


The short bro flow is a casually cool hairstyle that’s both refreshing and elegant. With choppy layers and a middle part, this face-framing cut creates natural movement while drawing attention to the facial features. It’s a laid-back yet stylish choice that offers a relaxed vibe with just the right amount of sophistication.

Quiff


The quiff is a timeless men’s hairstyle that exudes a handsome, youthful, and sexy vibe. The modern version typically features textured spikes at the front, flowing upwards and back, complemented by a clean fade on the sides. This combination adds both styling flexibility and dimension, making the quiff a versatile and dynamic look.

Thick Messy Crop


A thick, messy crop is a youthful and effortlessly cool style. The longer hair on top blends into the shorter sides and back, but instead of layering the longer sections, they’re kept at one length. This creates volume in the fringe and at the crown of the head. To achieve the sought-after messy look, simply tousle the hair with your fingers for a relaxed, textured finish.

Textured Two Block with Classic Taper


The textured two-block with a classic taper is a trendy haircut for Asian men who prefer longer hair on top and shorter sides and back. Whether you opt for a fade, taper, or undercut, the contrast creates a disconnected, dimensional look that highlights stylish volume. You can finish it with a messy texture or incorporate curtain bangs for a more refined touch.

Medium Layered Style with Part


A medium layered style with a part offers great versatility for guys who enjoy experimenting with different looks. One option is to channel a K-Pop vibe by creating a side part, lifting the front of the hair, and letting the fringe curl down over one side of the forehead. Alternatively, pairing the layers with an undercut gives the style a more masculine edge, balancing softness with structure.

Modern Faux Hawk with Low Skin Fade

The modern faux hawk with a low skin fade is perfect for guys who want to maintain a youthful style without going too bold or edgy. The hair on top is significantly longer than the sides, swept upward into a series of spikes that flow from the fringe to the crown. The low skin fade on the sides creates a subtle transition, softening the overall look and giving it a more balanced, refined appearance.

Mullet with Undercut


The mullet with an undercut is a modern twist on the classic style, offering a more subdued take on the iconic look. This version features choppy layers on the top and back, while the undercut creates a peekaboo effect that adds both masculinity and flair. The slightly tousled finish is a popular styling choice, giving the cut a relaxed, effortless vibe with a touch of edge.

Modern Pompadour with Mid Fade


For guys looking to make a bold statement, the modern pompadour with a mid fade is the perfect choice. The hair on top gradually gets longer from the crown to the forehead, with the fringe styled straight upward and back to create the iconic “pomp.” The focus is on height, and the mid fade to skin not only emphasizes the volume on top but also creates the illusion of added height, making this cut both striking and dynamic.

Hard Side Part Fade

The hard side part fade is a versatile, semi-casual yet semi-formal look that works for any occasion. The hair on top is kept a few inches long and styled over from a deep side part. The high fade creates a smooth transition from the longer top to the much shorter sides and back. This cut pairs well with a clean-shaven face, but can also be styled with a beard or goatee for a more rugged, masculine vibe.

Long Side Part


The long side part is a timeless gentleman’s hairstyle that strikes the perfect balance between casual and classy. While it can be shoulder-length or longer, many opt for a shorter version with volume in the fringe and tapered sides. This versatile look works with any hair length or texture, but wavy hair especially adds a unique dimension, giving it a bit of extra flair and movement.

K-Pop Haircut


The K-pop haircut is a trendy and flattering style for Asian guys looking to add volume on top. The most popular K-pop look features a two-block cut with a thick fringe and disconnected sides, emphasizing the styling on top. Popularized by members of Korean boy bands, this layered cut offers a fresh, dynamic look that instantly elevates your style.

Long Side Swept Style with Low Taper


The long side-swept style with a low taper is a bold and fashionable cut that suits a variety of hair types and textures. The hair on top is left several inches long, sweeping over from a deep side part aligned with the corner of the forehead. The low taper creates a smooth transition from the very short hair around the ears to the longer hair on top, giving the style a polished yet dynamic look.

Long Spikes with Low Taper


Long spikes with a low taper is an edgy and bold style that requires growing the hair on top and sides a few inches longer. To style, use pomade or gel to create thick, textured spikes in all directions. The gradual taper to a shorter length around the ears and neck adds versatility, allowing for different styling options while maintaining a dynamic, sharp look.

Classy Comb Over

The classy comb over is a timeless haircut that’s effortlessly versatile. Whether dressed down with jeans and a tee or styled up with a tux, this look always makes a statement. Slightly longer than a traditional gentleman’s cut, it features a subtly off-center side part with the hair neatly combed over. Ideal for clean-cut men, this style exudes charm and sophistication with minimal effort.

Brushed Forward Hair with Side Fringe


Brushed forward hair with a side fringe is an excellent choice for men with fine, straight hair. The top is kept slightly longer and styled forward, with the fringe sweeping to one side for a sleek yet effortless look. When paired with a shaved or buzzed undercut, this cut feels modern, youthful, and undeniably stylish.

Messy Curly Hair


Messy curly hair is a stylish and low-maintenance way to embrace natural texture with a carefree finish. The top and fringe are kept long, while the sides and back are trimmed shorter for contrast. A touch of curl-defining mousse, gel, or texturizing pomade enhances definition, and a simple finger tousle adds the perfect amount of messiness for an effortlessly cool look.

Curtains


Curtains are a stylish choice for guys with longer hair who want a relaxed, effortlessly cool look. This hairstyle is defined by its middle-parted bangs that frame the face, creating a soft yet structured appearance. While the length can vary, the current trend favors eyebrow-grazing fringe that naturally falls from the part for a modern, laid-back vibe.

CONCLUSION

No matter what your hair type or personal style, there’s a hairstyle out there that will make you look and feel your best. So go ahead and experiment until you find the perfect one for you. Remember, the best hairstyle is the one that makes you feel confident and comfortable. So don’t be afraid to try something new and have fun with it.