Update posts summer to fall colors

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.

Want to bring a cozy autumn vibe to your front porch? These DIY fall decor ideas will help you create a warm and welcoming space. From charming wreaths to creative displays, there’s a perfect idea for every style. Let’s explore some inspiring options!

Fall Porch Sign

Create a welcoming sign for your porch using a wooden board. The rich orange tones of pumpkins paired with the warm wood will add a cheerful touch to your home, perfect for brightening up the space throughout fall and into Thanksgiving.

Cream Thanksgiving-Inspired Porch

Incorporate elegant cream tones and Thanksgiving greetings to add a touch of sophistication to your decor. Imagine white pumpkins and delicate white flowers arranged in rustic pails, paired with a cozy checkered throw for a warm, inviting look.

Falloween Wreath

To blend fall and Halloween decor, create a sparkling “Falloween” wreath for your front door. Black and burnt orange flowers paired with metallic pumpkins add just the right touch of seasonal elegance and festive flair.

Stylish Scarecrow

Scarecrows are a classic autumn decoration, but who says they have to wear traditional attire? Get creative with a stylish twist by dressing your scarecrow in a cozy patchwork or granny-square sweater and topping it off with a charming floral hat for a delightful seasonal look.

Go Spooky & Stylish

Transform your front yard into an enchanted pumpkin patch. Use a variety of painted pumpkins with whimsical designs and faces. Add twinkling fairy lights woven through hay bales, and place a scarecrow dressed in colorful attire nearby.

Pumpkins and Leaves

Create the feel of a cozy fall evening stroll by decorating your porch with faux leaves in rich autumn tones. Add an assortment of pumpkins in various sizes and a warm, glowing lantern to complete the inviting scene.

Rain Boots for a Decorative Hint

Autumn rains often lead to muddy footprints indoors, but you can keep your home cleaner with a subtle hint for guests to leave their shoes outside. Place a charming pair of rain boots by the front door—they’ll add a cute, seasonal touch to your decor while signaling that yours is a shoes-off home.

Cozy Seating Arrangements

When arranging porch furniture, consider grouping seats to encourage conversation. Sets of two, three, or even four chairs create inviting spaces for gatherings, making it easy to enjoy those memorable, cozy chats. In contrast, single or scattered pieces can feel less welcoming for connection.

Add Grain Sack Accents

Add a touch of rustic charm to your fall decor with vintage French grain sacks, perfect for embellishing stacked pumpkins. Arrange them on the porch, perhaps beside a bench adorned with grain sack-covered pillows, to create a cozy, country-inspired welcome for the season.

Halloween + Fall Blend

A spooky monster dangles from the second-story balcony of this townhome, greeting guests with a sinister grin. To balance its imposing presence, alternating pumpkins and vibrant orange mums adorn the steps, while fall-colored wreaths add a touch of warmth, softening the scene amidst the scattered bones along the walkway.

Pile it On

Go big or go home! This stunning front porch embraces the season with an abundance of decor, featuring multiple stacks of pumpkins, a vibrant array of mums, and cozy plaid fall blankets and pillows. A unique door wreath made from pecans adds a charming touch, making this porch a true autumn showstopper.

Pumpkin Parade

Capture the warm and fuzzy essence of fall with this inviting front door design. Start by covering your door in brown craft paper, then slice store-bought white pumpkins in half and attach them using removable picture hanging hooks. Complete the look with a cascading arrangement of faux fall foliage and a touch of plaid ribbon for a cozy, festive touch.

Autumn Pastel Planter

Infuse your entryway with a touch of glamorous goth using a chic pastel urn. Repurpose an old summer planter by filling it with faux black and pink florals, plastic skulls, and sparkling turquoise pumpkins for a whimsical yet edgy display that perfectly captures the spirit of the season.

Unmatched Foliage Views

Diners can savor breathtaking views of the changing leaves from this cozy covered patio. Classic wooden dining chairs are enhanced with timeless tartan throws, providing warmth and comfort. A charming centerpiece features a collection of petite pumpkins and a textured arrangement, adding a delightful touch of fall flair to the table.

Go Boho + Modern

Create a boho modern vibe in your fire pit area this fall. This Maine backyard features a custom-built fire pit crafted from steel and wire mesh, surrounded by a circular paved space. Teak chairs and earthy textiles made from organic materials enhance the cozy atmosphere. Check out more stunning styling tips for your fall fire pit below!

Dressed to Impress

A bandana-clad scarecrow greets neighbors with a charming, slanted smile from the front stoop of this farmhouse. The scene is completed by vibrant marigold mums and two petite pumpkins, creating a joyful vignette that embodies the spirit of fall.

Classic Contrast

Creamy pumpkins, dried baby’s breath, and an abundance of ghost berries combine to create an elegant autumnal accent for this front door. Earthy pinecones add contrast and texture to the neutral display, while inky feathers sprinkled throughout provide a whimsical touch, making the entryway both inviting and stylish.

Inspiration Abounds

Nothing captures the essence of a bountiful harvest quite like fresh flowers, gourds, and lanterns cascading down the front steps. Leslie Davis of Paper Daisy Design recommends considering what fall looks like in your region or yard to create a more natural design. If you’re torn between a classic orange or a cool white motif, take this approach and let your landscape guide your choice for a harmonious look.

Bushels of Beauty

Stylist Marian Parson transformed her front stoop for fall by incorporating seasonal staples like mums and pumpkins in shades of cream, orange, and green to beautifully complement her light blue front door. Against a backdrop of fall grasses and leaves, faux red apples add an unexpected pop of color to the inviting autumn wreath, enhancing the overall warmth of the decor.

Warm Welcome

Craft a warm and inviting entryway for guests with a charming display of fall-themed items. Combine traditional favorites like pumpkins and bales of hay, layered with vibrant mums in rustic wooden baskets, to establish a cohesive color palette of orange and tan. To enhance visual interest, vary the sizes and shapes of the pumpkins for a dynamic and engaging arrangement.

Quilts for All

Although quilts and blankets are best reserved for indoor use during rainy weather, they’re perfect for snuggling up on breezy days or brisk evenings. These cozy textiles add a warm, homey touch of farmhouse style to your outdoor space and are easy to transport in and out of the house.

Declare the Season

You won’t find a more festive and fun front porch than this one, featuring a whimsical hand-lettered sign that captures the spirit of the season. This fall display draws attention by blending classic autumn staples with bold, modern accents, such as metallic gourds and sleek metal lanterns, creating an eye-catching and vibrant look.

Fall All Over

This traditional front porch receives a delightful fall refresh with a stack of heirloom pumpkins, a warm-hued autumn wreath, and vibrant yellow mums. The transformation showcases how just a few seasonal touches can effortlessly transition your entryway from summer to fall, creating an inviting atmosphere.

Layered Rugs

This front porch showcases a delightful fall-inspired decor with stacked rugs that create a luscious, layered effect. The bottom layer features a classic plaid pattern, while the top rug boasts a playful fall saying. Together, they beautifully complement the rich wooden door, welcoming guests in seasonal style.

Fireside Forest Views

A stunning stacked-stone fireplace serves as the centerpiece of this luxurious mountainside lounge. Twin teal sofas are arranged for intimate conversations, while a pair of geometric coffee tables provide plenty of room for spiked cider to chill between sips, creating the perfect setting for relaxation and enjoyment.

Candy Corn Cutie

If you’re a fan of this beloved yet polarizing Halloween candy, why not deck your door with a banner of handcrafted candy corn pennants? To create this cheerful yellow, orange, and white display, simply grab a store-bought cardboard pennant banner, some craft paint, and wood beads. It’s an easy and festive way to celebrate the season!

Dare to Go Over-the-Top

This year, go bold by transforming your front porch with a stunning, traffic-stopping pumpkin arch crafted from PVC pipe, faux pumpkins, and dried foliage. This eye-catching display not only makes a statement but also welcomes guests with a fun and festive autumn vibe that’s sure to impress!

Cue the Color

Warm, golden-hued planters provide striking accents on this pumpkin-filled fall front porch. Pro Tip: To create maximum visual interest, fill your planters with a diverse mix of colors, heights, and textures. This layering adds depth and enhances the seasonal charm of your entryway.

Au Naturel

Texture takes center stage on this seasonal front door. The charming DIY corn husk wreath embraces simplicity by opting for layers of natural husk, showcasing rich, dimensional golden hues. Complementing the wreath, a variety of buffalo check pumpkins and vibrant purple blooms in cement planters add a splash of color, brightening the entryway and enhancing its welcoming appeal.

Glam Gourds

Rustic textures, creamy hues, and glamorous metallic finishes unite to create a unique fall porch. A tall corn stalk in an aged bronze planter adds height to the display, while creamy white pumpkins brighten the stoop and stand out beautifully against the tan siding, enhancing the overall inviting ambiance.

Pumpkins + Plants

Straight from the pumpkin patch, heaps of pumpkins and gourds harmonize beautifully with potted croton and mums, creating a fall-tastic entryway full of charm. A personal touch is added with vinyl house numbers on a tall pumpkin, enhancing the display’s uniqueness. The cheerful hues of this front porch, showcased in HGTV Magazine, are guaranteed to brighten even the dreariest of days.

CONCLUSION

With these DIY fall front porch decor ideas, you can easily transform your entryway into a warm and inviting space. Remember, the key to a stunning display is to personalize it with your unique style and favorite fall elements. Whether you prefer a minimalist or maximalist approach, these ideas will inspire you to create a cozy and festive atmosphere that welcomes guests and celebrates the beauty of autumn.