How to Wear Colours Outside of Your Seasonal Palette

If you've worked with your seasonal colour palette, you know how impactful it can be to dress in colours that complement your skin tone and undertone. But what about the colours that fall outside your palette - those shades that catch your eye, even though they may not align with your best colours? It’s possible to incorporate these into your wardrobe in a way that still feels true to your personal style. Here are some practical ways for wearing colours you love, even when they’re not part of your season.

1. Wear it away from your face.

Colours worn near your face have the most impact on the appearance of your skin. If the colour you love isn’t in your season, shift it to the lower half of your outfit. For example, if you're a Light Summer who loves mustard (an Autumn colour), wear it on the lower half of your body (such as mustard pants with a grey top).

2. Use makeup as a balancing tool.

When wearing colours outside of your palette, strategically applied makeup can balance out their effects. For example, if you’re a True Summer who wants to wear black (a Winter colour), add a bit more blush and a stronger lip colour to your makeup routine that day.

3. Incorporate the colour into a pattern or accent item.

Wearing "off-season" colours in patterns is a great way of integrating them without overwhelming your look. Look for prints that mix your season’s colours with the shade you love, making sure that the dominant colour is within your colour season. If you’re a True Spring who loves cool muted teals (a Summer colour), you could find a floral top that combines teal with vibrant warm yellows.

You can also consider wearing the colour as an accent: think earrings, a watch strap, or a pocket square.

24. Refer to the colour wheel and wear complementary colours.

Complementary colours are two colours that are on opposite sides of the colour wheel. When combined, they create a striking and high-contrast look. Combining an off-season colour with one from your season can still create harmony and balance, and in many cases, high visual impact. For example, a True Winter who wants to wear orange (an Autumn colour) can pair it with a bold cobalt blue from the Winter palette.

5. Layer wisely.

Layering pieces is great way of wearing an “unflattering” colour close to your face. Wear a jacket, cardigan, or scarf in a colour from your season to bring the focus back to you. A Deep Winter wearing a dusty sage dress (Muted Autumn) can add a dark purple blazer to sharpen the look.

6. Keep it fun and personal.

Sometimes, wearing an "bad" colour can still be playful and enjoyable. Try wearing it as socks or undergarments! While these might not be visible to others, they’re a fun way of staying connected to the colours you love.

8. Monochromatic with a twist.

If you love a colour outside of your season, try adjusting its value or intensity to suit you better. A True Summer who loves mustard might want to try a cooler, paler gold or soft yellow. This approach allows you to wear the colour in a way that aligns with your season.

Remember: your palette is a guide, not a rulebook.

While your seasonal palette highlights the colours that make you shine, fashion is about self-expression. Experimenting with colours outside of your season is perfectly fine, and you can always use the techniques above to maintain harmony while enjoying the colours that make you happy.