A complete styling guide if you're a true autumn.

Picture a floor of fallen brown and rustic orange leaves, a golden wheat field or a warm sunset. This is true autumn. 

Also referred to as warm autumn, this colour palette sits in between soft autumn and dark autumn on the seasonal flow chart and is characterised by its muted warm richness. 

How to tell if you're true autumn.

True autumn is categorised as the following: warm hue, medium-dark value and medium-low chroma. 

Warm hue: A red undertone dominates this colour palette and is brimming with naturally yellow-based hues like yellows, greens and warm browns. This negates the need for any sign of cool blue undertones (the coolest colour of all). However, if a blue does make an appearance, it will be one on the warmer side with hints of yellow, like turquoise. The overtones for this palette are also warm, typically a peach or beige, which results in the rich goldness autumn is known for. 

Medium-dark value: True autumn is medium to dark in value as it closely sits next to winter, the darkest season of all. As a result, colours are dark and warm-toned. 

Medium-low chroma: The chroma is considered muted but not to the extent of soft autumn. The influence of spring adds a hint of saturation/contrast to this season. If you’re true autumn, your features seamlessly blend into one another and your colouring is soft and gentle instead of bright and clear.

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What is true autumn's colour palette?

True autumn's best colours include:

Neutrals: Creams, off-whites, espresso, cinnamon and coffee

Yellows and oranges: Mustard, butterscotch, honey and copper

Warm greens: Olive, sage, juniper and khaki

Warm blues: Turquoise and cerulean

Rich reds and purples: Burgundy, crimson, plum and mulberry

On the other side of the spectrum, the colours to avoid if you're true autumn include:

• Stark colours like true whites and black

• Cool, frosty colours like intense pinks, ice blues and bright purples

Building a true autumn colour palette is an easy process when you focus on this season's best colours. Here's an example of what a true autumn's colour palette might look like: 

Base colour: Caramel or hazel

Light neutral: Ivory or cream

Dark neutral: Chestnut or chocolate brown

Main colour: A warm red or deep green

Accent colours: Yellow, orange or warm teal

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Celebrities with a true autumn colour palette.

Some notable people with a true autumn colour palette include Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, Isla Fisher, Shailene Woodley, Julianne Moore and Lindsay Lohan. These individuals are often associated with this colour palette because of their even mix of warm, soft and deep characteristics with low contrast. Of course, this is only a guide and their colour palettes will change depending on their styling choices. 

Styling tips for true autumn.

Go crazy with neutrals: Although true autumn leans towards the darker end of the colour scale, true black is not the most flattering as it’s too cool and harsh. As an alternative, dark browns and olive greens will make your complexion shine. The same applies to white — select off-whites, cream and beige instead of pure white. 

Low-to-medium contrast patterns are your friend: Opt for patterns that have a natural contrast level as opposed to those with high contrast. Both the background and pattern on a piece of clothing should blend well together. 

Soft-curved shapes: Geometric patterns and small patterns in clustered arrangements won’t work in your favour. Instead, gentle and highly stylised patterns with rounded edges all fall under true autumn. Additionally, look for patterns that correspond to autumn itself, like leaves and wood. 

Accessorise, accessorise, accessorise: Gold, copper, brass and bronze are the best metals that complement the rich colouring of true autumn. Even better, look for accessories with an antique, oxidised or slightly less reflective finish. On the opposite side, silver, platinum and white gold will be too cold for your complexion and will clash with your natural warm colouring.

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Beauty tips for true autumn.

Base: A natural no-makeup makeup look is your friend, although drama is definitely not off the cards. For your makeup base, opt for a matte foundation with a sweep of bronzer. 

Eyes: Both black and brown mascara and eyeliner can work for true autumn. In terms of eyeshadow, choose brown neutrals as a base. For accent colours, opt for olive green, teal or a swipe of gold or bronze.

Blush: Rich warm shades of coral and peach will make you shine even brighter. 

Lipstick: Embrace a bold warm lip and avoid going too nude of a shade as doing so will clash with the warmth of your other features. 

Final thoughts on true autumn.

Wondering if you're a true autumn? If you have an even mix of warm, soft and deep characteristics with low contrast, you might fall into this colour palette. Of course, this shouldn't deter you from wearing colours you love but aren’t classified as true autumn. After all, your unique colour palette should naturally uplift your appearance and confidence. 

If you're looking to expand your palette, you can also consider the sister seasons of true autumn: soft autumn and dark autumn.

Want to know what season you are? Take our free quiz below. 

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