Winter Type: The Colors That Suit the Cool Winter Type

Cool, clear and high-contrast colors such as black, white, navy, charcoal, burgundy, emerald, fuchsia and ice blue suit the winter type. This is a guide, not a rule: what matters most is the colors you feel comfortable in.

Anyone who recognizes themselves in the winter type usually asks two things: which colors belong to it, and how do I combine them? This guide describes the typical characteristics, explains the contrast rule, shows clothing examples and presents three outfits. How to work out your color season is explained in the guide Find Your Color Season: Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter?.

Which colors suit the winter type? The palette

The following tones are considered typical for the winter type:

• Black and white. The two strongest contrasts, pure and without any mixing.
• Navy and charcoal. Deep, cool dark tones as an alternative to black.
• Burgundy. A deep red that is kept cool and dark.
• Emerald. A clear, strong green with a bluish touch.
• Fuchsia and pink. Bright accents that turn out strong and pure.
• Ice blue. A light, cool tone that looks clear rather than soft.

A winter palette for everyone, regardless of color season, is in the guide Winter colors for clothing.

How do you recognize the winter type? Characteristics and the contrast rule

The winter type is considered cool, clear and high-contrast. That means:

• Cool. The colors have a bluish undertone. You usually like silver better than gold, and pure white better than cream.
• Clear. You prefer bright, pure colors to muted, earthy tones.
• High-contrast. Light and dark sit clearly next to each other, such as white and black or navy and white.

The winter type is often described with a clear difference between hair color and eye color. That is only a hint. The comparison in front of a mirror matters more: in daylight, hold a top in fuchsia and one in rust up in front of you. Which do you like better? If you choose fuchsia, that points to the cool side.

The contrast rule is: combine one light and one dark color instead of mixing two medium tones. White with black or navy, gray with fuchsia, ice blue with charcoal. A clear gap between light and dark fits this direction.

Clothing for the winter type: examples from the shop

Here are a few pieces from this color range. No fixed assignment is implied.

Black. The basic sweater in black is a fine knit with a V-neck and wide-falling sleeves. Black is the base of the palette and can be combined with all the tones on the list. You can find more choice in black clothing. How to combine the tone is shown in the guide Which color goes with black?.

White. The muslin blouse in white has a full button placket and is made of cotton. Pure white is the clearest counterpart to black. You can find more pieces in white in white clothing. Ideas are in the guide Which color goes with white?.

Navy. The oversize check jacket in navy blue shows a fine grid pattern and has a stand-up collar with a zip. Navy is a deep, cool tone that looks clear and calm next to white.

Pink. The ribbed knit sweater in pink has a high turtleneck. Pink is a strong accent that stands out well against gray and black. More on combining it is in the guide Which color goes with pink?.

Burgundy. A deep wine red belongs to the palette if it is dark and rather cool. The lightweight sweater in burgundy is an example of a dark red tone. More on this is in the guide Combining burgundy.

Three outfits for the winter type

The outfits follow the contrast rule: one light and one dark color, plus at most one accent.

• Outfit 1: black and white. The muslin blouse in white, with the jersey pants in black. This is the strongest contrast of the palette. Silver works as jewelry.
• Outfit 2: navy with charcoal and white. The oversize check jacket in navy blue over the white blouse, with the leopard print jersey pants in charcoal. The leopard print in charcoal stays subtle and sits behind the dark tones.
• Outfit 3: pink as an accent. The ribbed knit sweater in pink, with the jersey pants in black. Pink is the only color here, the rest stays dark.

Which colors can look less clear on the winter type?

The following tones often look softer and more muted next to the winter palette:

• Earthy tones. Camel, khaki, mustard and rust have a warm undertone.
• Cream and ivory. Both look more yellowish next to pure white.
• Strongly muted pastels. Dusty, soft tones recede next to the clear colors.

You do not have to give them up. A top in black or white right at the face and an earthy tone on pants or skirt allows both sides.

Jewelry and accessories for the winter type

For jewelry, the same direction applies as for clothing: cool and clear. Silver is considered the cool tone and usually fits the palette better. White gold and platinum also work well. For a scarf, belt or bag, black, navy and charcoal form a calm base. A scarf in fuchsia or ice blue adds an accent without overloading the look.

Winter type or another type?

Many people recognize themselves in two types. The winter type is related to summer, because both are cool. Summer is lighter and softer, winter clearer and higher in contrast. Fall is further away: it is warm and muted. If you are torn between types, choose the temperature first and then the clarity. The five questions for placing yourself are in the guide linked above on color seasons.

Matching items in the shop: burgundy clothing and black pants.

Common questions

Which colors suit the winter type?

Cool, clear tones such as black, white, navy, charcoal, burgundy, emerald, fuchsia and ice blue. This is a guide, not an obligation.

Which colors do not suit the winter type as well?

Earthy and strongly muted tones such as camel, mustard, khaki or dusty pastels can look less clear. Clear variants such as navy or emerald are often the better fit.

Does beige suit the winter type?

Beige usually has a warm undertone and looks softer next to black and pure white. Cool grays are the calmer alternative.

Does gold or silver suit the winter type?

Silver is considered the cool tone and usually fits the palette better. White gold and platinum also work well.

Do I always have to wear contrasts as a winter type?

No. Tone on tone works too, for example navy with charcoal. The contrast rule is only an aid for clear combinations.