The Dusty Soft Summer

The Dusty Soft Summer, with its unique cool softness, is the epitome of understated elegance.

What the Dusty Soft Summer is all about

Temperature: Cool
Value: Medium to medium light
Chroma: Soft
Sister Season: n/a

Best Colors: Predominantly cool, dusty shades of grey-blue, mauve, plum, soft pink, denim blue, charcoal.

Worst Colors: Bright warm colors like orange, golden yellow, and bright coral. Also, avoid very dark colors like black and cobalt blue.

As a unique sub-season of the Summer palette, Dusty Soft Summers are defined by their muted tones and delicate coloring, with little-to-no visible warmth.

Their palette is inspired by serene, cool hues such as misty mornings, rainy skies, and blooming hydrangeas.

Like the Cool Summer, this season is all cool. But it has a need for most of its colors to be muted even more than most Summers already are.

There will be a range of lighter to deeper soft colors you can wear, but keep most of the colors on the lighter side. Wearing colors that are too bright or too dark and heavy, particularly warm colors, will overwhelm you.

Hallmarks of the Dusty Soft Summer

Dusty Soft Summers are characterized by their cool undertones and muted chroma. Their delicate features thrive in soft, blended colors that enhance rather than overwhelm. This season flows seamlessly into other cool tones but never into warmer palettes.

Eyes: Typically grey, grey-blue, or grey-green, often described as “smoky” or “dusty.”
Skin: Appears neutral to cool, with a softness that enhances muted colors. Warm overtone? Likely not a Dusty Soft Summer.
Hair: Can be blonde or light-to-medium brown, but with a lack of warmth.
Overall Look: Soft, cool, and understated, with a preference for low contrast and blended tones.

Building Your Dusty Soft Summer Wardrobe

Creating a working wardrobe that reflects your best colors is key to looking your best everday. Start with versatile neutrals and layer in your best palette colors for a stunning look.

Core Neutrals

Soft white, navy, charcoal, and cool taupe serve as a solid foundation for your core wardrobe items like pants, blazer, dress, skirt, etc.

Power Colors

Once you have your core pieces, start adding your power colors like sky blue and dusty pink (or any of your favorite palette colors) to bring life to your outfits.

Wardrobe Tips

Replace black with charcoal or navy for a softer alternative.
Instead of crisp white, choose soft white to echo the softness in your coloring.

Accessories for The Dusty Soft Summers

Jewelry: Silver and pewter are ideal metals.

Gemstones: Pearls, moonstones, and opals align perfectly with your muted tones.

Eyewear: Besides silver and pewter, choose colored frames in only your best colors, soft grey, soft blue, or mauve.

Accessories close to your face have the greatest impact, so focus on your power colors for earrings, necklaces, and scarves.

For a comprehensive guide to mastering your Dusty Soft Summer look, including detailed palettes, expert tips, and advanced insights, explore my Dusty Soft Summer eBook.

It’s the ultimate resource for celebrating your season.

FYI: If you haven't noticed yet, many images I use on this site are marked "ColorBreeze Art". This is part of my new artwork and visuals I have created with the help of AI, among other digital photo software. I will be slowly adding more images over time. Here are some for this season. Please share on Pinterest if you like them!