Winter family, deep and cool
Deep Winter (Dark Winter): Colors, Makeup, and Hair
Deep Winter, also called dark winter, is the season where depth leads and coolness comes second: dark brown to black hair, dark eyes, and neutral to cool skin at any depth, with strong contrast between them. Its palette is dark and dramatic (true red, burgundy, sapphire, emerald, plum, and black), and it is one of the few that wears black well. The free seasonal color analysis can check your coloring from one photo.
The deep winter color palette
Deep Winter colors are dark, cool, and clear, like jewels in low light. A few, like true red and pine, lean slightly warm because Deep Winter borders Deep Autumn. Black and icy white both work here, which is rare in the system.
Tap any color to copy its hex code.
Neutrals for coats, trousers, and shoes
Save the Deep Winter palette
Save this card to your phone and hold it next to clothes when you shop. Store lighting shifts colors, so check near a window when you can.
Download the paletteWhat does Deep Winter coloring look like?
Deep Winter is deep first and cool second. Here is how that usually shows up, and where the season sits on the three axes of color analysis.
- Skin
- Neutral to cool, from fair porcelain to very deep brown. Many Deep Winters have neutral skin and get their coolness from dark, cool hair and eyes. The skin tone chart lists the names for each depth.
- Hair
- Dark brown, black-brown, or black, with little visible red or gold. Many Deep Winters gray to a striking salt and pepper.
- Eyes
- Dark brown, black-brown, deep hazel, or dark cool green, often very dark against the whites.
- Contrast
- High. Dark hair and eyes against the skin create strong contrast, so soft, light colors make you look faded.
Deep Winter on the three axes
- Hue
- CoolWarm
- Value
- LightDeep
- Chroma
- SoftBright
Deep Winter vs Deep Autumn and True Winter
Seasons that sit side by side on the wheel share a quality, which makes them the easiest to mix up. Compare them in daylight with no makeup, holding each color under your chin, and watch your skin rather than the fabric.
Deep Winter vs Deep Autumn
Deep Autumn is just as dark but warm, with red or gold in the hair and a golden cast to the skin. Compare black with chocolate, and sapphire with deep teal. A Deep Winter looks sharper in black and sapphire, while chocolate and teal make the face look muddy. Check your hair in sunlight as well: red or golden glints suggest Deep Autumn, and no visible warmth points to Deep Winter.
See the Deep Autumn paletteDeep Winter vs True Winter
True Winter is cooler and brighter, with icy pastels and pure fuchsia that can look harsh on you, and its contrast is often even starker. If deep, slightly softened jewel tones (burgundy, plum, pine) look better on you than bright icy ones, you are Deep Winter. Eyes are a good clue: Deep Winter eyes are usually dark brown to black-brown, while True Winter eyes are often icy blue, gray, or a lighter cool brown.
See the True Winter paletteBest colors vs colors to avoid
These four colors work against Deep Winter coloring. Each one has a swap from your palette that does the same job in an outfit.
Instead of
orange, wear true redTrue red is a bold, warm-looking color that still suits cool coloring.
Instead of
camel, wear charcoalFor a coat or trousers, charcoal or navy gives the polish of camel without the yellow.
Instead of
mustard, wear emeraldEmerald is your statement color in the spot mustard fills for the autumns.
Instead of
peach, wear icy whiteFor a light color near your face, icy white is crisp where peach looks sallow.
Makeup for Deep Winter
Foundation
Neutral to cool, matched carefully to your jaw. Deep Winter skin can look ashy in foundations that are too light or too gray, so always check in daylight.
Blush
- Cool rose
- Berry
- Plum
Berry, plum, and cool rose. On deeper skin, a rich berry gives the most natural-looking flush.
Lipstick
- True red
- Burgundy
- Deep berry
- Plum
True red, burgundy, deep berry, and plum. Deep Winter wears dark lips better than almost anyone.
Eyeshadow
- Silver taupe
- Plum
- Deep navy
- Charcoal
Charcoal, plum, deep navy, and silver taupe. A charcoal or plum smoky eye is your classic look.
Eyeliner
- Black
- Deep plum
Black, deep plum, or navy. Bold, defined liner suits your contrast.
Best hair colors for Deep Winter
- Soft blackMatches your depth and keeps contrast high.
- Cool espressoDark brown with no red: rich but cool.
- Black cherryA burgundy-black that shows color in the light without adding warmth.
- Dark cool brownA softer option that still keeps your depth.
Hair colors to skip
- Golden or caramel highlights: they add warmth and lower contrast, which dulls dark winter coloring.
- Copper or auburn: too warm for cool-leaning coloring.
- Light blonde: it removes the depth that defines your season.
Whatever you choose, test it first: the NHS advises testing hair dye at least 48 hours before you use it.
Deep Winter outfit ideas
Build each outfit on one or two neutrals, then put a palette color near your face, where it does the most work.
- OfficeA black suit with an icy white shirt and a true red lip.
- WeekendA charcoal coat over an emerald sweater and dark jeans.
- EveningA burgundy velvet dress with black heels and silver jewelry.
- Smart casualA navy blazer with a deep fuchsia top.
Prints and fabrics
Bold, high-contrast prints suit you: large florals on black, graphic geometrics, houndstooth, and jewel-toned color-blocking. Rich fabrics with depth or sheen, like velvet, satin, leather, and fine wool, carry your contrast. Small, faded, or pastel prints get lost on you.
Glasses, bags, and nails
Black, dark navy, or deep burgundy frames hold their own against dark hair and eyes. Black, charcoal, and navy suit bags and shoes, and a burgundy or emerald bag makes a strong accent. For nails, try true red, burgundy, or deep plum.
Jewelry and metals
- Silver
- Platinum
- Gunmetal
Bold pieces suit your contrast, in polished or dark finishes. Larger, sculptural shapes in silver or gunmetal carry your depth, and dark stones set in silver look especially rich: ruby, garnet, sapphire, emerald, and black onyx all repeat your palette.
Is Deep Winter your season?
Color analysis is a styling system, not a science. No test can prove your season, and two analysts can look at the same face and disagree. Treat this palette as a shortlist of colors that tend to flatter Deep Winter coloring, and let the mirror have the final say.
Frequently asked questions
Is Deep Winter the same as Dark Winter?
Yes. Dark Winter and Deep Winter are two names for one season: depth is its strongest quality and coolness comes second.
Can a Deep Winter wear brown?
Very dark, cool browns can work, like espresso or black-brown. Warm browns, camel, and tan usually look muddy.
What is the best red for a dark winter?
A true red, balanced between blue and orange, or a deep blue-based burgundy. Orange reds and brick reds look too warm.
Can a Deep Winter wear pastels?
Only the iciest ones, close to white, like icy pink or icy blue, and best paired with a dark color. Medium pastels like baby pink or peach look washed out.
What white should a Deep Winter wear?
Icy or pure white. Cream and ivory look yellow next to dark, cool coloring.
