12-Season vs. 16-Season Color Analysis: Why I Trained in Both

I'm certified in both the 12-season and 16-season systems of color analysis. For most people, one of the 12 seasons is a beautiful fit. But some clients sit right between two seasons, and that's where my 16-season training lets me go further.

Here's how the two systems work, why I trained in both, and what it means for your analysis.

The 12-season system

Seasonal color analysis starts with four families: Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn. The 12-season system divides each family into three sub-seasons, based on the quality that stands out most in your coloring: whether you're warmer or cooler, lighter or deeper, brighter or softer.

In my experience, the 12 seasons work for most people. When your coloring clearly leads with one quality, one of these palettes will feel like home, and it's the system I use as the foundation of every analysis.

Where 16 seasons come in

Not everyone fits neatly into one box. Some people have coloring that truly sits between two neighboring seasons. They might look lovely in parts of both palettes, but not quite right in either one on its own.

The 16-season system adds extra palettes for exactly these in-between cases. I call them Bridge Palettes, because they bridge two seasons and blend the best of both.

Why I trained in both

Being certified in two systems means I'm not forcing anyone into a palette that only almost works. During your draping, I compare colors directly against your face. If one of the 12 seasons is a clear match, that's your palette. If you keep landing between two, I can turn to a Bridge Palette instead.

The goal is never a label. It's a palette that makes you look rested, radiant and like yourself, and that you'll actually enjoy wearing.

What this means for you

• Most clients find their match among the 12 seasons.
• Some clients sit between two seasons, and a Bridge Palette fits them best.
• Every client is draped and analyzed by hand by a certified color analyst. Never an app, a filter or AI.

Either way, you leave with a palette built around your coloring, plus your guides, swatches and tools to use it.

Find your season

Curious where you'll land? Book an in-studio color analysis in St. Louis Park, or start a virtual analysis from anywhere. You can also read more about how seasonal color analysis works or download our free Color Analysis 101 guide.

Color analysis is a professional opinion, and individual results vary.