If you’re looking for proof that you can ignore the "no black" rule and still look like a fashion icon, look no further than Hollywood. Many of the world’s most famous "Black and White" loyalists aren't actually Winters at all. They use the same "cheating" techniques we discussed to make the high-contrast look work for their biological season.
Here is how the icons do it—and how you can too.
🍂 The Autumn Icons: Dark & Moody
Famous Autumns: Zendaya (Deep Autumn), Julia Roberts (True Autumn), Emily Ratajkowski (Dark Autumn)
Autumns like Zendaya often lean into black for red carpet drama. Because Deep Autumn sits right next to Winter on the color wheel, they can handle the depth of black better than any other non-winter season.
• The Secret: They almost always pair black with warm, glowy makeup (bronzed skin and gold eyeshadow) to bridge the gap.
• The Look: Look at Julia Roberts in a black suit—she usually keeps her hair a rich, warm auburn and adds gold earrings. The warmth of her hair and jewelry acts as a "frame" that prevents the black from washing her out.
🌷 The Spring Icons: High-Contrast Glow
Famous Springs: Blake Lively (True Spring), Taylor Swift (Light Spring), Emma Stone (Bright Spring)
Taylor Swift is the perfect example of a Light Spring who loves a "Black Space" aesthetic. While her "best" colors are corals and peaches, she frequently wears black and white for her street style.
• The Secret: Emma Stone (a Bright Spring) often wears black but chooses versions with a slight sheen or pairs it with a bright, warm red lip. * The Look: When Blake Lively wears black and white, she often chooses pieces with a lot of skin showing (like a tank top or V-neck) or keeps her hair in those signature golden, beachy waves to ensure the warmth stays front and center.
☁️ The Summer Icons: The "Edgy" Softness
Famous Summers: Cate Blanchett (Light Summer), Emily Blunt (True Summer), Dakota Johnson (Soft Summer)
Cate Blanchett is a masterclass for Summers. Technically, she is a Light Summer—she "should" be in soft lavenders and mint greens. However, she often opts for avant-garde black and white looks that give her a sharp, "Dramatic" edge.
• The Secret: Summers like Dakota Johnson often wear black in soft, matte textures like velvet or washed silk. This prevents the color from looking too "heavy" against their delicate skin.
• The Look: When Emily Blunt wears white, she often chooses "Soft White" or adds silver jewelry, which harmonizes with her cool Summer undertones without the blinding intensity of a pure, optic white.
How to Find Your "Cheat" Muse
If you want to see these tricks in action, I recommend you take our free color analysis quiz to pinpoint your subtype—and easily track down your muse.
1. If you're an Autumn: Look at Jennifer Lawrence (Soft/True Autumn). See how she wears black but keeps her makeup warm and her hair golden.
2. If you're a Spring: Look at Scarlett Johansson. She frequently wears high-contrast black and white but uses a "Bright Spring" coral or red lipstick to keep her face from looking pale.
3. If you're a Summer: Look at Margot Robbie. Even when she wears black, she keeps her blonde hair and cool-toned makeup as the primary focus so the black stays "background."
