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Cool Summer Palette: Decadent Holiday Colors for NYE Style Guide
- Personal Stylist | Tonya J.
- 6 days ago
- 7 min read
Updated: 23 hours ago
Your Complete Guide to Choosing the Perfect
Cool Summer Palette and Outfit for New Year's Eve!
If you're a woman entrepreneur or ambitious professional woman ready to unwind after a demanding year, yet still want to look effortlessly polished this holiday season, this guide was made with you in mind. When time is limited and your schedule is full, planning festive looks shouldn’t feel overwhelming.
Introducing the RWS Holiday Color & Style Guide—an exclusive seasonal edit designed to help you feel elegant, aligned, and confident through every holiday moment.
This week, we’re spotlighting the most flattering festive shades for the Cool Summer Woman of Style, so you can step into the season looking relaxed, radiant, and unmistakably refined.
Check out the additional companion videos linked
to the Summer color season and palette!
Happy New Year, beautiful ladies! As we prepare to welcome 2026, it's time to discover how to make your cool summer coloring absolutely sparkle this holiday season. If you've completed your color analysis and know you're a cool summer woman of style, this guide is specifically designed to help you choose the most stunning, decadent holiday colors for your New Year's Eve celebration.
As a cool summer woman of style, you possess something truly special: the ability to wear the more potent, jewel-toned colors from the summer palette with exceptional elegance. Unlike your soft and light summer sisters, you need depth and richness in your cool colors. You have a medium to high contrast in your natural coloring—between your hair, eyes, and skin—which allows you to command attention with sophisticated, saturated hues.
What makes your coloring unique is your beautiful ability to flow into the cool winter palette. You can borrow select colors from winter's jewel tones because you share that depth of coolness in your natural coloring. Think of these as your extended color family—shades that honor your summer foundation while adding dramatic flair perfect for the festive, holiday celebrations.
Celebrity Inspiration: Cool Summer Palette NYE Looks!
Kate Middleton in Rose Quartz & Creamy Fawn
Cool Rose-Quartz is perfect for formal black-tie affairs, this combination showcases the romantic side of the cool summer palette with minimal makeup and delicate accessories.
Emily Blunt in Mystic Orchid
Emily demonstrates the power of a monochromatic pantsuit look in premium silk. Her mystic orchid two-piece evening ensemble proves you don't need a gown to look spectacular—wide-legged pants and an elegant blouse can be just as glamorous.
Allison Williams in Icy Pine
This silk metallic evening gown with intricate floral design shows how unconventional colors can make the strongest statement. Icy pine isn't an obvious NYE choice, but on a cool summer woman, it's absolutely breathtaking.
Anna Kendrick in Arctic Navy
A sequined netted evening gown in arctic navy proves that blue can be just as festive as red. The key would be adding a delicate diamond necklace to complement the v-neck cut.
Jennifer Garner in Elegant Bordeaux
One of the top four NYE colors for cool summer, this elegant bordeaux makes a grand entrance at any formal event. Notice the minimal accessories—just a studded earring and statement ring—letting the color do the talking.
Lisa Bonet in Creamy Fawn & Metallic Lavender
This sophisticated mix demonstrates how neutrals can be elevated with a touch of metallic shimmer in complementary tones.
Three Show-Stopping Cool Summer NYE Outfit Ideas!
1. The Timeless Classic: Monochrome Orchid Elegance
WATCH (The Classic Elegant Woman of Style)
For the woman who embodies timeless sophistication, this orchid pink ensemble is pure holiday refinement. Picture yourself in soft orchid wide-legged pleated trousers paired with a coordinating pink pleated blouse with an elegant high neck and draped detailing—a modern take on classic elegance that's perfect for the cool summer woman.
This monochromatic approach in mystic orchid showcases your signature style personality: polished, sophisticated, and effortlessly chic. The soft pink tone falls beautifully within your cool summer palette while maintaining the structure and refinement of timeless classic styling.
Complete the Look:
Silver metallic clutch with sculptural hardware
Sparkling crystal-embellished pointed-toe pumps
Diamond geometric drop earrings and matching ear cuff
Sophisticated taupe nail polish
Cool raspberry red lipstick for a refined pop of color
Finishing touch an elegant brooch for a polished glam look
This outfit exemplifies the power of monochromatic dressing within your palette—elegant, cohesive, and utterly unforgettable for any Christmas/New Year's Eve celebration from formal dinners to upscale cocktail parties.
2. The Old Money Icon: Arctic Blue Sophistication
For the woman who embodies quiet luxury and generational elegance, this arctic blue satin gown is the epitome of old money refinement. The structured silhouette features a sophisticated collar, cap sleeves, and a dramatically cinched waist that flows into a full, sweeping skirt—timeless Hollywood glamour reimagined for the modern cool summer woman.
Arctic blue is one of your signature jewel tones—commanding, regal, and utterly sophisticated. This shade speaks of inherited taste, effortless confidence, and the kind of elegance that never needs to announce itself. The luxurious satin fabric catches the light beautifully, creating subtle dimension while maintaining that understated opulence characteristic of true old money style.
Styling Details:
Black satin clutch with elegant bow detail
Classic black pointed-toe stiletto pumps
Pearl and crystal chandelier earrings
Delicate silver chain bracelet
Cool mauve purple lipstick for refined glamour
Cool plum-pink nail polish for a subtle pop
Strategic touches of black in your accessories work beautifully here—adding depth and sophistication without overwhelming your cool summer coloring. The vintage pearl earrings are particularly fitting for old money elegance, while the single bracelet maintains that "less is more" philosophy.
This ensemble is perfect for exclusive country club celebrations, formal charity galas, or intimate dinner parties at private estates where true elegance speaks volumes without trying.
3. The Preppy Festive Casual: Effortless Holiday Chic
Not every holiday celebration requires an evening gown. For the cool summer woman navigating last-minute shopping, festive brunches with friends, or casual holiday gatherings, this preppy ensemble strikes the perfect balance between polished and relaxed.
Start with a rich icy pine button-down shirt—one of your most flattering cool greens—layered under a cozy taupe cable-knit sweater. Pair this with a structured black denim skirt featuring contrasting stitching and a cognac leather belt for subtle warmth. Complete the look with elegant cool taupe suede over-the-knee boots that elongate the silhouette while maintaining that effortlessly chic vibe.
This combination showcases how cool summer colors work beautifully in casual contexts. The icy pine provides that signature cool-toned sophistication, while the taupe adds grounded softness and versatility. Strategic touches of black in the skirt and brown in the belt create depth without overwhelming your delicate, cool coloring.
Styling Details:
Taupe structured leather clutch with gold hardware accent
Simple silver hoop earrings (keeping it understated)
Cool raspberry red lipstick for festive polish
Watermelon red nail polish
Cognac leather belt for subtle contrast (just a hint)
Interested in your BEST metallic accessory?
Check out this video!
Perfect For:
Holiday shopping trips with girlfriends
Christmas brunch with coworkers
Casual family gatherings
Weekend holiday errands that still require polish
Daytime holiday parties or open houses
This outfit proves that cool summer elegance doesn't need sequins or silk to shine. It's preppy, practical, and perfectly festive—ideal for the woman who wants to look put-together without the formality of evening wear.
Your Holiday Color Palette: Beyond the Basics
Statement Colors for Cool Summer NYE:
Watermelon Red/Raspberry Red: Your go-to power color for drama
Elegant Bordeaux: Perfect for formal black-tie affairs
Mystic Orchid: Sophisticated and unexpected
Icy Pine: A refreshing metallic alternative to traditional holiday colors
Arctic Navy: Timeless elegance with a cool edge
Charcoal Gray: Versatile sophistication
Accent Colors to Elevate Your Look:
Champagne taupe
Cool silver metallics
Grape purple
Regal midnight purple
Rose quartz
Creamy fawn
Lavender metallics
Beauty Details: Makeup & Nails
As a cool summer color season, your coloring is delicate and watercolor-like. The key is keeping makeup neutral and polished—let your outfit and colors shine without competition.
Lipstick Shades:
Cool ruby red (classic glamour)
Cool mauve purple (sophisticated elegance)
Electrifying cool pink (modern and fresh)
Elegant bordeaux (dramatic refinement)
Watermelon red (sultry vibes)
Eyeshadow Combinations:
Watermelon pink for a soft, romantic look
Midnight blue for dramatic intensity
Silver and plum shimmer blend for dimension
Keep application subtle and blended
Nail Colors:
Classic ruby red
Watermelon red
Sophisticated taupe
Cool silver polish (always a signature choice)
Pro Tip: Don't overdo it. Choose either a bold lip OR dramatic eye, never both. Your accessories should be minimal—one statement piece (either earrings, necklace, OR ring) is enough.
Your Cool Summer NYE Strategy
Remember These Golden Rules:
Choose depth over softness: You need richer, more saturated versions of summer colors
Keep makeup minimal: Your delicate coloring shines with neutral, polished beauty looks
One statement piece: Either bold color, dramatic jewelry, or striking makeup—never all three
Embrace your flow colors: Borrow from cool winter when you want extra drama
Quality over quantity: Premium fabrics in your colors always outshine cheap materials in any color
Make It Your Own
As you plan your New Year's Eve celebration, consider the atmosphere of your event. A black-tie gala calls for elegant bordeaux or watermelon red in luxurious evening gowns. An intimate dinner party might be perfect for icy pine or mystic orchid in a chic pantsuit. A jazz lounge celebration could showcase that spectacular silver fringe ensemble.
The most important element? Wearing colors that make you feel confident, sophisticated, and authentically yourself. Your cool summer palette offers endless possibilities for creating a memorable holiday look that honors your natural beauty.
As we step into 2025, may your style be as luminous as your spirit. Here's to sparkling, glamorous celebrations that reflect the essence of who you are. Happy New Year, beautiful cool summer ladies!
Uncertain about which style personality aligns best with your lifestyle, career goals, and personal branding message, I encourage you to consider the (RWS Color & Style Rebrand Intensive.) In this online package, we will collaborate closely in a virtual setting to redefine your personal brand.
(Watch the Entire RWS Style Personality Series)
Do you consider yourself to be a Renaissance woman of style navigating pivotal transitions in your career, business or personal life? If so, I invite you to apply for an exclusive, complimentary 30-minute Lifestyle Clarity session with Tonya.
In this session, you’ll explore your evolving style and brand, receive personalized insights on your next steps, and discover how you can continue to elevate your journey as one of Tonya’s exclusive clients through her signature, elite RWS programs.
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