At my most depressing and down times, I unconsciously wear dull colors. When I’m in a good mood, I wear bright colors… although I didn’t realize it, the color you wear affects and influences your mood. When I look back at old photos, I can tell the times I was sad, happy, depressed etc. simply by my color choices… and it amazed me, color does influence and affects your mood.

One may ask why is color so important, why does it consciously or unconsciously influence our mood. The answer, according to color specialist Leatrice Eiseman, how colors affect us correlates to that colors behavior in nature. Eiseman explains, “We have a repository of information about a color. For example, the color blue is almost always associated with blue skies, which when we are children is a positive thing – it means playing outside and fun. Evolutionarily, it also means there are no storms to come. So it is reminds us of stability and calm.”

Color choices vary by gender, race, age, religion and cultural background. Each color is believed to have a particular meaning.

Here is a breakdown of the major colors and their meaning, and how you can change your outfits to suit the message you wish to send or the mood you want to have.

Black

Traditionally, black is a color that means grief, sophistication, or fear. It is the color of authority and power. It is considered to be a fashion staple as it makes the wearer appear thinner, and let’s face it, who doesn’t want to look skinner. It is the color you should wear if you want to give off a classic or timeless vibe. Black also implies submission as priests wear black to signify submission to God. Black outfits can also make the wearer appear overpowering, aloof, or evil.

 Red

Red is the most emotionally intense color, as it stimulates a faster heartbeat and breathing. It is empowering as it draws attention to the wearer. Red is the color of love, romance and passion, making it perfect for date nights. Red is extreme, it is not a color you should wear for an important business meeting. Red is also said to make the wearer appear heavier and improve appetite–so if you are on a diet, avoid it. 

White

White is a color many brides wear, it is a color that connotes purity, happiness, peace, innocence, simplicity, and cleanliness. Technically, white is not a color, but the manifestation of the presence of all colors – the complete energy of light. White it the best worn on hot days as unlike black, it reflects heat, making you feel cool. White is the perfect color to pair other colors such as red or yellow with. It brings to life any color you pair it with.

 Blue

The color that increases creativity, blue is one of the most popular colors; it is the complete opposite to red, as it is tranquil and causes the body to produce calming chemicals such as serotonin. Blue can also be cold, depressing and a little standoffish. Fashion experts recommend that you wear blue to a job interview, as it symbolizes loyalty. You, however, may want to stay away from blue if you are feeling down as blue is said to make you feel well… blue. 

Yellow

The color of sunlight, yellow, symbolizes jealousy, intelligence, optimism, inspiration, competence and happiness. It is the color that cheers you up and improves your mood. Being the most difficult color for the eyes to take in, it is advised to wear yellow in moderation, so wearing a bright yellow suit, maybe a little too much. Yellow provides clarity for decision-making, relief from ‘burnout’, panic, nervousness and exhaustion; sharpen memory and concentration skills, provide protection from lethargy and depression during dull weather.

 Green

Symbolizing nature, good taste, calm and envy, green is the color to wear if you want to reduce stress and improves relaxation. It is the easiest color on the eye, and is said to improve vision. Dark green, however, is masculine, conservative, and implies wealth while grass green is restful. Green symbolizes self-respect and wellbeing; it is the color of balance. It also means learning, growth, and harmony. Green is a safe color. If you don’t know what color to use anywhere, use green.

 Purple

Connoting luxury, wealth, creativity, spirituality, authority, intuition and sophistication, purple is the color of royalty. Being the combination of red and blue, the warmest and coolest colors, purple is believed to be the ideal color. Like red, it is stimulating and boosts energy levels. Wear purple if you want to feel whimsical, feminine, or romantic – it is a perfect color to be worn for a date.

Pink

Ok, pink is a girly girl color, many man swear never to wear it, but you know what they say, it takes a real man to wear pink :)… pink is a color that connotes sophistication, caring, tenderness, self-worth, love, acceptance, sincerity, femininity, happiness and romance. Shades of deep pink, such as magenta, are effective in neutralizing disorder and violence. Because it connotes femininity, it a color to be worn when you want to feel flirty and bring out your inner girl, it is also a good choice for dates.

Brown

An earthy color, brown connotes reliability, sadness, and wistfulness. Light brown implies genuineness while dark brown is more solid, rugged and stable; men are more keen to say brown is their favorite color, for obvious reasons. Too much brown can make a dull effect. Brown allows one to stay in the background, unnoticed. Some shades of brown create a warm, comfortable feeling of wholesomeness, naturalness and dependability.

 Orange

Having the ability to make the wearer feel positive and energetic, orange is associated with the benign warmth of the sun, vitality and endurance. It is a power and healing color. It is said to increase the craving for food, stimulate enthusiasm and creativity. Orange is said to balance your emotions. It is the perfect color to be worn in times of stress and shock.

 

 

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color_psychology

http://www.infoplease.com/spot/colors1.html

http://crystal-cure.com/index.html

Color in Fashion: How the Colors You Wear Affect You