Color Theory: What the Tone You Wear Says About You
Are you putting out the right
message?
Written
by Maya Rahman-Rios
If you’re like most of us when
we’re getting ready in the morning, you might just reach into your closet
half-asleep and throw on whatever’s closest. We get it. Choosing certain colors
to wear on any given day isn’t really the first thing that comes to mind. Going for whatever’s close (or whatever’s
clean) is easy, but let’s be honest. Ensembles full of interesting pops of
color are exciting. Certainly more exciting than a look you just pulled
together out of convenience. The colors you choose to wear also say something
about you to the world, whether you like it or not. Are you confident?
Creative? Loyal? Artsy? Dominating? Flashy? Are you actually none of these
things but wanting to convey that you are?
Read on to find out what colors you should wear to put out the right
vibes.
Red
A color that exudes both love
and danger, red is highly charged with emotions. When you wear red, you aren’t
afraid to stand out. Boldness is the name of the game, but try not to overdo
it; you’ll run the risk of looking too aggressive.
Best
For: A party or date night
Orange
Orange is, frankly, a hit or
miss color. While you may be going for a bolder look that shows that you’re
creative and ambitious, wearing too much bright orange can make you look like
an escaped convict or someone that’s trying a little too hard. Instead, go for
lighter shades for the same effect with none of the tackiness.
Best
For: Happy hour or early
dinner dates
Yellow
Yellow projects happiness and
is perfect for easy weekend wear. Though it shows the wearer to be unafraid of
risk, this is not a hue you want to wear much of in the office, because some
people feel that it’s indicative of immaturity.
Best
For: Weekend lunch dates or
the beach
Green
When you’re putting on that
green shirt or those green chinos, keep in mind that each shade of green has
different connotations. Wear bright green when you want to look fresh, muted
green when you want to relax, and dark green when you want to impress.
Best
For: The office or the golf
course
Blue
Got an interview you need to
nail or a first date you’re excited about? Blue is the way to go. The color
conveys friendliness and loyalty all while helping you project confidence.
Lighter shades will keep you calm, while darker shades convey trustworthiness.
Best
For: Meeting the parents or
a summer wedding
Purple
Kings of bygone eras wore
purple robes. Tap into their regal power by incorporating some purple into your
look. The color is indicative of strong leaders and people that command
attention. Just don’t choose this color when you’re trying to be accommodating
or put others at ease; you might appear intimidating.
Best
For: Important meetings or
situations in which you’ll need to work in a group
Pink
While some folks may dismiss
pink as a “girl color,” we recommend trying it out. It’s actually associated
with sincerity, love, and sophistication.
Best
For: Date night or meeting
the parents
Black
Black is a go-to for just
about everyone, and for good reason. It’s neutral, so it goes with everything,
and it will help you come off as powerful and authoritative. To tone it down a
little, though, try adding a pop of color to even things out.
Best
For: The office or a formal
wedding
White
White symbolizes perfection
and balance. So, if you’re feeling harmonious (or if you want to feel that
way), add some white into your ensemble. Toss in some other colors, as well, so
you don’t look washed out.
Best
For: The beach or during a
stressful workweek
Brown
Brown connotes masculinity,
commitment, and stability, but unfortunately, it can also come off as boring.
Consider adding a splash of color to liven things up.
Best
For: Pitching ideas or
attending an important meeting
Grey
If you want to look neutral
yet sophisticated, go for grey. If you can, though, avoid wearing it all the
time; it may lower your mood after a while.
Best
For: An interview or a
semi-formal wedding
The colors you wear are
important and they can say a lot about who you are. Keep this guide in mind so
you know exactly what to wear in order to look powerful, sensible, or
sophisticated. Taking command of the colors you wear will help you get ahead
and inspire you on even your dullest of days.
Maya
Rahman-Rios
SOURCE:
THE GENTLEMANUAL
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