Your Choice of Colors Send a Message
November 16, 2008 by Reminiscence
Published in Style
Many of us are unaware that the colors we choose to display play a very important role in showing others around us who we are. It’s very important to know that although we do it subconsciously, we should be aware of it.
Although you may not realize it, your color choices send subtle messages to the people around you. Police officers often dress in dark blue to convey authority. UPS carriers sport brown to show they’re reliable, and hospital employees’ light green scrubs evoke tranquility within their working environment. Below is just little insight into the world of color choice in which we live in.
Red – Strength, power, confidence, passion
Red is a versatile color that can symbolize everything from passionate love to violent warfare and conflict. Red displays both psychological and physical influences. Studies have shown that seeing the color red can speed up breathing and heart rate because it can be a tense and aggressive color.
It’s a dynamic and dramatic hue that gathers attention and can be overwhelming in professional settings, especially in a job interview. It wouldn’t be very wise to wear it in situations where conflict might easily arise. To tone it down, pair it with muted hues: a red and blue striped sweater, for example, or a red camisole under a gray jacket.
Gray- Seriousness, dependability, stability
Gray gets its basis from Mother Nature. In the outdoors, everything gray is permanent such as gravel, rocks, and stone.
Wear a gray suit to a job interview to show your future boss that you’re responsible. *But dress in it from head to toe and you might be telling the world you’re boring because gray is a very practical color. To stand out, pair a gray suit with something memorable, such as a printed blouse. A pair of heels or sparkly earrings is also well suited to balance out.
Pink - Love, affection, gentleness, femininity
Pink is soft and delicate, however it lacks passion. It may also have a calming, soothing effect.
Pink lacks the flagrant sensuality that bolder colors such as red convey. Charming and warm, soft pink is the perfect color for a romantic date.
Blue – Faithfulness, tranquility, dependability, sensitivity
Blue implies stability because it’s the color of the sky. In a way, it’s eternal and fixed. Even if the sky happens to be gray or overcast, we know that eventually, it will return to its state of blue again.
How to wear it: Darker hues are ideal for formal events. Navy is also a very powerful color, while lighter shades work better in more casual settings.
Yellow – Youth, joy, imagination
Yellow has shown to improve concentration, which explains the Post-It notes. It’s also the color of friendship.
Many people are afraid to use yellow because they deemed it as being too bright. But remember that yellow comes in many forms and to a degree; from pale pastels to deep, vibrant hues. If you’re uncomfortable with it, pair it with items you already love. Try a yellow tee with your favorite pair of jeans.
Green – Tranquility, growth, health, “good luck”
Green invokes lush images of nature – from tropical forests to parks on spring days. It’s the color of life and growth, and a symbol of fertility. Green is also considered to be a safe color. So if you’re uncertain as to which color to use, choose green because it establishes a sense of order and balance. In some cultures, green is considered to be the color of good fortune, such as the four-leaf clover. However, you’ll find that colors will very rarely have such direct influences on luck.
Jewel tones are best for dates and evenings. Switch to softer, pastel shades for daytime. A light tone of green is soothing for the eye too.
Black – Elegance, sophistication, power
Traditionally, black has a bad reputation. It’s the required color for movie villains and comic book criminals. It also deals with mourning, death, darkness, and fear. But it is also classic and universally slimming.
Many people wear black to formal gatherings and parties. You may seem a bit discontent being one little dot in a sea of black dresses. But you can look at it as an opportunity to accessorize. Wear purple eye shadow and an amethyst necklace with a black blouse.
When it comes to choosing colors, let your instincts guide you. Choose what works with your skin tones and what you feel comfortable wearing. But don’t be afraid to experiment and try new and different shades. Being around colors you feel comfortable with will definitely brighten your day.
Keep reading: Your Choice of Colors Sends a Message: Part 2
Images via Flickr’s Creative Commons Pool, Photbucket, and Smugmug
Sources
Faber, Birren. Color Psychology and Color Therapy: A Factual Study of the Influence of Color on Human Life. New Hyde Park: University Books, 1992.
Liked it
November 18th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
lol soooo true!
November 19th, 2008 at 8:26 am
That black outfit looks mighty brown.
November 19th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
funny how colors can only send quiet positive messages…
??
November 19th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
How about purple ?
November 19th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
purple?
white?
November 19th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
black isn’t a color its a shade. And for white same deal maybe that’s why its not included. But yeah think there missing a few colors still
November 19th, 2008 at 11:47 pm
what about brown
November 20th, 2008 at 2:19 am
I think this was done very nicely. The pictures you included inhanced the subject.
November 20th, 2008 at 3:53 am
I have chosen black (Triond negative) for my portfolio page color, so it means I’m elegant, sophisticated and uh powerful? LOL
November 20th, 2008 at 6:50 am
Black is cool! And I often choose pink only to show that I am woman. I love orange.
November 20th, 2008 at 8:23 am
I liked this one, also my fav colour, blue. So cool.
November 20th, 2008 at 11:20 am
Great article and tips! Definitely calls for a part 2 with some other colours included. Technically, black and white aren’t colours at all. Rather, they’re the absence of colour and the presence of all colours simultaneously. But that’s only technically of course. Just thought I’d try to put my two cents in to the commenters above!
Look forward to seeing more of your work.
November 20th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Very interesting article. Blue is the colour for me.
November 20th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Right On
November 20th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
LOved this, i would have to say i wear all colours.
November 20th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
Great tips, but I wonder where orange falls in this as that is a color I enjoy? That and purple (but of course not together).
November 20th, 2008 at 10:22 pm
SCRUBS ARE GREEN CUZ WHEN YOU STARE AT RED BLOOD WHEN YOU LOOK UP U SEE GREEN SPOTS thats why most surgical rooms are green. i cant believe i stumbled on to this.
November 21st, 2008 at 12:55 am
Wish that last commenter above me would have owned up to their comment. Also, since when do we curse here? Goodness… Anyway!!
Cool story! I realized these colors had these effects, because of how I feel when I see people wear them, but it is an interesting point to do it on purpose, when someone clothes themselves. I wonder how many do that. It may also be helpful to say that confidence needs to be there too. If I’m wearing green but sursing up a storm and beign unladylike, I doubt folks will think of me as a calming, healthy, good luck charm.
Nicely written, by the way, I like your style. See you around the drawing board.
November 21st, 2008 at 7:54 am
I found this color scheme to be true. nice pictorial.
November 21st, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Seems to be on par with my personality. Great article!
November 21st, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Man good topic. I really never paid to much attention to how colors tell what a person is. but there do need to be other colors added. I do see a good point to this article, for instant I wear lots of red, blues, blacks and whites. I am very passionate person I also am loyal, I do carry lots of strenght. As for yellows and pinks that is not me lol. I stand 5 foot 7 inches tall and I look like a great big bannana in yellows no matter if they are pastel or not. I donnot even wear yellow gold clashes with my skin tone (doesnot stand out). I am not a femimine person I am a major tom boy. I am loving and caring which to me also represents red in my eyes. very good article.
November 21st, 2008 at 1:30 pm
great article
November 21st, 2008 at 9:29 pm
I love this article!
November 21st, 2008 at 10:41 pm
Thank you all for having commented on this article. I truly appreciate the support and effort you’ve put into your responses. Please, fell free to offer as much constructive criticism as you would like to. A second article is currently underway to address a few more colors that I haven’t included in this article. A link will be added once it has been approved. Again, thank you all very much.
November 22nd, 2008 at 6:12 am
No doubt, this is a beautiful article
November 22nd, 2008 at 6:36 am
I like the article and agree with Andromeda that the personality and attitude of the person play a big role as well as the color they are wearing. I am looking forward to your second part and would hope that maybe you would include some of the signals people might be sending if they mix colors. Just a thought.
November 22nd, 2008 at 10:08 am
I am only wearing black until they find something darker. Black is my favorite color. My wife loves red, and looks good in a red dress like the first picture. We love to ballroom dance, and the women in the red dress looks like she is dancing a tango. I liked your article. My wife is P. R. Mace.
November 22nd, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Good article.
Color and shade are made to be played with by season, temperament, confidence and style. Maybe someone will experiment after reading your article.
Grant
November 23rd, 2008 at 2:41 am
for me this is the total opposite
my favorite color is ash (grey)
and im not serious or reliable
im a passionate, intelligent, irresponsible nervous wreck
i also like green, but i have horrible luck
November 23rd, 2008 at 4:03 am
Black and Gray are not colors, they are shades.
And what about purple? !
November 23rd, 2008 at 10:02 am
Yes, I’m aware that black, gray, and white are not colors and that they’re shades. But is it REALLY NECESSARY to get so technical? as far as color choice in terms of clothing goes.
November 23rd, 2008 at 3:12 pm
hey this pretty accurate..but for some parts
November 23rd, 2008 at 4:07 pm
This was pretty cool. Colors have more impact than I though they did!
November 23rd, 2008 at 10:56 pm
ATTENTION ALL. I’m pleased to inform you that part 2 of this article has been released and the link is already posted at the end of this article. Please feel free to check it out if you’re interested. Hope you like it.
November 25th, 2008 at 7:17 am
Great article. Part 2 is not that bad either. a job well done.
November 25th, 2008 at 9:27 am
this is cool
November 25th, 2008 at 9:43 am
wow, this article was nice and very very well done, I liked it:)
November 25th, 2008 at 11:35 am
Keep that swagger going its edgy. I like to see woman in all of those colors.
November 25th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
So true I view blogs for a fee and this is one thing I look for in a blog is the color. THank you for sharing this info.
November 25th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Pretty cool article.
November 25th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
i like this article. I love bright colors!
November 25th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
Thank you for sharing… I liked this article it was fun to read… May God Bless…
…Mary
November 26th, 2008 at 12:35 am
I liked it, colors really do have meaning
November 26th, 2008 at 12:43 am
your article reminds me of a rainbow… lol
November 26th, 2008 at 4:29 am
Hi
I really enjoyed your article, and loved the photos. I’m a newbie here and I loved your style, which was at the same time interesting, yet easy to read. Keep up the great work.
November 26th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Great information with nice color displays. I’m in total agreement with your philosphy.
November 26th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
Wow, every colour sends a positive message about who you are. Positive. What is the colour for bitter, or old? How about chaotic, or jerky? Anyone who believes this garbage is a doofus.
November 26th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
Very very interesting.This really made me think.Always have likedcertain colors and lighter and darker shades of them,and often drawn to black & dark blue.If you like colors and mixtures,go to BoJack454 at Triond.A few of my poems about sky and sunsets and the like,I mention the colors and changes as they go.
You made me want to look into this more.Cool,good job and thanks.I like green too,but never have much luck.One of your other readers said that too.
November 26th, 2008 at 10:40 pm
I’m sorry Todd that you don’t quite seem to agree with my article. However, I truly believe that such language could be avoided. I can’t guarantee you that what I have to say is a fact, but isn’t this what Triond is about? voicing your opinions and beliefs? You don’t have to go as far as badmouthing my article in such a way. I’m sure that if you would just take the time to use what was given to you that we call a “brain”, then most of your questions would have been answered, if not all, instead of saying whatever first comes to mind. But then again, its your opinion and so I won’t infringe upon your right to do so. But I truly believe that colors DO mean something at least in our society. But nonetheless, good luck to you in finding other pieces of writing that suits your standards and beliefs.
November 27th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
very cool
November 28th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Green apparently means mind-foggingly hot. Those photos are fantastic.
November 30th, 2008 at 6:41 am
Great article.
December 1st, 2008 at 8:47 am
Very informative, thanks!
December 1st, 2008 at 10:20 am
interesting…very much true
http://www.dna-dx.com
Mine is blue
December 1st, 2008 at 10:21 am
interesting…very much true
Mine is blue
December 1st, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Um, Im not happy… They forgot Orange.
Oh well orange is my favorite and it represents ME.
February 3rd, 2009 at 3:17 pm
When I was pregnant with my son I was partial to yellow… it was a joyous time for me so this blog explains it…
check out my blog http://theglamlaboratory.blogspot.com
thanks!
February 6th, 2009 at 2:21 am
Weird how they’re all positive messages.
What color can I wear to convey…. jerkass?
June 6th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
You made me want to look into this more.Cool,good job and thanks.I like green too,but never have much luck.One of your other readers said that too.
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September 17th, 2009 at 9:10 pm
I can choose this as a sweet memory
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