Playing with Color

I’m long overdue for a post on style. This week, the chat is around color. For reference on color psychology, check out https://www.colorpsychology.org. In a few sentences, color psychology relates to, “ Why people prefer certain colors over others. This preference says volumes about our personalities because each color has an association with a reaction our brain has when we internalize it.”

In my short year as a stylist, I learned a great deal about color theory. My knowledge on the topic influenced the pieces I’d choose for clients, and it would help when laying out a storefront. Color speaks volumes about a company, a person, a store, a brand.

My favorite color (right now at least) is navy. Color theory would say that means I am idealistic, spiritual and sincere (eh). People who like blue value unity and integrity in their relationships (yep).

My favorite color last week was pink, which is linked to innocence, hope, and optimism. Regardless of your favorite colors, each color can play into developing a personal style. It can also help or hurt you cross-situationally.

Color theory suggests that colors can affect first impressions of you. People’s perceptions of color can influence the way they perceive YOU.

Let’s say you wore a red shirt and black pants to an interview in a very light, open workplace (advertising company on the 24th floor, maybe?) Red attracts attention more than any other color, and can signify danger or passion. Black signifies strength and authority and is considered to be a very formal color. That combination might contrast greatly with the environment, and your interviewer already has a perception of your character, whether you know it or not.

That combination would fly in, let’s say, politics. Donald Trump is typically donned in a black suit and red tie; maybe because it’s the Republican color? Or because his stylist knows the power behind the black and red duo.

To play it safe, you might opt for a navy blazer/pants combo and a white shirt. Already, the dark navy is still formal. But not at the total end of the spectrum like black. White enhances the navy color, and also signifies safety, purity, and cleanliness. White has a positive connotation.

Let’s think about sports teams. Have you noticed that sports teams have a lot of vibrant, contrasting colors? Mets/Bears: Blue and Orange. Lakers/Vikings: Purple and Yellow. Dolphins: Teal and Orange. Bills/Cubs: Blue and Red. The list goes on. Professional sports are competitive, male-dominated and heavy in action. Pastel purple and pale yellow would not fly on the field. Why? Color theory.

You prefer writing in blue ink over black ink? Believe it or not, that might speak to your personality. “If you are a fan of blue ink, then studies have shown that you are a sensitive, friendly and warm person with an outgoing personality. You are most likely to be seen in a career that helps others like nursing, or charity.”

“If you are a black pen user, then you are considered to be a more dominant person who likes to be in charge of your own life… you think with your head and your career is usually some type of authority.” Check it out: https://sites.psu.edu/siowfa15/2015/09/09/what-does-the-color-of-your-pen-mean/. As a black ink user, future project manager, color theory got me spot-on.

You can use color to influence yourself. If I am giving a big presentation where I need to be trusted, I will more than likely throw on navy pants and a white top. If I want to appear like an expert in whatever I am presenting, I will wear a green top and navy pants. Want to appear friendly? Yellow and pink are your best friends. Bold? Red.

No matter the situation, play around with color. You never know what it will get you!