Colour Psychology
Colour psychology is an area of colour theory that connects emotions to specific colours. Although many of these connotations are universal, what you connect a specific colour to can also be influenced by your culture or childhood experiences. In addition to influencing personal wellbeing, you can also utilise colour psychology in job or university interviews to make an impression.
Purple
Historically, purple has been associated with royalty as the pigment to dye purple garments could only be afforded by the wealthy. While this is not the case anymore, the colour purple is still associated with spirituality, imagination, creativity and ambition. Additionally, thanks to the historical background, it subconsciously implies wealth and luxury.
Pink
Seen as the stereotypical girly colour, and thus associated with sweetness and femininity, pink communicates a variety of complex emotions. When you wear pink, you can bring across compassion, sincerity and sophistication in a fun and unique way.
Red
Probably the most attention-drawing of the colours, red has a background in nature of being a warning to predators. In fashion or design however, it stands for passion, love, energy and compassion. Additionally, it has been proven to help motivate yourself and others and to enhance confidence in its wearer, though it can also show aggression in some cases.
Orange
Similar to red, orange stands for confidence and outspokenness. It is a very warm colour and thus can positively influence courage, enthusiasm and even vitality. The bright hue also signals social openness and bravery.
Yellow
Although yellow is not seen particularly often in daily wear, it can communicate creativity, joy and cheer. It is known as being more or less intellectual because of its positive effect on the stimulation of new ideas, while also offering fun, hope and happiness. When it is too prevalent however, it can be overstimulating and enhance anxiety and stress.
Green
As the arguably most prevalent colour in the natural world, green signals balance and growth. Furthermore, it brings across harmony and stability, even promoting healing and health in some medical situations. Depending on the darkness of your chosen green, it can symbolise wealth and prestige (darker tones) or youthfulness and freshness (lighter tones) when worn, though too much green bears the danger of signalling envy or greed.
Blue
Psychologically speaking, blue has the opposite effect of red. It is the colour of peace, trust and integrity. Blue is calming and is supposed to inspire wisdom, higher ideals or conservatism, which is why many politicians choose blue suits. In professional settings it can show that you are smart, reliable and sincere, and thus might be a sensible choice for interviews or meetings.
Brown
Despite being a diverse and versatile colour, traditionally brown is associated with simplicity and boredom. While it can show strength, trustworthiness and dependability, it may not be the best choice when trying to impress someone, whether that is a friend or partner, a potential employer or a university interviewer. But, as it is seen as a masculine colour, it can give you credibility as a woman in a predominantly male environment.
White
Being the typical colour of the bride since Queen Victoria, white connotates cleanliness, innocence and honesty. It is often worn in religious ceremonies like baptisms or as wedding gown because it signals purity. In a daily setting, white can bring across neutrality, independence and inner reflective qualities, while also leaving space open for the imagination as it literally can be seen as a blank canvas.
Black
The total opposite of white, black is worn to funerals in many cultures and thus inevitably associated with death. Aside from this, it shows protection, formality, security and sophistication. In fashion, black can make you seem elegant, professional, dramatic or mysterious, and thus is a valid choice for a variety of different occasions, though an all-black outfit might give off a depressed vibe.
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