Looking Great By Design, Not Chance

Colours have many different meanings for different people, depending on culture, personal associations and fashion. The importance of colour in our lives is, however, universal. Colour has such a strong influence on us, that for centuries people have been studying the power of colours. We can benefit from what has been discovered through these studies, and understand the possible effects of the colours we wear on our mood, and the messages we subconsciously send to others. Here is a brief introduction to the associations of the most common colours to give you some insight into why you wear, or avoid, the colours in your wardrobe.

Black shows strength, determination, and self-control. It is an authoritative colour that has been a fashion staple ever since it was one of the first synthetic dyes to become commercially available. Black is an absorbing colour that gives nothing away, and therefore wearing it gives a sense of anonymity and personal security. However, it can also lead to feeling excluded, isolated, and critical of yourself and others. Black is best worn in styles and materials that make you feel understatedly elegant, and when your self-confidence can outshine the shadows.

Grey is a classic neutral colour that shows a steady character, efficiency and intelligence. It can, however also appear unimaginative and uninviting. Grey is a favourite colour for corporate work-wear, but can also play well with other colours in more relaxed environments, such as grey trousers mixed with tops of blue, pink, purple or red to add warmth and personality.

White is the absence of colour, but brings an abundance of possibility. White shows openness, honesty, clear thinking and attention to detail. It can wake you up and give you new ideas. However, like most ideals, white leaves a lot to live up to; wearing a lot of white can lead to feeling vulnerable, anxious and hesitant to take action. White is best worn as a compliment to other colours, either as a highlight to draw attention, or a foundation to let other colours take centre stage.

Brown is the ultimate 'down to earth' colour. Brown is a colour often associated with friendliness, honesty and reliability. Similar to black, brown also provides a sense of security and anonymity. On the down side, you may invite more openness and honesty that you want from other people, while finding it hard to express yourself. Brown can also appear too safe and unimaginative. For some people it has also become associated with poverty and dowdiness - the old idea of 'no one of renown wears brown'. Brown is at its best in quality materials, and often makes items appear even better quality for appearing more natural. Brown comes in so many shades, and works brilliantly as a neutral base to other colours. Mix it with other neutrals or colours for work situations to show reliability and seriousness; or keep it for casual, when you can sit down with close friends and be yourself.

Pink is a great colour for showing self-acceptance, and unconditional care and acceptance of others. Pink is commonly associated with innocence, romance and youthful enthusiasm. For some, pink brings back memories of childhood, either good or bad, and can show vulnerability and dependency on others for support and approval. Pink is a great colour to wear when you wish to be pampered, or when you are in a social or caring mood. Even worn as an accessory, pink can open up opportunities to show your softer side.

Red stimulates metabolism, increases respiration rate, and raises blood pressure. In the midst of winter, red can provide a welcome warming effect to encourage energy and confidence. It can however do its job too well and result in feeling irritated, rushed and exhausted, while appearing overbearing and unapproachable to those around you. Red is great worn as a highlight to gain people's attention and feel in control, but avoid it if your goal is to relax and blend in.

Orange encourages creativity and activity, reduces inhibitions, and stimulates social interaction. It's a wonderful colour for motivating people and having fun. Not, however, a good colour if you're feeling vulnerable and insecure, or if you want to be taken seriously as a professional. Orange comes in many shades, from soft apricot to vivid tangerine to deep terracotta, allowing you to choose a shade that harmonises with your personality. Even in small doses, orange can be very effective, so it's great to accessorise neutral outfits, or be bold and mix with other bright colours to show your fun and creativity.

Yellow is often associated with happiness; imagine sunshine, buttercups and freshly squeezed lemonade. Yellow increases the nervous system - boosting energy, stimulating memory and creativity - and encourages openness and communication. Such a stimulating colour also has a down side. Yellow is associated with items that are cheap, or untrustworthy, and if overused, yellow can promote anxiety, nervousness and frustration. It is difficult to disguise your emotions when wearing yellow, be they happy or not. Often efforts to 'cheer yourself up' by wearing yellow backfire as you come across as sarcastic or dishonest. Therefore, make the most of it on days when you're feeling as bright and cheerful as the colour suggests.

Green is a colour that has been proven to lower blood pressure, relax the nervous system, and calm the mind, as well as stimulating creativity, intuition, decisiveness, trust and openness. Green can help alleviate depression, nervousness, and anxiety and bring a sense of renewal, self-control and harmony. Sadly, because of all these positive attributes, it has been used in situations where they are naturally absent, such as hospitals and some workplaces, which has given some shades of green an 'institutional' feeling. Green can also highlight feelings of insecurity or disappointment, particularly in financial or relationship areas of your life. Green is best in for casual clothes to enhance feelings of creativity and harmony with the world around you.

Blue is a calming colour that aids intuition and conveys to others that you are level-headed and dependable. Lighter blues are often associated with freshness, openness, and peace, while darker blues convey loyalty, intelligence, and productivity. So much variation leaves room for personal associations, which is perhaps why blue is such a popular favourite colour. On the other hand, for some, blue is seen as cold and uncaring, or institutional. Wearing blue can make you feel that you blend in too well, leaving you feeling overlooked, and finding it difficult to express your individuality or take action on a resolution. It is a good colour to wear when you want to promote communication and understand other people's perspectives, or when you need to relax after a busy day.

Purple is traditionally associated with luxury, mystery, and alternative ideas. A balance between calm, approachable, and stable blue, and energetic, self-confident, and creative red. The many shades that come under the umbrella of 'purple' can mean many things to many people. It can be uplifting or depressing; elegant or juvenile; sensitive or arrogant; social or reclusive. Much depends on how you choose to wear purple. Often the best results are achieved by wearing purple as a highlight or feature colour, mixing it with a stable element such as black or grey, or adding it to pink to add depth and sophistication. Purple is a great alternative to black for formal occasions, or worn with other colours for creative flair.

Whatever colour you choose to place in your wardrobe, there can be positive and negative effects. The more we wear one colour, the more likely its negative influence will be felt - which is why among all the colours you love to wear, the colour of your school uniform is usually absent. So the key to enjoying colour in your life, as with many other aspects, is to enjoy variety!