I doubt you consider clothing color psychology when you pick an outfit, but you should. I’ve recently been mixing it up with vibrant hues and feeling better than ever, so I was interested to find out that color psychology plays a big role in fashion and style. Look beyond just the fit, style, and “it” color of the season because a variety of colors have a huge impact on the overall look.
Just look at the huge brands around us that are implementing color psychology! McDonalds uses red and yellow because those colors make us more hungry, and waitresses wearing red make even better tips! Victoria’s Secret wants women to feel sexy so they use pinks and purples to increase sales. Brands spend millions of dollars to manipulate us into buying their products because 90% of first impressions are made on the product’s color alone. NINETY percent.
“Black and white might be sufficient, but why deprive yourself of color?” Christian Dior
As a fashion blogger, I’d be crazy not to implement clothing color psychology when choosing my OOTD, especially for blog posts, Instagram posts, and special occasions that are going to be photographed and forever live on the Internet. If someone hasn’t met me, what do I want their first impression to be? What do you want YOURS to be? Let’s get into it:
I’ve chosen my favorite colors to show you how to use clothing color psychology:
RED: I already warned you that red increases your appetite, so if you want to be desired, red is your color. Red is one of those intense colors that provokes a broad range of emotions including bold energy, passion, desire, danger, alarm, and fun.
Consider how we use red in daily language descriptions: red-hot, redneck, paint the town red, red hot, and seeing red all describe very different things. Keep these things in mind before wearing a huge dose of red to a wedding, funeral, or even a conservative baby shower. If you’re a wallflower and red scares the hell out of you, step out of your box and try pops of red on your lips, shoes, or bag.
BLUE: There are infinite shades of blue that ignite different emotions, and it’s actually my favorite color!
“Blue is the color of sky, ocean, sleep, and twilight. It is a color that makes me feel so good. When I see it, I almost feel like I am in heaven. For me, blue is the colour of sincerity, inspiration, and spirituality. It makes me feel like I am good enough.” – Pradnya
A navy suit is often recommended for interviews and, based on clothing color psychology, blue is non-threatening, stable, and reliable. AT&T, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and Forbes logos all rely on this color to exude professionalism and traditional stereotypes.
There is also definitely something behind the idea of “feeling blue”. During his “blue period”, Picasso relied heavily on blue to express his sadness and loneliness. Personally, I correlate dark, inky blues to sadness, while lighter blues, turquoise, and teals make me more creative. Again, think how it’s used in society: 501 blues, baby blues, blue blood, blue ribbon, and the list goes on…
GREEN: So what about the clothing color psychology behind green? Environmentally friendly? Check! Healthy? Yep! Lucky? I hope so! I wear green when I’m starting a new project because, for me, it represents a fresh beginning. It’s a great color for the spring because everything is blooming and florals look amazing on a background of green.
Interesting fact? Green is the most restful color for the human eye, so it’s perfect to wear going into stressful situations (Thanksgiving is right around the corner!)
GOLD/SILVER: Nothing is more glitzy than a metallic shimmer. 24K gold, sterling silver and rose gold are all associated with glamour and wealth, so jewelry is key to making an outfit pop. This is a great way to implement clothing color psychology without changing up your outfit too much!
“Jewelry is like the perfect spice – it always complements what’s already there.” Diane Von Furstenburg
Plus, there’s no better colors for the holidays.
What’s your favorite color to wear? How does it make you feel? Let me know in the comments!
TheDailysunlight says
Wow. You are looking awesome. this is so cool. i love colors :d Oh and these are some great tips btw. Love this 🙂
Great photos! :d
Hello Whitney says
Oh, thank you! <3 Glad you enjoyed!
Amber says
Very interesting article! I’ve never thought of how the colors I wear can be connected to psychology 🙂
Hello Whitney says
It’s interesting, isn’t it? There are so many things that go into it that we don’t even think about!
Lauren Berger says
Great color rundown! Also I LOVE everything about this outfit and you look amazing in it!
Hello Whitney says
Thanks so much!
CrazyFitnessGuy says
Great post I never would of thought that I can match my clothing to how I was feeling.
Hello Whitney says
Thanks! I always enjoy it 🙂
Carolyn says
What a colorful post! literally haha. I know, I know, I’m boring, but my favorite colors to wear are black and white. they make me feel chic.
Hello Whitney says
Not boring at all! Black and white are classics 🙂
Bec Jones says
What an interesting post – yes the psychology of colour is fascinating. I wear purples,dark pinks, rose pinks, red – with the odd bit of aqua/green thrown in. for work I wear navy or chocolate brown trousers with colourful tops. I don’t think I have any black clothes in my wardrobe.
Hello Whitney says
Thanks! I think it’s fascinating, too. Your color choices sound lovely!
Cynthia starich says
Love the way you break down the usage of color in a wardrobe. i will always love red<3
And, your photos rock!
Hello Whitney says
Thank you! Red’s one of my favorites, too 🙂
Phaytea's Pulse says
This was fun to read especially learning new things about colour. colours definitely help pass a brands message across and even with personal style. love love your pictures and the background
Hello Whitney says
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the read!
Mary says
love these pants and the buttons!
Hello Whitney says
Thank you!
Izzy says
I LOVED these tips. (Don’t know why this message is typing out in all caps, sorry.) One of my favorite books is Kandinsky’s “Concerning the Spiritual In Art”, which is all about color theory, but I never really thought about applying it to blogging. Your rec to wear Green at Thanksgiving made me laugh. You look so lovely in all of these.
Hello Whitney says
Oh, Thank you! I haven’t read that book but I’ll make sure to check it out!
Blythe Alpern says
Blue and Purple are my favorite colors. This season I’m also loving Blush, Olive Green and Maroon. Basically, I love wearing color because it makes me happy.
Amanda says
You are killin’ it girl! I love those pants!
Hello Whitney says
Thank you!! <3
siennylovesdrawing says
thanks for sharing this colourful lovely post, enjoying myself reading it & learnt much more about colours for clothing 😀 cheers, siennylovesdrawing
Hello Whitney says
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
shari-Ann says
i love your outfit. the bag is the cutest. where did you get it?
Hello Whitney says
Thank you! It’s a Chloe bag. You can shop here: https://www.chloe.com/us/chloe/shop-online/women/bags