Colour plays a crucial part in how we see ourselves and how the world sees us everyday. In a professional environment, it can send out right or wrong signals and is therefore important to consider. What we pick to wear every morning is also a reflection of our personalities and the emotions we’re going through so the minute we become aware of what’s in store for the rest of that day, it might just impact us and our businesses far more positively than we’d have thought.
Black: The colour Black symbolises power, prestige, seriousness and intelligence. For years, it has been the go to colour for people in top political positions. Although culturally in some parts of the world it could be picked as a preferred colour for mourning, the seriousness conveyed by black is unparalleled to any other and therefore a preferred choice while dressing for a formal gathering.
Grey: Grey being a neutral colour (neither warm nor cool), signifies balance, tranquility and maturity. It does not come across as kiddy and playful; and is therefore again a colour preferred by mature adults who wish to come across as reliable. Good choice for a job interview or a client meeting where you need people to take you seriously.
White: White represents clarity, purity, optimism and is therefore used widely in wedding gowns signifying new beginnings. Although culturally it could also represent mourning (the lack of colour being linked to the lack of joy perhaps).
Brown: Brown is associated with being earthy, grounded, warm and dependable. Although thought of as slightly conservative a colour, people dressed in browns are said to come across as stable, reliable and pillars of support. While not everyone can carry off this colour, it can give a vintage feel and make (or break) a great formal and casual outfit based on the tone.
Blue: Blue is calming and peaceful; representing confidence, intelligence, trust and reliability. It is thought of as the best colour to wear to an interview since it is believed that people in blue make exemplary workers. Deep blues have the power to be taken seriously and are therefore the most widely sold colour among formal suits and jackets.
Green: Greens have a calming, soothing effect on the mind and are associated with wealth and prosperity. Renewal, balance, positivity and freshness are all associated with the colour green.
Team with caution.
Red: Red is associated with dominance, attractiveness, love, boldness and in some cases aggression and threat. A study conducted by the University of Rochester found it to be the preferred colour for a date! The warm colour is known to immediately grab people’s attention and stimulate the senses. A necktie and pocket square in red adds just the right amount of highlight to an otherwise mundane suit.
Orange and Yellow: Both these colours are associated with being fun, preppy and casual. These are colours associated with creativity and considered to be mood elevators. With a little bit of either of these colours thrown into your look, one could come across as joyful, warm and optimistic. Too much of either of these could come across as attention seeking. Definitely recommended for fun and relaxed weekends.
Light Pinks and Purple: Although widely associated with being feminine, men who dress in light pinks come across as confident, bold and assertive. Popular among public dignitaries and key political figures like President Trump and President Obama, the light pink tie and pocket square symbolise more power than we’d have thought in Men’s dressing. Could be of value to those in sales.
Purple was associated with royalty and luxury since only the wealthy could afford clothes dyed in squid ink purple. It is said to have been the favourite colour of Cleopatra. These days however it is the rightful combination of power (from red) and poise (from blue).
We hope the above pointers will help you make the most of each day.