How to apply the psychology of color in clothing - a guide from DRESS

DRESS Magazine > How to wear > How to apply the psychology of color in clothing - a guide from DRESS
To influence the success of negotiations or to make a man fall in love with you on a first date will help the right color of clothing. We tell you about the psychology of color, the subtleties of perception and successful things for different situations.
07/24/2022
Updated
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The importance of color in clothes

The color of clothing is a tool for self-identification of a woman. By changing the color of a blouse, dress or pants you can both attract and repel a man. Psychological factors, traditions and norms affect the choice of color.

In the early 16th century Queen Elizabeth I made a statement. She outlined strict dress code rules, which concerned, among other things, the color of clothing. For example, in England only high-ranking people could wear purple, which allowed demonstrating a person's wealth, his high rank and was perceived as a symbol of wealth.

Purple in clothes meaning

 

The perception of purple during the reign of Elizabeth was due to the high cost of its production, which eventually affected its psychological perception. The idea that purple was expensive was so ingrained in the minds of the inhabitants that when they saw a man in such clothing, they subconsciously perceived him as a rich man and a representative of the nobility.

How the color of clothing can affect a person and the people around him:

  • Evoke trust and make the conversation flow.
  • Irritate and provoke negative emotions.
  • Draw attention.
  • Demonstrate wealth and status.

Traditions and stereotypes in the psychology of color

The psychology of color in clothing is not only an emotional perception, dictated by instincts and brain signals. Stereotypes and traditions make their own adjustments in this area.

Stereotypes

The most popular color-related stereotype is that blue and blue are masculine colors, and pink is feminine.

The color pink in clothes means

Valentino

The tendency toward this color separation dates back to the end of the 18th century. Later this stereotype was subject to numerous reformation, but in the 21st century it continues to exist, although considerably weakened, thanks to the trend towards equality.

Pink at the Giambattista Valli show

Giambattista Valli

Although society is moving toward the acceptance of different preferences, including in color, stereotypes about men's and women's colors continue to exist.

It is customary to consider colors as feminine:

  • red and pink;
  • orange;
  • yellow;
  • pastel shades of green and blue;
  • lilac.

Male colors often include:

  • blue;
  • dark green;
  • khaki;
  • brown;
  • gray.

The only color that is not stereotyped is black. It belongs to both the women's and men's palette.

What does this mean for psychology and emotional perception?

  • A girl in a pink dress and yellow blouse will be perceived by most people as more feminine.
  • A man in a dark green suit or khaki shirt will enhance his masculinity in the eyes of others.

Traditions

The second important companion to the psychology of color is tradition, and in each country or religion they will have a different impact on the emotional perception of a particular palette.

  • In China, red is associated with good luck, while in Germany it is associated with misfortune: ruin, disease.
  • In East Asia, white is a symbol of mourning, while in the United States it is the color of happiness and purity.
  • In France, yellow means adultery, in China it means fidelity.

Traditional perceptions of colors in different countries

 

Such contradictory patterns can be traced in dozens, which means that the psychology of color, its emotional impact is an unstable concept and changes, including under the influence of geographic location.

A cheat sheet on colors and color perception

Before discussing popular colors and what emotions they evoke, let's add one important nuance to the picture: each particular color is perceived by a person based on life experience, accumulated knowledge, mood, character. One will see red as a threat and danger, the other as passion and energy.

The psychology of color in clothing is imperfect. It is based on guesses, observations, and patterns. The following color transcripts are the generally accepted meaning of colors and how most people perceive a particular color. But there is always room for individual perception.

Red

Meaning of red color: power, passion, anger.

Red is one of the most controversial colors. It is equally often perceived as the color of passion and the color of anger. Red in clothing psychology interprets as a symbol of confidence and vitality.

The meaning of the color red in psychology

Bottega Veneta

When to wear red: choose red if you want to stand out in the crowd, to impress, to show courage.

Blake Lively in red clothes

Blake Lively

Pay attention that red is an active color, so on girls with a neutral appearance will take all the attention to itself. We recommend choosing red for women with expressive facial features and a contrasting color type.

Black

Psychological meaning of black color: elegance, mystery, courage.

Black clothing is a powerful psychological method, which in the context of different events can evoke different emotions. For example, in the office dress code it translates elegance and confidence, and in tragic cases - deep mourning. One can definitely say that black enhances any emotion.

The meaning of black in clothing

Chloé

A survey conducted by the popular online sportswear store Buy Tshirts Online proves that black inspires confidence more than any other color.

Black as worn by Gigi Hadid

Gigi Hadid

When to wear black color: if you want to enhance the image, to feel strong and authoritative. Great for the business environment, where you need to form in the interlocutor trust and confidence in professionalism.

White

In psychology white color means: calmness, emptiness, innocence.

In most cultures, and therefore for most people, white is a symbol of purity. It does not provoke, does not intensify, and often does not evoke any emotion other than peacefulness. Only rarely can it be perceived as a sign of emptiness, a perception usually associated with traditional and religious views. In India, for example, white is the color of mourning, so it is not associated with purity and tranquility.

The meaning of white in clothing

Balmain

When to wear white: if you want to feel "new". Great for the first day of work in a new company or for a first date - any situation where there are new beginnings.

White in Hailey Bieber's clothes

Hailey Bieber

Purple

Purple in psychology: wealth, power, mystery.

The color purple was considered a symbol of wealth in the 4th and 5th centuries. At that time, it was due to the high cost of production. Since that time, people's psychology has established the belief that purple is a demonstration of power.

The meaning of purple in clothes

Elie Saab

Gradually the meaning of purple expanded and now it is more often perceived as mysterious, fantastic, mysterious.

Violet in clothes Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez

When to wear it: purple will make you stand out at work or a party, make the image bright, but leave a note of mystery. You can wear it in almost any style - from business to glamour.

Blue

Meaning of blue color: stability, tranquility, sadness.

The color of the sky and sea is often associated with tranquility and stability. Looking at the color blue makes others feel calmer, relaxed. Sometimes this influence is so strong that tranquility is replaced by a slight sadness.

The meaning of blue in clothes

Isabel Marant

Also, blue stimulates the brain, activating the part of it that is responsible for creativity and creativity. This conclusion is confirmed by the UBC Sauder School of Business study.

Blue in clothes Cara Delevingne

Cara Delevingne

When to wear blue: if you need to feel confident. Choose a blue outfit when you have an exciting event waiting for you, whether it's an important business meeting, meeting new people or an important exam.

Green

Meaning of green in clothes: good luck, security, envy

Green is one of the most comfortable and pleasant colors in terms of color psychology in clothing. It gives others a sense of security and boundless tranquility. These emotions are associated with the association of green as the color of nature and solitude. In some situations, it can translate envy, but it depends on the context.

The meaning of the color green in clothing

Tom Ford

When to wear green: if you need to relieve tension - from yourself or the audience.

Yellow

Meaning of yellow in clothes: warmth, brightness, attention.

The yellow color in the clothes first of all attracts attention - this is due to habits: many information signs are colored yellow. It is also the color of traffic lights, when it requires drivers to pay attention to the change of signal. It is also the color of the sun, which means energy - it is as warm and dynamic as it is eye-catching.

The meaning of yellow in clothing

Max Mara

When to wear yellow: if you want to cheer yourself and others - when you shine yellow, it is impossible to indulge in sadness.

Yellow in clothes Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez

Grey

Meaning of grey: responsibility, calmness, education.

When it is important to convince others that you can cope with any task - the color gray in clothing is the best assistant. It will show intelligence and make others think that you are a calm and reasonable person. Even if you're not.

The meaning of gray in clothing

Dior

When to wear gray: in cases where you need to show seriousness and a high level of knowledge and erudition.

Brown

Meaning of brown in clothes: isolation, security.

Brown is a neutral color, perfect for a basic closet. It does not draw attention to itself, gives a sense of security and privacy.

The meaning of brown in clothes

Max Mara

When to wear brown: in situations where you need to slow down and think a little. Brown is good for hiking, cozy evenings by the fireplace, walking. In everyday life, an abundance of brown can cause boredom and apathy, so it is better to dilute it with active shades.

Brown in clothes

Irina Shayk

The best colors for different life situations

In addition to the cheat sheet above, we've compiled the most common situations and picked the colors that would fit in best.

  • Office. The best colors for office work would be brown, black, blue and green. They do not distract attention and show a serious attitude. Yellow and red are not the most successful colors. Color of clothes for the office
  • Date. The win-win version is red. It will help to express itself, to emphasize sexuality. For men it is better to choose blue color - it will show confidence and stability - it attracts women.The color of clothes for a date
  • Gym. Pick up an orange workout outfit - it stimulates brain and physical activity.Color of clothes for sports
  • Walk. Green, brown, and dark purple are great for a quiet walk. Color of clothing for the walk
  • Going out. Look out for a metallic version of yellow, i.e., gold. Energy and luxury in one look. Color of clothing for going out

Don't know what color to choose for another event - write in the comments, we'll help!

Trend and base colors spring-summer 2022

Questions

What is the most annoying color?

Irritation is most often caused by shades of red. Choose clothes in crimson and scarlet with caution.

What colors improve your mood?

The leader in improving mood is yellow. In second place is green - it helps to suppress negative emotions and find balance.

What colors in clothing inspire confidence?

Black, gray and green are the colors of stability and security. They inspire confidence and dispose of interlocutors.

What color do people like best?

According to a study by the analytical company YouGov, the most favorite color of the inhabitants of the planet is blue.

The Psychology of Clothing: What Your Appearance Says

DRESS MagazineAll about colors in clothes and their application - in the DRESS magazine
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