PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: HOW TO TRANSFORM YOUR MOOD USING COLOUR
I was having a conversation with some friends and clients recently, talking about the weather (which has been quite depressing lately), and it was interesting to see the different perspectives people had. Some were saying, "This weather makes me feel depressed, so I wear black," while others (myself included) were expressing the opposite view: how wearing brighter, bolder colours can actually help us feel better on dark, grey days.
And itโs trueโwhen weโre feeling low or when the weather is bleak and dreary, we should react by embracing colour. Iโm sure youโve heard of Colour Psychology, which suggests that colours have hidden meanings and can influence not just the way we look but also the way we feel.
So, here are some examples.
What effect can colour have on our mindset?
Psychologists and marketers have dedicated countless hours to researching how colours can affect the mind, and this is just a brief summary of some of the research Iโve found, with a focus on specific colours. Colours can significantly impact our moods and also how others respond to us. Research by Keith Jacobs and Frank Hustmyer in 1974 found that colours can even alter our heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration.
Understanding these basic elements of how people respond to certain colours might help you choose colours that not only make you feel good but also align with the mindset or response youโre seeking. Whether youโre aiming for a particular mindset or hoping to elicit a specific reaction from others, considering the impact of colour can be incredibly useful.
Black โ the discriminated colour
Letโs start with black, a colour often associated with negativity, yet itโs one that many gravitate towards. Black is often worn to convey authority, elegance, or sophistication. However, it can also evoke feelings of sadness or detachment, especially in darker, gloomier weather. But black doesnโt have to be all doom and gloomโit can be balanced with a pop of colour or an accessory that adds vibrancy and lifts your mood.
Even if black isnโt traditionally considered the โrightโ colour for a clientโs skin tone, it often makes them feel great. If black boosts your confidence, then by all means, incorporate it into your dayโespecially if you have important meetings or need to record a professional video for your business. Adding a hint of another colour, such as green or blue, can introduce a touch of personality to an all-black outfit.
Something I always recommend with black is using different textures and fabrics. Black on black can look a bit flat, so adding layers with different textures or patterns is a great way to make an outfit look more polished.
Pink โ for warmth and nurturing
Pink is often associated with warmth, love, and nurturing qualities. Wearing pink can evoke feelings of compassion and calmness, making it a great choice when you need to feel more connected to those around you or when you want to introduce a gentle, soothing presence into your day.
While cool, darker colours such as black and navy work well as base colours for pink, you can also pair it with warmer oranges and reds to make a real statement. For a more professional look, greys and whites work well, while a cobalt blue or even greens can be other unique options.
Purple โ for creativity and inspiration
Purple is linked to creativity, luxury, and spirituality. Itโs a colour that can stimulate the imagination and inspire you to think outside the box. If youโre feeling stuck or uninspired, incorporating shades of purple into your outfit could help reignite your creativity and add a touch of sophistication to your look.
Colours that complement purple include mustard yellows, blues, and greens, while more neutral colours such as black and navy blue are excellent base colours. In this look, the addition of a pop of purple makes a more simplistic navy outfit feel more creative and fun.
Red โ for energy and confidence
Red is a powerful colour that exudes energy, passion, and confidence. Itโs the perfect choice when you need a boost of self-assurance or when you want to make a bold statement. Wearing red can increase your heart rate and stimulate excitement, making it an excellent colour to wear on days when you need that extra push.
Red can pair beautifully with pink, as in this outfit, and can calm the red significantly. For a more paired back option, consider creams, blacks, or navy.
Blue โ for calmness and stability
Blue, a colour I love to wear and is known for evoking feelings of loyalty, stability, and tranquillity. Itโs a great choice when you need grounding, as it can bring a sense of calm and truthfulness to your day. However, blue can be a tricky colour to wear, so consider your skin tone and which shades of blue work best for you to feel confident and serene, while deeper tones can be strong and powerful.
Yellow - for happiness and optimism
Yellow is a beautiful, happy colour, and one I canโt mention without bringing a smile to my face. Iโm sure many others feel the same. This is a colour that brings happiness, optimism, and joy to your outfit. However, it can also evoke feelings of instability, as itโs such a bright colour. Wearing an all-yellow outfit can be challenging, and it might be over-energising for the workplace. But if youโre working from home, yellow can be a fantastic choice to boost your energy levels.
Yellow can be tricky for some skin tones, so I recommend having a colour consultation or trying different shades near your face to see which ones brighten you rather than drain you.
In this outfit, you can see how blue and yellow have been brought together, adding the stabilising effect that blue can have on yellow. If youโre hesitant about wearing yellow in this way, try a yellow bag or perhaps yellow shoes for a fun pop of colour!
Green โ for freshness and success
Green is an intriguing colour to wear! Itโs associated with healing, hope, and success. Itโs also a great colour to wear if you spend a lot of time in front of a computer screen, as itโs known to cause the least amount of eye strain. Incorporating green into your outfit can bring a sense of freshness and harmony, making it an excellent choice for business meetings. The association with success can also provide a sense of security to those youโre meeting with.
Deep greens can be a great starting point if youโre new to this colour. Lime greens and bright greens can be quite bold, but if they complement your skin tone, they can be fantastic. I love the use of the lilac with the green in this outfitโitโs perfect for a personality-filled work outfit.
Orange โ for energy and fun
The final colour Iโd like to highlight is orange. This colour is a good middle ground between red, which is often seen as too passionate for the office, and yellow, which can be overly bright. Orange is excellent for these times, as it brings energy, fun, and warmth. Itโs a vibrant colour, similar to yellow, but it suits a wider range of skin tones and is perhaps less daunting. Orange can stimulate enthusiasm and boost your energy levels, so if youโre feeling a bit sluggish, adding some orange to your outfit could make a difference!
A great way to wear orange is to base your entire outfit around it, with accents of black or green. If this feels too bold, start with an orange scarf or shoesโjust a small touch of the colour can give your mindset a positive boost!