Do you know what your favourite colours might reveal about you?

Colours, like features, follow the changes of the emotions

-Pablo Picasso

How important is a colour to your brand? Christian Louboutin is known to the world for its red sole shoes. In fact, it has become so synonymous with the Christian Louboutin brand you only have to see a flash of red to know it is the much-coveted Louboutin. That's how powerful colour can be to a brand. Big brands understand the importance of colour, and branding using colours is needed for the brand to be identified. 

Colours infuse every aspect of our lives, but little is known about how wearing different colours communicates directly with our feelings and emotions. Do you know that the colour of your necktie can make or break a business deal? Or beyond that, the shades of colour you paint your rooms can not only influence others' perception of you but as well it might impact your relationships? Colours affect us subconsciously and it is where artists, designers, advertising/branding agencies, and image consultants have long understood how colour can dramatically affect moods, feelings, and emotions. It is a powerful communication tool and can be used to signal action, influence mood, and cause psychological reactions. Certain colours have been associated with increased blood pressure, increase metabolism, improve appetite, and calmness. 

Image Source The Paris Photographer @ Unsplash

Black and White are considered Neutral, they are classical and very popular, while Black and Red combo is a great way to create a playful mood.

- TeresaC

The concept of colour psychology has become a hot topic in marketing, branding, art, design, fashion, and mental health therapy. The psychology of colours is quite widespread in fashion, and to create combinations with a certain emotional statement. Of course, modern designs have become very democratic, but the basic rules of appropriate colour combinations are still in place, nevertheless.

What is colour psychology?

Researchers and experts have made a few important discoveries and observations about the psychology of colour and the effect it has on moods, feelings, and behaviours. It is a universal notion that the noblest and aristocratic are all shades of grey, as well as saturated blue, which explains why these colours are used so often in business attire. These are the shades of successful, confident people. Black and white are considered neutral, they are classical and very popular. Some cultures associates black with mourning, and the presence of this colour adds a negative mood to the outfit. To solve the problem, add a bright accessory for counterbalancing the black. Traditionally, the white colour symbolizes purity and innocence that's why the bride’s gown is white! White clothes add a touch of youthfulness and naivety to the appearance. Yellow is often considered to be too bright and irritating. It is a great pick for attention-seekers. Refrain from wearing a yellow suit to a business meeting- you may be misunderstood or not taken seriously. In daily life, red outfits are usually picked by bold and uninhibited people. Red is very bright and exciting, so take advantage of this quality if you want to make an impression. Sport a gorgeous red dress to a party or a special occasion. This colour is perfect for accessories-purses, scarves, shawls, gloves, in a cool season, etc. The Black and red combo is a great way to create a playful mood. Blue and green are fashion regulars and have a neutral connotation. Green is known to be good for the eyes and has an appealing effect. Beware of too much brown, especially dark brown, as it may trigger negative emotions. This colour is tricky when it comes to matching it with other shades, so be careful. A great fashion trick is combining contrasting colours in an outfit or using a more neutral colour to accentuate a brighter shade. Unconventional colours, like bright pink, orange, turquoise, are great manifestations of eccentricity and style.

Of course, your feelings about colour are often deeply personal and rooted in your own experience and culture.  While the perception of colours is somewhat subjective, there are some colour effects that have universal meaning. 

What are YOUR favourites in the palette?

Every colour has an emotional meaning to it and is associated with certain concepts and symbols. What kind of emotional response does the palette you are wearing trigger in people? 

Do you know that the colours you wear can affect how others perceive you? Red and pink are thought to signal sexual attractiveness, particularly when worn by women. Dark colours like black or navy may convey authority or simply make the wearer seem less approachable. The principles of colour analysis teach that certain colours are capable of emphasizing or, conversely, de-emphasizing an individual's attractiveness to others. Unflattering colours may make a person look pale or sickly, for instance, or draw attention to such flaws as wrinkles or uneven skin tone. Flattering colours are thought to have the opposite effect, which will help to project your brilliance, making you look attractive. 

Colour psychology, an extension of colour analysis, is a valuable tool that is used in conjunction with the analysis of colours for wardrobe management, interior designing of your house, paintings, branding, and mental health therapy. It is necessary to consider both the physical or artistic impact colour has upon your appearance, and the impact colour has upon the unique personality that you wish to project to the world. 

A lot of people don't take colours seriously because they don't realise that colours affect us subconsciously.

- Author, Teresa

You might have faced situations with the dilemma of selecting your best colours or how to mix and match colours from your wardrobe. Today's business lifestyle is multi-faceted where you find yourselves having to attend business and social functions concurrently. Each of these circumstances may impose varying expectations and thus require knowledge of and mastery of certain image and wardrobing skills such as colour and styles appropriate for different situations. 

Or you might face situations of choosing a harmonious colour scheme or wall covering for your home. (N.B: Colour consultant doesn't take over the role of an interior designer). We help our clients project a winning image in all aspects, from developing and projecting the desired image to including using the right colours to communicate your brand and for self-presentation. 

Leave us a comment below and share with us your broad experiences where you feel your CHOICE of COLOURS is affecting your life, relationship, and career if any.