You have seven seconds to make a good first impression.  Seven.  That’s barely time to share your name let alone run through the great elevator speech that you created for yourself.  Your appearance matters and it says a lot about who you are and what you stand for.  When it comes to your personal brand and business, your choice in clothing is a key and important aspect of your success.  Not many people consider Color psychology when they’re choosing their outfit for the day.  I’m here to tell you, you should.  The Colors you choose to wear have a psychological impact on how others view you, but more importantly how you view yourself.

1. How do you feel?

Do you ever take the time in the morning to check in with yourself and process how you’re feeling?  Sure, if someone asks you may respond with the standard, “I’m fine.”  Which is all great and dandy, but when you roll out of bed and start your mourning routine, do you take a moment and ask yourself, “How do I feel?”  Perhaps you should!  Checking in with yourself in the morning is not only a great way to start your day, but it can also help you pick colors to wear that can provide you with the uplift or boost of energy that you need to get through your day.

Feelings help us survive.  They alert us to everyday threats and are the way that our body speaks to our minds.  Did you ever watch Inside Out?  It’s a perfect example of how our feelings work together or don’t, to ensure we are responding to life in the best way possible.  So ask yourself, “How do I feel today” and then ask yourself “what is happening in my day” to help guide you towards colors that will either lift your emotions (brighter and lighter colors) or subdue and better control your emotions (darker and neutral colors).

2. Who do I want to (or need to) impress?

After you’ve checked in on your feelings, take a moment and reflect on who you want to, or in some cases need to, impress?  Believe it or not, different colors speak to different genders and age groups of people.  Women typically react more positively to colors that are based in blue, such as blue-reds, pinks, and blue-greens.  Men are more attracted to yellow-toned colors such as red and orange-reds.  They are also drawn to the color blue.   Lower socio-economic individuals tend to be more attracted towards yellows, while higher socio-economic individuals tend to be more attracted to blues.  Colors speak volumes.

Who are you wanting to, or needing to, impress today?  Dress accordingly.

3. The Messages You Share

Last, but not least, the colors you wear share messages.  Most think that eye-contact, grooming, and body language send messages… and they do, but don’t forget color is just as important.

Blue: Establishes trust and credibility

Light Colors (Light Blue, Greens, Teal, Tan, Peach): Friendly and Approachable

Red: Assertive and also Get Noticed

Blue-Green: Appear Confident (and a good color for business women to wear)

Green: Dependable

Grey/Beige: Appear Neutral 

Dark Blue/Grey: Professional with Authority

Magenta: Shock and Inspire 

Black: Power and Sophistication

Yellow: Cheery and Warm

White: Purity and Serenity

Purple: Wealth and Royalty

Brown: Age and Maturity

Orange: Warm and Enthusiasm

Pink: Femininity, Love, Romance 

What are your colors saying today?