You can not avoid it. When a woman in a red dress walks into a room, or a man in a striking black suit and vibrant red tie, you turn and stare. Or how about how relaxed you feel in a green room? Color is all around us and has more influence on our mood than you might think. When it comes to fashion, color is a powerful way to send non-verbal messages about your confidence and ability.
“The colors a man chooses for his business tell the world a lot about him,” says Dana Persia, image consultant and owner of DP Image Consulting. “The color implies his level of success, background, status, authority, personality and more.”
Here are some tips from Persia for deciding which colors to add or remove from your wardrobe:
For suits, choose dark blue and dark gray in solid or striped colors to create more credibility. Other acceptable colors for suits are brown and beige. Black can be severe; the darker the color, the more weight it has. Black is your most authoritative choice, followed by dark navy.
As for the color of your shirt, white is the safest and most versatile since it will combine with all the colors of your suit and will match all your ties. The next best thing is a light or medium blue and then light pastels like yellow or even pink if you’re that bold. A man who wears pink actually creates an air of confidence because any man who dares to go where he should be just that!
Coordinate ties in bold colors like red (power, strength, ambition, leadership), blue (coolness, confidence, conservatism, dependability), purple (creativity, wisdom, quirkiness) depending on the business situation you are in.
And what do color experts say about the meaning of color?
Black
Black is an authoritative color that carries a lot of weight in social and business situations. In fashion, black is a slimming color. But at the opposite end of the spectrum, black can imply submission, which is why clergy often wear black. Black is intense and can be unpleasant or intimidating. In terms of pop culture and folklore, black is associated with villains. If you find black too stark for the office or feeling too formal, break it up with diagonal white stripes.
The same goes for your dress shirt. If you’re not wearing a tie, a black dress shirt with subtle white stripes is professional and modern. We like the Dolce & Gabbana Striped Cotton Dress Shirt. But if you want the mysterious bad boy look, choose a solid black dress shirt and pair it with jeans for a night out with the guys or for a first date. The black stretch poplin shirt is sophisticated and a little dangerous.
White
In many cultures, white is a symbol of purity. Traditionally seen as a summer color, white can now be worn all year long. For fashion, white goes with almost everything; however, it shows dirt and is more difficult to keep clean.
White ties are hard to come by, but you may see more of them with the popularity of monochrome looks. The Belisi Cloud Dancer tie looks great paired with a crisp white or any color button-down dress shirt.
Red
Without a doubt, red packs a punch. An emotional and vibrant color, red simulates blood, the source of life. Red clothing draws attention, which can work for or against you. Red is intense so if you are involved in negotiations it could work against you as red could be seen as intimidating and threatening. Red cars are also a popular target for car thieves.
For men, red is best when used as an accent color, such as on a tie.
Pink
Pink is associated with romance and tranquility. A recent trend is for men to wear pink shirts or ties. If you’ve ever heard the saying “real men wear pink,” there’s something to it. A man wearing pink shouts confidently.
If you’re not ready to commit to a pink dress shirt, a pink tie is a great way to subtly infuse some color.
Blue
The color of the sky and the ocean, blue is one of the most popular colors. Causes the opposite reaction to red. Peaceful, calm blue causes the body to produce calming chemicals, which is why it is often used in bedrooms. Blue can also be cold and depressing. Fashion consultants recommend wearing blue to job interviews because it symbolizes loyalty. People are more productive in blue rooms. Studies show that weightlifters can handle weights in blue gyms.
Is a legal showdown coming up? If you want to appease the opposition and appear less threatening (such as to a referee or judge), a light blue dress shirt, such as the Burberry Herringbone Dress Shirt, is a good choice. Or, accent a white, gray or black dress shirt with a light blue tie.
Green
You may notice your friends painting their walls green. And with good reason; green is calming, refreshing, and easy on the eye. Green has been associated with fertility and wealth. A man who wants to convey status might wear a dark green tie or shirt.
Yellow
Yellow is associated with joy and morning. But studies show that people lose their temper more often in yellow rooms, and the color seems to bother babies. It is a remarkable color but hard on the eyes. On a positive note, yellow can improve concentration (which explains why notepads are yellow) and improves metabolism; hence the reason why many kitchens are painted yellow. Brighten up a gloomy day with a soft yellow tie.
Purple
Purple denotes royalty, wealth, and luxury. It is a romantic and feminine color, especially in violets and deep purple velvet fabrics. Purple can appear artificial, as the color is rare in nature, so if you’re going for a natural look, purple may not be the right color for you. Wearing purple is all about balance. Choose a tie that is colorful but not overwhelming.
Brown
Brown is the color of the earth and looks great on people with autumnal skin tones. Light brown implies authenticity and dark brown gives off a rustic, earthy feel with its closeness to wood and tanned leather. Brown can also be a muted color, so be sure to fill your wardrobe with a variety of colors and shades. When used correctly, brown is sophisticated in a way that is not intimidating. A brown tie is a great way to send the message that you are open and honest.
Spice up your wardrobe, add some color!