Science has found extensive links between color, moods, and personality traits. Learn what your clothing colors say about you, and what messages you’re sending to the world.
The Link Between Clothing, Color, and Personality
Fashion is all about self-expression. Knowingly or not, when people choose outfits, they are subconsciously selecting clothing to make a statement to the world around them. Therefore, the clothing a person chooses says a lot about their personality.
Researchers have found that the more powerful someone considers a piece of clothing to be, the more powerful they feel when wearing it.
There is extensive science connecting color and mood. Researchers found that color choices reflect a state of mind or help to support it. For example, people feel safer when they are wearing neutral colors. Conversely, when they are wearing bolder and brighter colors, they feel more alive, extroverted, and engaged with the world.
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What Your Clothing Colors Say About You
According to the psychology of color, different colors can be associated with different personality traits. Learn what science has uncovered about some of the most common colors and what they say about a person’s personality.
Red
Red is often associated with passion, excitement, and energy. People who prefer red may be seen as bold, confident, and outgoing. They may also be seen as impulsive, aggressive, or short-tempered.
Fashion tip: Wear red when you want to look sexy or be the center of attention. Want to be even bolder? Wear scarlet.
Purple
Purple is often associated with royalty, luxury, and mystery. People who prefer purple may be seen as creative, imaginative, and unique. They may also be seen as arrogant, snobbish, or eccentric.
Fashion tip: Wear purple when you want to demand attention and respect or show off your creative spirit.
Black
Black is often associated with power, mystery, and sophistication. People who prefer black may be seen as confident, intelligent, and independent. They may also be seen as serious, somber, or even intimidating.
Fashion tip: Every woman should have at least one black dress. Some women fixate on dark colors for their slimming effect. While black can give you a slimmer silhouette, don’t fall into the trap of an all-black wardrobe.
White
White is often associated with purity, innocence, and perfection. People who prefer white may be seen as organized, efficient, and detail-oriented. They may also be seen as cold, aloof, or sterile.
Fashion tip: Wear white to exude positivity, confidence, and competence. White worn right can be very powerful.
Brown
Brown is often associated with stability, reliability, and comfort. People who prefer brown may be seen as practical, responsible, and grounded. They may also be seen as dull, boring, or conventional.
Fashion tip: Brown is a down-to-earth color that gives off a laid-back feel, or confidence depending on what you pair it with.
Gray
Gray is often associated with neutrality, balance, and calmness. People who prefer gray may be seen as reliable, practical, and down-to-earth. They may also be seen as withdrawn or unemotional.
Fashion tip: A completely great outfit can leave you looking drab, and washed out, and give you a dull look. Use gray sparingly to add a sophisticated edge and to complement strong pieces with a neutral tone.
Blue
Blue is often associated with trust, loyalty, and calmness. People who prefer blue may be seen as reliable, trustworthy, and sincere. They may also be seen as conservative, traditional, and reserved.
Fashion tip: Blue helps add a softer and tranquil feeling to your wardrobe, and takes the edge off of bolder, sharper pieces.
Pink
Pink is often associated with femininity, sweetness, and innocence. People who prefer pink may be seen as kind, caring, and compassionate. They may also be seen as naive, immature, or weak.
Fashion tip: Wear pink when you want to display some youthful energy and/or exude an air of playfulness and fun.
Yellow
Yellow is often associated with happiness, optimism, and creativity. People who prefer yellow may be seen as cheerful, outgoing, and friendly. They may also be seen as childish, immature, or flaky.
Fashion tip: Wear yellow for a bright feeling and when you want to radiate positivity or inspiration.
Orange
Orange is often associated with warmth, energy, and enthusiasm. People who prefer orange may be seen as sociable, adventurous, and spontaneous. They may also be seen as loud, attention-seeking, or immature.
Fashion tip: Wear orange when you want to stand out and go bold, but in as sexy a way as you would in red.
Green
Green is often associated with nature, growth, and balance. People who prefer green may be seen as practical, reliable, and down-to-earth. They may also be seen as stubborn, inflexible, or materialistic.
Fashion tip: Green always says fresh and down to earth. However, you can add charisma depending on whether you go light, dark, or neutral.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, these are all generalizations. After all, as a human being, you are complex. You can’t, nor should you, be defined by a single color.
Nonetheless, you can learn a lot about others, and yourself, by taking note of the colors they choose to wear.
Ask yourself some questions about color:
- What colors do you love to wear?
- Why do you love to wear them?
- Is there a new color you are excited to try?
So what do your clothing colors say about you? In the end, no matter what psychology says about a certain color, if it looks good on you and makes you feel good about yourself, that’s all that really matters.