I hope you’re having a summer full of colour! From brightly patterned cocktail dresses to backyards filled with rich blooms, summer wardrobe colours range from sunshine yellow and watermelon pink, to sunset orange and crisp green…I could keep going!

As pretty as these virtually endless summer shades are, did you know that there’s also a psychology to colour?

Here are a few examples:

• Fast food restaurants use red and yellow to make us hungry.
• Yellow, while associated with joy, can also make babies cry more, so it’s generally avoided in maternity wards. 
• Green evokes words like “health” and “nature,” so it’s used by many organic grocery stores like Whole Foods and Choices.

How colour affects mood is also rooted in our cultural experiences. For example, white is used in many Western countries to represent innocence (think wedding/christening gowns), but in a lot of Eastern countries, it’s linked with mourning. 

Examples of Colours That Affect Your Mood

When it comes to fashion, obviously we gravitate more towards the hues we love and think look best on us.

Maybe you adore deep blue, or tend to pick out bold reds to complement your skin tone. 

But research shows that wearing certain shades can also affect your mood and emotion, and how other people respond to you.

In fact, looking at these hues can even change our heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration, as researchers Keith Jacobs and Frank Hustmyer discovered in 1974!

Can you think of certain shades that affect how you feel? 

Let’s take a closer look at some examples of the psychology of colour in fashion:

• Blue represents tranquility and calm. From baby clothes to tropical dresses, blue hues create a warm, approachable vibe. 
• Pink is ultimately a light red hue. We tend to associate it with feminine energy, love, and romance. Like blue, pink is thought to have a calming effect. One shade of pink is sometimes even used in prisons to calm inmates!
• Red represents passion, energy, and desire. It’s one of the colours that can raise your blood pressure, which is why it’s used in stop signs, fire engines, and lingerie!
• Black is seen as powerful, confident, and professional. Black is often used by luxury brands in their marketing materials, and it’s popular in evening and office wear.
• Silver is linked to a sense of innovation and modernity, which is why it’s a top choice for cars, computers, and contemporary jewelry and accessories. 

Of course, you should wear summer wardrobe colours that make you feel comfortable and confident! This is just a fun way to look beyond the aesthetics of what you wear.

So, the next time you reach into your closet for a particular pantsuit or t-shirt, think about how the colour might make you feel.

We can help you find the most flattering clothing for your body type, personality, lifestyle, and mood! Stop by Malary’s Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday from 10am to 5pm. Or book a private shopping appointment by calling Yvonne directly at 604-838-6402.