The Psychology of Colour: How Colours influence our mood and perception.
Colour is not just what we see; it’s how we feel. Light rays travel through our pupil to the lens, which refracts light onto the retina at the back of the eye. The retina’s cells send signals through the nervous system to the visual cortex, where our brain processes colour. However, colour’s impact goes beyond vision—it evokes psychological and physiological responses.
Take red, for example. It symbolises passion, energy, and excitement. It can even trigger the sympathetic nervous system, stimulating our fight-or-flight response. Our personal experiences, cultural background, and memories also shape how we perceive colours, making colour a powerful tool in everyday life.
Harness the Power of Colour in Your Daily Life:
- Boost productivity – Use calming hues like blue in workspaces for focus and efficiency.
- Enhance confidence – Wear bold shades like red to make a strong impression.
- Create balance – Earthy tones like green bring relaxation and a sense of renewal.
Scientific research highlights colour’s impact on human behaviour, with some blind individuals reportedly sensing different colour energies. This underscores how deeply colour influences our well-being.
Wearing Colours: How the Right Shades Transform Your Appearance
The colours we wear—especially near our face—directly affect our appearance and mood. When we choose colours that harmonise with our skin tone, we look healthier, brighter, and more vibrant. Wearing the wrong colours, however, can leave us looking washed out or tired.
The Benefits of Wearing the Right Colours:
- Enhanced natural beauty – Colours that match your undertone complement your complexion effortlessly.
- Increased confidence – Looking your best naturally improves self-assurance.
- Positive perception – Studies suggest that well-dressed individuals are perceived as more successful, competent, and approachable.
First impressions are formed in mere seconds. What you wear communicates your personality, style, and confidence before you even speak. Understanding which colours flatter you can be a game-changer in your personal and professional life.
Colour Psychology: What Different Colours Represent
- Red– The colour of champions, representing passion, power, and energy. Too much can be overwhelming or signal danger.
- Yellow– Cheerful and optimistic, symbolising sunshine, joy, and creativity.
- Green– A colour of balance, nature, and relaxation, promoting harmony and renewal.
- Blue– The colour of trust, peace, and stability, often linked to the sea and sky.
- Purple– A luxurious and spiritual colour, known for its calming and regal qualities.
- Orange– Warm, energetic, and social, often associated with enthusiasm and creativity.
- Pink– Gentle and nurturing, symbolising love, compassion, and approachability.
- Brown– Grounded and stable, representing security and warmth.
- Grey– Neutral and sophisticated, offering a balance between extremes.
Finding Your Best Colours: Understanding Seasonal Colour Analysis
A common myth about colour analysis is that it limits your wardrobe choices. In reality, every colour season includes a variation of all major hues—except for orange, which is inherently warm and doesn’t suit cool-toned complexions.
Key Colour Analysis Insights:
- Black and white are not universally flattering – Black absorbs all light and can be harsh on some complexions, while pure white reflects all light and may wash some people out.
- Grey is a versatile neutral – A balanced mix of black and white, making it adaptable for most skin tones by adding a touch of yellow or blue. Consider the difference between a beige-grey and a steel-grey.
- Every season has a version of all the other colours – Finding the right intensity and undertone is key to looking your best.
How to Incorporate the Right Colours into Your Wardrobe
Once you discover your best colours, it’s important to integrate them into your wardrobe. Here are some simple ways to incorporate colour into your everyday outfits:
- Start with accessories– If you’re unsure about bold colours, try adding them through scarves, bags, or jewellery.
- Mix neutrals with your best hues– Use shades like navy, grey, and beige as a foundation and complement them with your ideal colours.
- Experiment with patterns– Florals, stripes, and geometric prints can help you ease into wearing more colour.
- Layer strategically– If a colour feels too bold, layer it under a jacket or cardigan for a subtle pop.
- Find your perfect shade of staple pieces– Whether it’s a blazer, blouse, or pair of trousers, choose wardrobe essentials in shades that enhance your skin tone.
Colour and Personal Branding: What Your Colours Say About You
Your wardrobe choices reflect your personality, confidence, and even how others perceive you in both social and professional settings. Here’s how different colours can impact your personal brand:
- Red– Ideal for leaders and those who want to exude confidence and power.
- Blue– Perfect for professionals seeking to appear trustworthy and dependable.
- Green– Great for individuals wanting to project balance and a natural, calming energy.
- Black– A strong choice for elegance, sophistication, and authority.
- Yellow– Suitable for creative, optimistic, and energetic personalities.
By understanding how colours influence perceptions, you can strategically choose outfits that align with the image you want to present.
The Emotional Connection to Colour
Many of us have clothes in our wardrobe that we don’t wear but can’t part with because they hold special memories. I, for example, have a deep navy-blue blazer that belonged to my dad, who was killed in a car accident when I was 11 years old. Though the colour is too deep for my complexion, I treasure it and occasionally wear it.
Clothes are deeply personal, and in wardrobe edits, we never discount this emotional connection. Instead, we find ways to store special pieces or repurpose them—perhaps through tailoring—to make them more wearable.
Similarly, colours themselves carry meaning. Many clients recall strong associations, such as disliking a colour because of a school uniform or a disliked bridesmaid dress. While I respect these connections, I gently challenge them—especially when a particular colour looks amazing on them!
Cultural Colour Connections
Our perception of colour is also shaped by culture. For example, in Western cultures, black is associated with mourning and funerals, while white represents weddings and purity. However, in China, white is the colour of mourning, and red is worn for celebrations, symbolising happiness, good fortune, and prosperity.
Understanding cultural perspectives on colour can provide deeper insight into its powerful role in fashion, branding, and self-expression.
Final thoughts
Colour is a tool that influences how we feel, how we are perceived, and how we navigate our personal and professional lives. By understanding the power of colour, you can make more intentional choices—enhancing your wardrobe, confidence, and overall presence.
Are you ready to discover your best colours? A colour analysis can help you unlock the shades that make you shine!
Colour is more than just a visual element—it’s a powerful tool that shapes how we feel and how others perceive us. Whether you want to enhance confidence, improve first impressions, or simply feel more vibrant, understanding your best colours can be life-changing, and of course I would LOVE to help you do that.
Love Estelle x
Your Style Coach
