Colour has a definite psychological and emotional impact on us. being aware of the emotional impact that the colours you have selected to wear will have on others is an important consideration and can affect the people with whom you are meeting. (This advice is most relevant for Europe and America)
Dark colours make a person appear thinner and taller. Wearing a dark skirt with matching trousers and shoes can make a short woman appear taller. Navy and black are true “power” colours. Black is the colour of sophistication and power. Only women can wear all black during the day. On a man, all black is best reserved for a black-tie affair unless he breaks it up with a white or coloured shirt and tie. Grey is the colour of teamwork, agreement, and passivity. in a darker charcoal shade, grey is a true power colour. in a lighter shade, it becomes more relaxed. Grey is a good choice for people in sales, banking, or finance and ideal to combine it with other colours to personalise to their personal colouring, scale and proportion. Grey is not a colour to be worn on its own- it will make you look, ” robot like” without any own personality.
Red is the most active and energetic colour and a powerful accent colour for men. it is the colour of the initiator. No wonder red foulard ties are considered “power” ties. for women, red is an excellent choice for jackets, blouses, and dresses. it is usually too strong in a suit.
Yellow should always be paired with a business power colour such as navy, grey, or black. Light yellow can be a supporting/accent colour in white shirts or ties for men. Women should avoid solid yellow suits, however using it as an accent colour in shirts, scarves or part of pattern in cardigan can have an uplifting element to their outward appearance..
Blue is probably the universal favourite colour, worn well by men and women. Literally everyone looks good in blue- though it is important to find the right shade and tint, so that the blue is not draining you it is too bright or overwhelming you because it is too dark. Navy blue is a true power colour. Medium-tone blue becomes friendlier. Light blue is a weak colour in a suit, but again a very powerful colour element when worn as shirt or tie. Both men and women should reserve navy pinstripes for the most powerful look. Men should not use blue for accessories e.g. briefcase. Women should use navy for shoes and purses, but not for a briefcase.
Green – Men should not wear light green for business. As a background colour in a patterned tie, green is acceptable. Women should wear bright green in small doses as it has a less serious impact on people. Lighter shades of green can look cheap and only a few women can pull this colour of combined with grey or braun outfit.. Darker shades are generally acceptable when not worn as a solid colour.
Pink, either in a deep shade or softer shades of rose, is an excellent choice for women’s blouses, dresses, or scarves. Men can wear pink in small doses; say in a solid, pinpoint, oxford cloth shirt or in stripes or checkers with a white shirt. Pink shirts should be reserved for less conservative or creative businesses when worn without ties and/or combined with elegant casual..
Brown is a colour men reserved for more elegant causal wear rather corporate power dressing. though it gives you a sophisticated look, it makes you also softer looking – less sharp, what you might want to avoid in business meetings, but could be helpful at conferences or gatherings where you need to look as well approachable. However, it is acceptable for a woman to wear various shades of brown- it looks sophisticated, elegant and feminine.
Orange – it is a colour which is not easy to pull off for most men. if you can wear shades of orange and peach then keep them as background colours in a tie, shirt or pocket-handkerchief. Women can wear these colours, provided they complement their skin tone, in blouses and dresses so long as they are paired with powerful colours such as navy, grey, and on occasion, black. Light peach can look youthful and fresh.
Violet – Men should limit their use of purple to patterned ties and shirts. Women can select suits, dresses, or blouses in shades of mauve, violet, periwinkle, or purple, but ideally keep it to the top half. White is an all around the year colour when chosen for shirts or a nice background colour when combined with coloured pattern in shirts- it is the power colour for shirts. Men should wear white shoes only for leisurewear. under no circumstances should white be used for belts or purses. Women can wear white suits during the day in the summer, but men should reserve time out of business hours.
Burgundy is especially elegant and powerful when teamed with grey. Men will find that burgundy ties offer the richest look with grey, navy, and tan suits.
