Color psychology: How these 11 colors can change your mood and charisma
Colors are omnipresent and play a central role in our daily lives. They influence not only our perception and behavior, but also our mood and charisma. But why is this so? Color psychology explores this question. This fascinating science examines how colors affect our subconscious and what emotions they can evoke.
A few years ago, I had a client named Sabine. Sabine was a successful businesswoman who often felt stressed and drained. When she came to see me, she mostly wore black and gray—colors she considered serious and professional, and common in a business context. But during our color consultation, it became clear that these dark, colorless tones were literally sapping her energy. Yes, they appear serious and professional, but they also created an unnecessary distance.
We experimented with different colors and found that a deep blue emphasized her inner calm while making her appear confident and fresh. When Sabine began incorporating blue into her wardrobe, she noticed a shift not only in her mood but also in the way her colleagues and clients responded to her. Her best colors—especially the blue—emphasized her natural authority without making her appear aloof or unapproachable. A few more well-measured pops of color, like pink and lilac, emphasized her femininity. Her looks still adhered to her employer's dress code, but with a noticeably more approachable effect, which made her work easier.
Experiences of this kind are always fascinating and show us the enormous power of colors.
In this article, you'll learn more about the basics of color psychology, the impact of individual colors, and how they can affect your mood and overall charisma.
What does color psychology study?
Color psychology is the science that studies how colors influence our feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. This discipline examines the emotional and psychological effects of colors on people and how these can be used to elicit certain reactions. The power of colors is used specifically and sometimes manipulatively, especially in marketing. Just consider that most products in a regular supermarket are colored. Even meat is dyed red to make it appear fresher and more appealing to consumers.
Brief history and scientific basis
Color psychology has its roots in ancient times, when philosophers like Aristotle and Plato speculated about the meaning and effects of colors. In the 20th century, color psychology was further developed through scientific research. A well-known pioneer in this field is the Swiss psychologist Carl Jung, who recognized the therapeutic effects of colors and incorporated them into his work.
Modern research has shown that colors affect us through various channels: They can elicit physiological responses (e.g., red increases heart rate), they have cultural meanings, and they can evoke personal associations. These findings are applied in fields such as marketing, design, and therapy.
In nature, every color has a meaning. Plants communicate with animals using color, saying things like, "Here you can find the tastiest nectar." In nature, colors are a huge communication system. Colors can be camouflage or warning. They can indicate whether it is safe to eat or touch something. They are used for orientation and advertising. The more species live together in a group, such as in a coral reef, the more colorful the world there looks. Interestingly, it is the same with humans. City districts where most cultures live together are the most colorful. In a small village in the Eifel region, there is significantly less color and diversity to be experienced.
I learned an exciting, even new, discovery from color researcher Dr. Alex Buether: People's gestures synchronize with the color they wear. Crazy, right? In black, people adopt a more distant posture, such as crossed arms.
It is also important to consider that each color has different sides depending on the context in which it appears.
Examples of color psychology from everyday life
We encounter the effect of colors every day in different contexts:
- Brand colors : Companies choose colors specifically to reinforce their brand identity and evoke certain emotions in their customers. For example, Coca-Cola uses intense red to symbolize energy and passion, while Facebook uses blue to convey trust and professionalism.
- Interior design : Interior designers use color to influence the atmosphere of a room. Warm colors like red and orange can make a space feel cozier and more inviting, while cool colors like blue and green have a calming effect and create a relaxing environment.
- Warning & Communication : Colors also play an important role in communication. A simple and effective example is road traffic. Colors on traffic lights communicate rules clearly and understandably. Even a small child quickly understands that they must stop at red and go at green.
These examples demonstrate how deeply rooted and effective color psychology is in our everyday lives. By understanding the fundamentals of this science, we can use colors more consciously and utilize their positive effects in our outfits.
11 colors and their effects
1. Color Psychology Red: Energy and Passion
In Western culture, red represents energy, passion, and love. In other cultures, such as China, red symbolizes happiness and prosperity. Red can increase heart rate and blood pressure, leading to a boost of energy and heightened alertness. A red dress is perfect for romantic dinners or formal occasions where you want to stand out and exude passion. Red can also be used in this context to express and trigger sexual attraction.
Red seems to be the color with the most ambivalent associations worldwide. Red is associated with both positive and negative emotions. From anger and power to love and passion, red has many associations. Red is like fire, which can be warming but also destructive. A face can blush with passion or anger.
"I see red" is firmly established in our vocabulary for a reason. A red suit or dress is often referred to as a "power suit." This color says: "Here I am. I am strong. I have power." Angela Merkel knew full well that when she had to speak out, a red blazer would reinforce her message.
This eye-catcher can be fashionably combined with both neutral colors and other eye-catching bright colors.
2. Color psychology blue: calm and trust
In the Western world, blue symbolizes trust, calm, and intelligence. In many Eastern cultures, blue represents immortality and spiritual purity. Blue has a calming effect and can lower blood pressure, making it ideal for stress relief. From this perspective, pajamas should be blue rather than red, as should bedsheets and bedroom walls.
A dark blue blazer is perfect for business meetings or job interviews, as it conveys professionalism and confidence. As with all colors, the shade matters. A blue like the sky on a bright spring day also signals this positive aura for us humans. Blue like the deep, calm ocean is also a popular association.
Blue clothing makes you appear trustworthy, open, carefree, and youthful. "Blue is reminiscent of the endless sky and therefore exudes calm, serenity, and above all, trust," explains color researcher Dr. Axel Buether. This is why various shades of blue dominate many news channels. From this perspective, you can't go wrong with blue accents or an all-blue outfit.
3. Color Psychology Yellow: Optimism and Creativity
In our culture, yellow represents optimism, joy, and creativity. It represents the sun, which gives us life and returns after long, dark winter months, giving us joy and vitality. In some cultures, such as India, yellow is associated with knowledge and learning. Yellow can promote the release of serotonin, which lifts mood and stimulates creativity. A yellow blouse or accessory is ideal for days when you need inspiration and a good mood, such as during creative meetings or sunny weekend getaways.
Yellow is also often used as a warning color in signals and on signs, so this color can also be associated with a warning. Due to its high luminosity, yellow, along with orange and red, is often used as a signal color. Be it as a warning sign, reflectors on bicycles, or safety clothing for road workers.
These long-wave colors are particularly striking to the eye, but they also activate our nervous system and say: Attention! Be alert.
4. Color Psychology Green: Harmony and Renewal
In Western culture, green symbolizes nature, harmony, and renewal. In many Middle Eastern cultures, green represents fertility and prosperity. Green has a calming effect on the eyes and can have a refreshing effect. A green sweater or scarf would be a good option for relaxing weekends or walks in nature, supporting a sense of balance and refreshment. But even in a gray office, a splash of green can bring the necessary freshness and naturalness.
This could be a plant next to your desk or something in your clothing that creates this connection to nature and relaxation.
5. Color psychology pink/rose: femininity and tenderness?
In Western culture, pink and rose represent femininity, delicacy, and romance. In Japan, pink symbolizes the cherry blossom and represents a new beginning. Pink can have a calming effect and enhance feelings of love and compassion. A pink dress, for example, is effective if you strive for a soft and inviting aura.
A delicate pink has the opposite aura to black. According to Dr. Axel Buether, it couldn't be less authoritarian. Soft, delicate, open, communicative, forthright, warm, and well-meaning, this color can open doors, but depending on the context, it can also undermine one's own credibility. In a business context, men are increasingly seeing pink shirts, but paired with dark blue, anthracite, or even black. An all-pink suit with a pink shirt would have too soft a vibe for most situations.
Pink is the bold sister of pink and brings life to any outfit. A bold pink is an eye-catcher and is associated with positive emotions: amusement, joy, pleasure, admiration, love, compassion.
6. Color Psychology Black: Elegance and Authority
In our culture, black represents elegance, power, and authority. In some cultures, such as parts of Africa, black is associated with maturity and wisdom. Black can enhance feelings of strength and protection. A classic little black dress or a black suit are perfect for formal occasions or evening events where you want to exude authority and elegance. Black can also create distance from the people you meet. The black suit can therefore certainly be used as protective clothing. If the goal is to achieve something as a team, black may not be the best color choice, but rather a color that signals more openness and a willingness to cooperate.
I can understand Dr. Buether's statement, "Black has something violent about it," when I think of a bodyguard, for example. Black suit, black sunglasses, crossed arms. Dominance, distance, authority, power, but also not being a target of attack. This fits well with the role of a bodyguard.
In other contexts, a look with black trousers and a turtleneck sweater can convey an aura of intellectuality or asceticism. At a funeral, the color black is a sign of mourning in our culture.
Black is associated worldwide with negative emotions such as anger, hatred, contempt, disgust, fear, disappointment, shame, guilt, and sadness. Source: International Color-Emotion Association Survey
7. Color Psychology White: Purity and Freshness
In the Western world, white symbolizes purity, innocence, and simplicity. However, in many Asian cultures, white is associated with mourning and death. White can visually enlarge a room and convey a sense of clarity and freshness. A white summer dress is ideal for weddings or garden parties to create a fresh and pure look.
Interestingly, a white outfit makes us look stiffer and more constrained, says Axel Buether in this video. Totally interesting, right?
8. Color Psychology Orange: Joy and Enthusiasm
In our culture, orange represents joy, enthusiasm, and creativity. In some cultures, such as India, orange symbolizes sacredness and spirituality. Orange can boost energy and enhance feelings of excitement and warmth. An orange scarf or bag is perfect for sporting activities or gatherings with friends to radiate joie de vivre and energy.
If you overdo it with orange, you can even look like you're in disguise. As is often the case, the dose makes the poison.
9. Color Psychology Purple: Creativity and Luxury
In Western culture, purple symbolizes creativity, luxury, and spirituality. In many medieval cultures, purple was the color of royalty and the church. Purple can encourage creativity and convey a sense of luxury and uniqueness. Stereotypically, a purple scarf or blouse would be ideal for artistic events or spiritual gatherings, exuding creativity and depth.
But purple can do much more. This color lies between red and blue and has one of the shortest wavelengths, making it a calming color. So, lavender colors in the spa make perfect sense.
10. Color Psychology Brown: Stability and Security
In our culture, brown represents stability, reliability, and down-to-earthness. In many cultures, brown is associated with earth and fertility. Brown can convey a sense of security and comfort. A brown leather jacket or boots are perfect for casual outfits or outdoor activities, creating a down-to-earth and trustworthy appearance. But according to Axel Buether, an all-brown outfit doesn't exude youthfulness or freshness. I can only confirm this from our experience here at the color-fitting shop. Brown clothing can create harmony with brown hair and eyes, but it doesn't appear particularly exciting or dynamic.
In the aforementioned study, brown was rated the most neutral color internationally. Brown doesn't evoke any particular emotions. The color can represent decay and rot, desert regions, but also fertile soil.
11. Color Psychology Gray: Neutrality and Restraint
Gray is a very understated color. Minimalistic. In an all-gray outfit, you can quickly be judged older than you are. Dressing entirely in gray makes you appear inconspicuous and reserved. Depending on the context, this can be pleasant, but it also reveals little personality.
Unlike a blue sky, a gray sky is more likely to be associated with a cloudy sky. An overcast sky can have a depressing effect. In the global study, gray is associated with more negative emotions, such as disappointment and regret.
Gray also represents neutrality because it lies between black and white, making it a popular color combination. As always, color nuances should be considered with nuance. A light gray or even silver has a friendlier effect than a medium to dark gray.
Conclusion:
It's incredibly exciting to delve deeper into the topic of color. Discovering which colors suit your natural coloring, which colors emphasize your personality and current mood, and how you can use them specifically for specific occasions is a lot of fun. Get started with a color fitting , where we select your best colors and put together a practical, customized fan for you.
source :https://farbfitterie.de/farbpsychologie-stimmung-ausstrahlung-beeinflussen/