You can not avoid it. When a woman in a red dress walks into a room, or a man in a striking black suit with a vibrant red tie, you turn and look. Or how about how relaxed you feel in a green room? Color surrounds us and has more influence on our mood than you might think. When it comes to fashion, color is a powerful way to send non-verbal messages about your confidence and ability.
“The colors a man chooses for his business tell the world a lot about him,” says Dana Persia, an image consultant and owner of DP Image Consulting. “Color implies your level of success, background, status, authority, personality, and more.”
Here are some tips from Persia for deciding what colors to add or subtract from your wardrobe:
For suits, choose dark blue and dark gray in solid or striped colors to create more credibility. Other acceptable colors for suits are brown and beige. Black can be severe; the darker the color, the more weight it has. Black is your most authoritative option, followed by dark navy blue.
As for the color of your shirt, white is the safest and most versatile, as it will go with all suit colors and will match all your ties. The next best option is light or medium blue and then light pastels like yellow or even pink, if you’re that daring. A man wearing pink actually creates an air of confidence because any man who dares to go where he should be must be that!
Coordinate ties in bold colors like red (power, strength, ambition, leadership), blue (coolness, confidence, conservatism, dependability), purple (creativity, wisdom, quirkiness) depending on the business situation you are in.
And what do color experts say about the meaning of color?
Black
Black is an authority color that carries a lot of weight in social and business situations. In fashion, black is a slimming color. But at the opposite end of the spectrum, black can imply submission, which is why clergy often wear black. Black is intense and can be unpleasant or intimidating. In terms of pop culture and folklore, black is associated with villains. If you find that black is too severe for the office or feels too formal, divide it with diagonal white stripes
The same goes for your dress shirt. If you’re not wearing a tie, a black dress shirt with subtle white stripes is professional and modern. We like the striped cotton dress shirt from Dolce & Gabbana. But if you want the mysterious bad boy look, choose a solid black dress shirt and pair it with jeans for a night out with the guys or for a first date. The StretchPoplin T-shirt in black says sophisticated and a bit dangerous.
White
In many cultures, white is a symbol of purity. Traditionally seen as a summer color, white can now be worn all year round. For fashion, white goes with almost anything; however, it shows dirt and is more difficult to keep clean.
White ties are hard to come by, but you may see more with the popularity of monochrome looks. The Belisi Cloud Dancer tie looks great paired with a stylish white or button-down dress shirt in any color.
Red
Without a doubt, red has a great impact. A vibrant and emotional color, red simulates blood, the source of life. Red clothing attracts attention, which can work for you or against you. Red is intense so if you are involved in negotiations it could work against you as red could be seen as intimidating and threatening. Red cars are also a popular target for car thieves.
For men, red is best when used as an accent color, such as on a tie.
Pinkish
Pink is associated with romance and tranquility. A recent trend is men wearing pink dress shirts or ties. If you’ve ever heard the saying “real men wear pink,” there’s something to it. A man wearing pink yells confident.
If you’re not ready to commit to a pink dress shirt, a pink tie is a great way to subtly infuse some color.
Blue
The color of the sky and the ocean, blue is one of the most popular colors. It causes the opposite reaction to red. The calm, gentle blue causes the body to produce soothing chemicals, which is why it is often used in bedrooms. Blue can also be cold and depressing. Fashion consultants recommend wearing blue for job interviews because it symbolizes loyalty. People are most productive in the blue rooms. Studies show that weightlifters can handle heavier weights in blue gyms.
Is a legal showdown coming? If you want to appease the opposition and appear less threatening (such as in front of a referee or judge), a light blue dress shirt, such as The Burberry Herringbone Dress Shirt, is a good option. Or accent a white, gray, or black dress shirt with a light blue tie.
Green
You may notice that your friends paint their walls green. That’s right; green is calming, refreshing and pleasing to the eye. Green has been associated with fertility and wealth. A man who wants to convey status can wear a dark green tie or shirt.
Yellow
Yellow is associated with joy and morning. But studies show that people lose their temper more often in yellow rooms, and the color seems to bother babies. It is a remarkable but harsh color on the eyes. On a positive note, yellow can improve concentration (which explains why legal pads are yellow) and improves metabolism, hence why many kitchens are painted yellow. Brighten up a gloomy day with a soft yellow tie.
Purple
Purple denotes royalty, wealth, and luxury. It is a romantic and feminine color, especially in violets and deep purple velvet fabrics. Purple can appear artificial, as the color is rare in nature, so if you go for a natural look, purple may not be the right color for you. Wearing purple is all about balance. Choose a tie that is colorful but not overwhelming.
Brown
Brown is the color of the earth and looks great on people with fall skin tones. Light brown implies authenticity and dark brown gives off a rustic and earthy feel with its closeness to wood and tanned leather. Brown can also be a muted color, so be sure to fill your wardrobe with a variety of colors and shades. When used correctly, brown is sophisticated in a non-intimidating way. A brown tie is a great way to send the message that you are open and honest.
Spice up your wardrobe, add some color!
