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The Phychology of Colour

The psychological impact of colour has been with us throughout history - from the very beginning, we have made mental and emotional connections with certain hues and tones.

Therefore, it is always advisable to bear the unconscious meanings of colour in mind whenever dressing for any occasion.

The rods and curves at the back our retinas help us to perceive colour, people who are colour blind have rods and curves that are not working correctly. As we age our perceptions of colour change.

The Basics of Colour

Hue: Represents the quality by which we are able to tell one colour family from another, as in the hues of the colour wheel. Hue is also the name of a colour or colour family and gives a colour its distinctive, recognisable quality. Technically, differences in hue are attributable to differences in the wavelength of light waves, which allow us to see different colours.

Value: The lightness or darkness of a colour. Value is added or removed to a colour by adding degrees of white or black respectively.

Intensity: Also known as the chroma. Weaker intensity colours have a more faded appearance, whilst higher intensity colours have a more powerful quality to them.

The Psychology

Different colours will spark different emotions.

Red - The Base Chakra - Bottom of the Spine, Foundations, Grounding, Element Earth Symbolises fire and blood, and stands for excitement and physical strength. It has a great deal of energy and intensity, and can also create a very romantic, passionate or dramatic mood. It can appear aggressive and should be used appropriately as it could create the wrong impression. If worn in business, keep it small - a tie for a man, preferably below the waist for a woman, a red jacket could be perceived as too much, but is entirely dependant upon the situation and the audience, just be aware of the potential reactions to this colour.

Pink & Peach: Pinks and peaches are a much more effeminate hue, although it can be worn well by men if contrasted by charcoals, blacks and other deep colours.

Orange: The Second Chakra - The Element of Water - Frequently used in children's toys and games, Orange is mainly associated with play, fun and friendliness.

Yellow - The Third Chakra - Solar Plexus, between bottom of chest and top of belly button, Element Fire Yellow is the colour of sunshine. It represents radiance, warmth and receptivity and brings out an approachable and cheerful outlook.

Green - The Fourth Chakra- The Heart, Element Air Green induces a feeling of stability, balance, naturalness and tranquillity. When used near your face, green can also create tension and drama.

Blue: The Fifth Chakra - The Element of Space - One of the most versatile neutral colours, lighter shades show peace and calm, whilst darker shades show authority and control. Navy, in particular, is a great colour for communication.

Purple: The Sixth Chakra - The Element of Light - With historical links to the church, royalty and the law, purple is a sign of power and mystical presence.

Brown - Is associated with the ground, dirt and earth. It creates a feeling of comfort, sincerity and casualness.

Black - Stands for the night, power, mystery and dignity. It has been one of the most well used fashion colours.

Grey: Basic levels of grey invoke neutrality, mediation and conservatism, darker greys show authority and seniority.

White: The Seventh Chakra - Symbolic of cleanliness, purity and innocence.

So, be aware of the different message you may be giving by the shades of colour that you chose to wear. If you are feeling depressed or low, red is a fantastic colour to wear as it will give you an instant energy lift, but be aware too of the potential reaction from others'. Orange will also lift your spirits and make you feel upbeat and happy, bright pink will do the same for those of you who cannot carry orange well. If you are in a position where you need to communicate clearly, then any shade of blue, especially if worn on the top half of the body, will help enormously.

Experiment with different colours and your mood and discover for yourself just how powerful colour is, it's a lot more than what colour lipstick you can wear!

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