Look in your closet and name the one color that jumps out at you the most. Do you see a sea of black basics? Is it the seemingly unhealthy amount of yellow sundresses? We all gravitate towards different colors depending on the aesthetic or even sentimental value of our clothing. Subconsciously, our brains react to different colors on a deeper level due to their wavelengths and societal symbolism. So what do the colors in your closet really say about you? Keep on reading to find out!
Why we Gravitate Towards Certain Colors
Wavelength Sensitivity:
The colors that we see are essentially the result of the reflection of light off of a surface. Each color reflects back into our eyes at a different wavelength. Colors with long wavelengths, such as reds, oranges, and yellows are known to increase stimulation and even raise your heartrate. Short wavelength colors such as blues and greens have a calming effect which is why we commonly associate them with serenity. The tough decision to purchase the blue sundress over the red could just be your body’s positive reaction to the calming sensation of the shorter wavelengths. If you have a naturally high resting heart rate, maybe you have more blues and greens in your closet, which subconsciously represent your body’s desire to slow down and relax.
Motivation and Productivity:
Some colors have been proven to increase/decrease motivation and productivity in a work environment. For example, a study has been done to test the effects of red and green on test taking abilities. The participants who were shown green right before the test had done significantly better than the ones shown the red color. Multiple other scenarios had been tested with the same colors all showing the same results. Green is known for increasing productivity in the workplace and may be a great addition to your wardrobe if you are looking to revive your motivation and productivity levels. Trying to ace that final? Try wearing a green top or even green nail polish just to see what happens.
In the world of fashion product development, a designer and development team must always first distinguish the color story based on brand image, prior sell through, and the psychological reaction to particular colors on the selling floor. The fashion colors are more unique and what is forecasted to be desirable for the new season. Basics are always curated to the customer base and their color needs.
No one normally thinks that color decisions hold such high importance, however a different hue of blue may make all the difference on a selling floor because of its association with trends in popular culture, interior design, weather, or even sports. Our minds are constantly subconsciously making associations between anything that we come across because the human body loves familiarity. Seeing a beautiful violet top on a famous Instagram page may encourage you to subconsciously find a similar violet color attractive on the selling floor. It is the job of the design and development teams to work together and discover the effects of color on their particular customer base in the market. I bet you never thought that the brands trying to sell you clothing are studying your psyche inside and out.
Color Therapy:
Color therapy is a huge trend that has hit the healing world over the past few years. I am quite a skeptic when it comes to healing treatments not performed in a medical setting, but it is interesting to see the associations with certain colors and their effect on the human body. Although it has been around for a very long time, due to the increase in social media and “instagramable” procedures, many color therapy treatments are being brought to the forefront of popular culture.
Physical Effects of Color on the Body Said by Color Light Therapy
Green
The color green is connected to the sensation of healing and balance. This color is soothing and can stimulate positive energy throughout your body. (Used at the beginning and end of treatment)
Orange
Orange is said to stimulate blood circulation in the body and is directed towards organs such as the spleen, heart, or kidneys.
Red
Red is seen to be a more intense version of orange that is mainly used on particular joints such as knees and ankles. This is a color that is said to penetrate to deep circulatory blockages as well.
Blue
The application of blue is seen to help with insomnia and excessive nervousness due to its relaxing qualities and wavelength structure.
Yellow
Yellow is connected to mindfulness and is used to allow for the passing of mental block and tiredness.
We all have subconscious reactions to certain colors for a whole host of reasons. Try to delve into why you make the fashion choices that you do. Maybe you look for fit and quality over style. You might choose price over popularity. However when buying a garment, the color choice never seems to be on the table for compromise. If the neon orange top is cheaper but you hate neon, you will most likely leave empty handed. What is the importance of color in your wardrobe choices? What colors do you gravitate towards? How does it affect your outlook on the day or your confidence? Ask yourself these questions when curating your wardrobe in order to find a healthy balance of color that makes you feel happiest and strongest when taking on your day!
With Love,
April Ann :)
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