Dear Lizzy, (a question from one of my loyal readers of my column)
I have heard it said that we send different messages through what we wear, and that others will make an assumption and judgement based on this. I’m wondering if the colours in our clothing also have an impact on the messages we send when wearing them? I often find myself being drawn to and wearing the colour brown.
Yes, the colours we wear throughout our garments and accessories do in fact make an impact in conveying messages about ourselves. Notice the two images above – the one below has us assuming that she may work for the women to the top. Black and high contrast suiting says authority, control and I’m the boss!
According to one study we make a subconscious judgement about a person, place or product within 90 seconds of the first sighting – 62-90 per cent is based on colour. Therefore the colours we’re wearing communicate without us even saying a word.
Psychologists have shown that colour helps us to process and store visual information more efficiently than colourless experiences. This would indicate that the colours worn can positively or negatively affect how a person remembers you! As you can see in the images below, we are more likely to remember a person that’s wearing the brighter advancing colours, even when they harmonise with the individuals natural colouring.
As for brown, this happens to represent dependability, naturalness wholesomeness, steadfastness, simplicity, friendliness, and can apparently stimulate the appetite – chocolate certainly comes to mind!
