The concept of color symbolism has appeared since ancient times. People have long attached great importance to the language of colors, which, in turn, is reflected in folk tales, myths, traditions and teachings. After all, color is a kind of sign, symbol and signal. Using color, you can communicate information to others - in this case, color will play the role of those words that we do not say. Color has not only an aesthetic, but also a psychological and even physiological effect on a person. Color affects mood and well-being; color therapy as a type of treatment is recognized throughout the world. 
For different peoples in different cultures, the same color can mean opposite things, so to avoid getting into trouble, it is better to study these nuances before communicating or negotiating with people of other cultures. 
Color puts a person in a certain mood, and that is why stylists, image makers and etiquette specialists pay such great attention to color in clothing.
The language of color in clothing plays perhaps one of the most key roles in creating your image. The choice of outfit color largely determines the impression we make on our interlocutor, employer, or loved one. 
Each color has many shades, which allows each of us to wear outfits of almost any color. 
All the colors of the rainbow
Red – you are the center of attention!
In many languages, red means beautiful and wonderful. Polynesians, for example, use the word “red” to denote both the color red itself and the word “beloved.” And in China, red can also mean “sincere, frank” (for example, the Chinese say “red heart” about a sincere person)
The symbolism of red is quite controversial. Along with the positive meanings of the color red - such as joy, love, greatness and beauty - the color red represents blood, fire, power and struggle. Red was considered the color of kings, emperors and other high-ranking persons. For example, in Byzantium, only the empress could wear red boots, because the color red denoted a high position. 
In Christianity, the color red simultaneously symbolizes the blood of martyrs for the faith, the sacrifice of Christ, the royal greatness of Christ, Red Easter, joy, beauty and love.
The activity of red color is difficult to exaggerate. If you want to attract attention, then there is nothing better than wearing a red dress. 
In red you will not go unnoticed, but for an interview it is hardly worth wearing a red suit, since the activity of the red color may involuntarily suppress and frighten the future employer. Red is always appropriate for festive meetings and parties. This color is very invigorating and gives strength. So if you are planning to calm down and relax, you shouldn't do it in a room with red wallpaper. Red color improves appetite and has the property of raising blood pressure.
The red color in clothing obliges a certain behavior and demeanor, because this color is regal. Posture must be impeccable, and the gait must be graceful and stately, otherwise there will be some dissonance in the appearance. Red is the dominant color, so if you decide to have a confidential conversation with a friend or win someone over, this is not the best choice of color. Red can tire others. 
Orange is a holiday of childhood!
Orange is an intermediate color between yellow and red, so to some extent orange has absorbed the properties and symbolism of both colors. Orange symbolizes warmth, joy of life, childlike carefreeness and optimism. But in large quantities this color can irritate and tire a person. 
I would like to note that the color orange in clothes really decorates very few people, so you need to be careful with it. If you love this color, you can use it in outfit details or accessories. A bright accessory of this joyful color can lift the mood of both you and those around you. 
Yellow is a piece of sunshine!
The color yellow symbolizes sunlight, gold and at the same time the withering of nature, autumn days, ripe ears of corn. Perhaps this is why in some cultures (for example, in Japan) yellow is a mournful and sad color. Among the Slavs, yellow was considered a symbol of jealousy, betrayal and betrayal, and some people still have this attitude towards the color yellow.
At the same time, yellow is considered a symbol of joy, sun, fun and celebration. In some countries, this color was a sign of distinction in society; it was worn only by nobles from the upper classes and kings.
Yellow carries a great charge of energy, activity, optimism and vitality. Despite its brightness, yellow symbolizes lightness, youth and fun.
If you are wearing yellow clothes, get ready for increased attention. 
An all-yellow outfit can give the impression that there is too much yellow, so if you are afraid of getting tired of it or boring others with this active color, choose accessories or details in yellow clothes. 
The activity of yellow can be muted if you combine it with calmer colors in clothes: gray, white, blue, turquoise. 
Green – life and harmony!
Green is the opposite of red. It symbolizes hope, freshness, calm, stability, peace, youth, harmony, awakening and life. For the human eye, green is the most familiar and comfortable color, because the earth is filled with green color: foliage, grass, vegetation, forest. Green color calms, heals nerves and fatigue. 
Of course, there is another opinion about green, otherwise such an expression as “melancholy green” would not have appeared, but such oversaturation can happen with any color if there is too much of it. Some people perceive green as too calm and passive.
You can't find a better color in clothes if you want to sit confidentially with friends or win someone over. 
Blue – heavenly symphony!
Blue color is intermediate between green and blue. It symbolizes the sky and the sea, peace and freedom, tenderness and peace. It calms and has a positive effect on a person.
A woman in blue clothes evokes a feeling of airiness and lightness. She seems to be floating in the sky. 
Blue – serious consistency!
The blue color symbolizes constancy, loyalty, nobility and mystery, which is evoked by the blue of the twilight sky, which seems deep and endless. Knights in the Middle Ages dressed in a blue suit so that the lady was confident in constancy and fidelity. The concept of “blue stocking” symbolizes boredom, immobility, seriousness, stable in all activities. Due to its proximity to black, blue color symbolizes sadness and melancholy among some peoples. 
As for the dark blue color, it is more likely to be an evening and elegant color, but many girls also use this color in office suits, replacing it with a darker black. 
Purple – contradictory depth!
The complexity of purple is that it is made up of red and blue, which are opposites. The effect of violet color on a person is twofold: it activates and inhibits at the same time. Maybe that’s why many people consider purple to be a sad and slightly depressed color. It is difficult to perceive and evokes conflicting feelings among others, for all its beauty. 
At the same time, purple is one of the most mysterious and deep colors. It symbolizes wisdom and spirituality. 
White – luxurious purity!
There is no such melancholy in the world,
Which snow would not cure... (B. Pasternak)
White color symbolizes goodness, serenity, purity, truth, purity, peace, silence, light and joy. Moreover, for many peoples, white symbolized belonging to a higher social class. White robes in Christianity symbolize purification, righteousness, light, sublimity and spirituality. In some countries in Asia and Africa, white is considered the color of mourning. 
It is interesting that white color has a very beneficial effect on a person, having the property of calming any anxiety and irritation. 
White clothes always look elegant, fresh and chic. A girl in white always attracts attention and arouses interest. In Russia, white clothing has long been associated with wedding or summer wear. The rest of the time, it is not customary to wear white, but it is white that gives a lot of positive emotions on the gloomiest days.
Gray – from the color of poverty to the color of elegance!
Gray color has evolved from boring and dreary to luxurious and elegant. In ancient times, poor peasants wore gray clothes. Russian writers, including Gogol, describing in their works the dwellings of degraded people, called them gray. 
However, during the Renaissance, the fate of gray changed dramatically. Suddenly the color gray became a symbol of nobility and grace, worn by nobles and princesses. Gray clothes made from expensive fabrics - silk, satin, velvet - looked really elegant. It has come to be believed that those who choose a gray outfit have subtle and high taste. The gray color was deservedly appreciated, because it was a worthy frame for other colors. In addition, gray began to be valued for its practicality and calmness. 
Pink is true femininity!
The color pink symbolizes tenderness, kindness, fragility and romance. This is the most feminine color, it is obtained by mixing white and red. The perception of the color pink by men is unambiguous: in front of them is a girl, and she needs to be loved and protected. 
Hot pink (fuchsia) is more aggressive, but still retains the appeal of this feminine color. 
Brown – comfort and stability
The fate of brown is very similar to the fate of gray. For a long time, brown was considered dull and boring. It symbolized sadness and fatigue. In Ancient Rome, this color was only worn by slaves or the lower class.
But over time, this calm and appetizing color came into fashion, like gray. Now the brown color symbolizes comfort and good quality, stability and peace. It gives rest to the eyes and nervous system without tiring the person. 
Now brown is associated with chocolate and something very warm, earthy and cozy. 
Since ancient times, the ability of the color palette of the surrounding world to influence the emotional, mental and physical state of people has been known. All colors, simple and complex, are capable of changing the state of the body in their own way, positively or negatively influencing any area of human activity. Each color can tell a lot about the character, psychological state, preferences and needs of the person who chooses this or that shade at a given moment in life. For example, the color purple in psychology symbolizes wit, observation and high sensitivity of the individual. Black often indicates depression, depression or threat. Any of the existing colors and shades preferred by a person is a certain signal that carries certain information about the personality.
Science and color
The amount of information on the effects of color on people has become more and more over the years, and a whole scientific field has emerged - the psychology of color. Research into this science has proven useful in the fields of medicine, television, clothing, interior design, and the advertising industry.
In recent decades, chromotherapy has become widely used. This is a method of treating (an offshoot of physical therapy) many mental and physical diseases by exposing the body to light and color. This therapy method is based on the fact that colored light is an electromagnetic wave that can penetrate body tissue and transmit a certain energy. Scientists have proven that every color necessarily has an impact on a person in any state, regardless of his attitude to a given shade. The effect of colors on people can be programmed. It is used to induce various physiological changes in the body for the purpose of treating various health problems. The properties and meaning of colors in psychology and physiotherapy have already been sufficiently studied. Their use together and separately gives good results in treatment.
Signals of colors and shades
Each shade from the existing diverse palette is capable of having its own specific effect on the mental and physical state of a person.
Blue color in psychology is considered one of the most “strong”. It has two opposing properties. On the one hand, it is the color of peace, tranquility and intelligence. It can relieve stress, calm and help you relax. Being surrounded by a blue tone creates a favorable environment for intellectual activity and the thought process. On the other hand, dark shades of blue can reduce vitality and performance, cause sadness and even depression.
In physiotherapy, the energy of this color wave is used to improve the functioning of the thyroid gland, organs of vision, hearing, ENT organs, as an analgesic, wound healing and hemostatic agent.
Shades of red have the opposite effect of blue. They symbolize activity, excitement, courage, as well as danger and aggression. In psychology, the color red is considered an activator of vital activity, energy and love of life. However, with prolonged contemplation, anxiety, restlessness, and increased blood pressure and heart rate may occur.
Bright red shades of flowers attract attention - this is widely used in the advertising industry. In medicine they are used in the treatment of anemia, menstrual pain, and acute respiratory viral infections.
Green color in psychology means balance, harmony, softness and calm. It promotes relaxation, mental and physical rest. In medicine, green shades have a beneficial effect on the organs of vision, the cardiovascular system, and promote the regeneration of body cells.
Shades of yellow are stimulants of the nervous system, emotional sphere, and brain activity. In psychology, the color yellow is associated with liberation from irritation and tension. It helps maintain a good mood, awakens inspiration and increases productivity. In physiotherapy, this color is used to have a positive effect on the liver, gastrointestinal tract, and increase appetite.
Purple color is obtained from mixing blue and red, so it carries rather contradictory information. On the one hand, it can cause passivity, drowsiness, lethargy, decreased performance, and slow down the body’s vital processes. On the other hand, it can help you relax and take your mind off problems, cope with insomnia and mental stress, and increase a person’s self-esteem. In medicine, it is used in the treatment of arthritis, tumors, and nervous system disorders.
Sunny, bright orange color has a great effect on mood, relieves sad, depressive thoughts, and helps overcome communication difficulties. It can activate vital energy, cause a surge of strength, and find solutions to problems. Orange shades help cope with intellectual stress and better assimilate information.
White color has always been considered a symbol of purity, purity and clarity. In psychology, it means secrecy, inability to form emotional attachments. In medicine, white tone is used to relieve pain and spasms, and to have a beneficial effect on the brain.
Brown color denotes seriousness, sometimes depression. He is able to create a soft, calm mood.
The blue shade is obtained by mixing blue and white colors. It symbolizes passivity and calm. Its physiological effects include slowing down vital processes and reducing internal tension. In physiotherapy, it is used to combat insomnia and have a beneficial effect on the nervous system.
Pink color symbolizes femininity, love, tranquility. It is considered at the same time a sign of dulling of anger, aggression and everything soft, kind, associated with childhood.
Black color symbolizes safety, sophistication, protection. At the same time, it can be a sign of depression, apathy, closedness and depression. The black tone helps the process of awakening consciousness and self-knowledge.
Application of color influence
The meaning of color in psychology is widely used in various areas of life.
When coming up with ways to influence people, television and advertising workers actively use bright colors and shades. To attract attention and motivate buyers to take decisive action, red is used. Green, as a symbol of environmental friendliness, is used in advertising of food products and medicines. Orange color is suitable for advertising services in the field of health care and child development.
Blue shades are chosen for advertising travel agencies, air conditioners, fans and everything related to air and movement in space. To achieve the desired impact on customers, color psychology is successfully used in various types of advertising.
Interior and color
The psychological impact of color waves on people is reflected in the interior features of various rooms. The color of walls, floors, ceilings, large furniture in one or another part of the house or apartment is of great importance. So, for the kitchen you need to choose furnishings in colors that promote digestion and improve appetite. These include green, orange, even red, but better in combination with black and white. For the bedroom, weakly saturated blue, red, green shades, dark purple in combination with pink would be more suitable.
In the living room, the best choice would be orange, yellow, and green shades that combine with each other, creating a calm, friendly atmosphere in this room. Almost all colors are suitable for the bathroom, depending on the taste preferences of the owners.
To achieve balance in the interior, it is good to combine warm and cold tones, both in one room and throughout the home. By decorating rooms in different styles and colors, you can achieve complete harmony, which will be pleasant for all family members.
Clothing and color
The psychology of color in clothing is also widespread. By the predominance of a certain color scheme, one can judge many character traits of a person.
Red color is chosen by hot-tempered, sociable people who love to be the center of attention. Owners of a “black wardrobe” are most often reserved, uncommunicative and unsure of themselves. Those who love white clothes are considered creative. In general, white color in clothes is universal. It combines with all other shades, is not able to repel anyone psychologically and gives a person a feeling of physical and spiritual purity.
The blue tone predominates in the clothing of people who need a sense of confidence and those who need peace. It usually appeals to modest, conservative individuals who are good friends. The predominance of green shades in the wardrobe indicates the gullibility of its owner and openness to communication. Such people easily adapt to new conditions, are optimistic and self-confident. Those who have a lot of pink things often turn out to be infantile, frivolous individuals. Such people are touchy, love popularity, tend to live in illusions, but are always good-natured and cheerful.
Of course, most people have things of different colors and shades in their wardrobe. And they choose an outfit in accordance with their state and mood at a particular moment. This choice can also be used to judge one’s state of mind. If today a person is dressed all in black, this does not mean that he is insecure and withdrawn. It’s just that today his inner world requires just such a “shell”.
Was last modified: August 1st, 2016 by Elena Pogodaeva
Each color affects our psychological state. Some colors attract attention, others, on the contrary, repel. Therefore, the color of the clothes we wear creates certain psychological sensations from our presence in those around us. By understanding the meanings of colors, you can manage the impression and create.
It should be taken into account that there are various factors influencing the perception of color, such as age, social status, territorial factor, as well as individual psychological characteristics
Blue/light blue color 
The blue color inspires trust and creates the impression of seriousness, thoughtfulness and reliability. This is the color of authority; it is no coincidence that the business dress code for men at official business events prescribes wearing a dark blue suit. Blue color calms, but at the same time keeps you in good shape. Represents conservatism. Blue color is conducive to communication. Choose blue clothes when you want to overcome anxiety and excitement. This color is attractive to people of phlegmatic temperament. The combination of blue and white is considered ideal for careerists; this combination develops flexibility and the ability to adapt. This color is necessary if you need to restore balance in life. The most popular corporate color. The color of wisdom. Causes processes in the body that promote relaxation. Blue clothing symbolizes trust and loyalty.
Turquoise
Combines the positive properties of both blue and green colors. It has the ability to strengthen all body systems and gives rise to self-confidence. Wear turquoise to give yourself confidence and strength.
Green color 
This is the most comfortable color for visual perception. Green color relieves fatigue and improves tone. The ideal color for gaining strength. This is the color of stability and prosperity and is often chosen by bankers. A dark green suit for men is a sign of conservative views, but at the same time, a small accent of this color in a tie creates the impression of a stubborn person. Light green, on the contrary, personifies youth, lightness and frivolity. In Islam, green is associated with heaven. A symbol of will and self-affirmation. Represents growth and development. Green helps suppress feelings such as jealousy, envy and greed. If you are a stylist-image maker, then be sure to take the course “Psychology for a Stylist”.
Red color 
This is dynamics and passion. A woman in a red dress is always noticeable. Red should be worn when you want to attract attention and be in the center of events. But at the same time, if you want to establish contact and win over your interlocutors, it is better to choose softer shades of red, because rich red can not only attract attention, but also psychologically suppress, it is a very authoritarian color. Choleric people love red. In most Asian countries it symbolizes marriage, happiness and prosperity. People in red clothes seem more respectable. At work, too much red can make you nervous. A small element of red in clothing will help emphasize courage and energy. Add this color to your life if you lack enthusiasm and interest in life.
Pink color 
The color of tenderness and love. When a girl puts on pink clothes, men awaken the desire to protect and protect her. Evokes tender feelings. Among men, pink is chosen only by the most confident. The color is absolutely not suitable for the business sphere, because it can be associated with naivety and frivolity.
Purple 
In ancient times, purple dyes were extremely expensive since they are rarely found in nature, so only members of the royal family could afford purple clothes. Since then, the color has been associated with royal grandeur and respectability. The color purple expands the imagination of creative people.
Orange color 
Orange is the color of joy and optimism. Scientists say that prolonged contemplation of the color orange compensates for the daily dose of vitamin C. Orange creates a feeling of well-being and positivity, it gives energy and lifts the mood. This color is not recommended for use in a business environment unless your business is related to creativity. Symbolizes creativity, inspiration, uniqueness and activity. Awakens appetite. Orange rooms are conducive to conversation. This color is clearly visible, which is why it is present in the clothing of road workers. Choose orange clothes when you need to lift your spirits.
Yellow
Just like orange, it lifts your spirits because it is associated with the color of sunshine and joy. Yellow, being a very bright color, always attracts attention. By choosing yellow clothes on a cloudy day, you will ensure a good mood for yourself and those around you. Yellow, like orange, is attractive to sanguine people. Radiant color. Symbolizes intelligence. Yellow in combination with black is considered a danger sign; most poisonous insects are painted in this color combination. In Japan it is associated with courage. Yellow carries the semantics of change, discharge and dynamic tendency. It personifies humor; it’s not for nothing that emoticons are colored yellow. Speeds up metabolism. Physiologically, it is the first color recognized by human vision. The visual sensation is brighter and more voluminous than white. An unbalanced person can be driven to extravagant actions by an excess of yellow. Yellow is suitable for those who are insecure and those who need to attract attention. In small quantities it can give vigor and increase concentration. Improves memory. Yellow and purple are considered a mystical combination.
Brown color 
Brown color is attractive; it is associatively warm and soft. This color promotes frank conversations. Well suited for a first business meeting or interview, in brown you will give the impression of a respectable, practical, stable and attractive person. This color helps in trade and financial matters. Brown imparts wisdom and the ability to maintain smooth relationships.
Grey colour 
A neutral color, it does not evoke strong emotions, therefore it is suitable for a business environment, as it does not distract from concentration on important matters. Gray is the color of balance. Also, if you want to show your willingness to obey the rules, this may be relevant in a new workplace, wear gray. Gray symbolizes calm, regularity, security and maturity. But, at the same time, frequently wearing gray clothes may not have the best effect on your image; you risk appearing as a faceless, withdrawn and uninitiative person. This color is indispensable in situations where you need to take the position of an outside observer, remaining on the sidelines. Native Americans associate this color with honor and friendship, while in Asia it is a symbol of compassion. Gray color is especially pleasant for melancholic people.
White color
Symbol of purity and lightness. Psychologically “quenches” irritation. White clothes are solemn and elegant, since white is a very easily soiled color; unlike other colors, it does not appear so often in everyday wardrobe, so white always attracts special attention. All over the world, the white flag is a symbol of reconciliation. A very bright white color can cause a feeling of anxiety and discomfort for some. At the same time, this color promotes clarity and freshness of thought.
Black color
Black color is elegant, but it does not catch the eye and does not stand out from the crowd. Positive associations: sophistication, grace, dignity and mystery. In China, oddly enough, this is a color for young children, in Asia it symbolizes career and knowledge. In Japan it is a rebellious color. Black color strengthens the will and helps to concentrate. Black builds distance, helps to distance oneself, it is chosen by people who communicate a lot, which is why in many stores consultants are dressed in black. Color therapy classifies black as a color that stimulates self-confidence.
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Look at one of the existing classifications of the effects of color.
What do the colors mean?
— Warm yellow
Stimulates, cheers, invigorates, revitalizes
Sunshine, gratitude
— Yellow cold
Nausea, disgust, delirium
Jealousy, envy, betrayal
- Orange
Pleases, encourages, activates
Sun, joy, wealth, power, luxury, triumph
— Red-orange
Excites, teases, incites
Love, pride, power, fight, anger, passion, danger
— Purple
Reconciles, weakens
Dignity, power, luxury, old age
- Violet
It deprives you of will, makes you sad
Nobility, solemnity, modesty, humility
— Light blue, light blue
Calms, creates illusions, takes away from the real
Freedom, peace, paradise, tranquility
- Blue
Makes you passive, comforts, focuses
Lust, faith, fidelity, fertility
- Electrician
Contains, calms
Desire, cold
- Green
Calms, balances
Calm, peace, youth, hope, security
— Yellow-green
Refreshes, relieves, invigorates
Optimism, hope, birth
- White
Leaves you indifferent
Purity, virginity, eternity
- Black
Depressing
Death, mourning, reaction
- Grey
Deprives one of will, makes one sad
Paleness, poverty
— Red-brown
Favorable, reliable, sustainable
Psychology of color in clothing
In the fashion world, the psychology of clothing and color is used very often. Of course, modern fashion has become very democratic, but there are also general principles and rules for color combinations that will help you always look appropriate.
It is believed that the brighter and louder a person is dressed, the lower his social status this indicates. All shades of gray, which are often used in business suits, as well as rich blue, are considered the most noble and aristocratic in clothing. As a rule, these colors are chosen by successful and wealthy people.
Black and white colors in clothes
Black and white are considered neutral colors because they are classic and very common. For Russian culture, the presence of black alone can also carry a negative connotation, since black has long been considered the color of mourning. True, today this rule can be broken. Especially if you add a bright accessory to a black outfit.
At the same time, white, in its symbolism, is the color of purity and innocence, which is why the bride’s wedding dress is traditionally white. Don't wear this color if you don't want to seem too young and naive.
Yellow color in clothes
Yellow color in clothing is considered too bright and therefore somewhat irritating. It is suitable for those who want to attract attention. But it’s better not to go to a meeting with business partners in a yellow suit: they might not understand you.
Red color in clothes
As for the color red, only bold and relaxed people choose it in everyday life. The red color in clothes is very bright, exciting, and therefore it can be used very advantageously in order to leave a strong impression. For example, if you need to surprise and amaze someone with your beauty, you can safely come to a party in a bright red dress. This color is great for accessories (handbags, scarves, scarves, gloves and much more). Options for combining red and black colors can be especially interesting: with their help you can convey the festive mood well.
Blue color in clothes and other dark shades
The blue color in clothes is quite familiar, so it is perceived as neutral. Green color is considered not only pleasant, but also beneficial for the eyes. It has a calming effect.
Negative emotions can be caused by using a lot of brown in clothes, especially its dark shades. Brown doesn't always go well with other colors, so be careful with it.
Original techniques include the use of contrasting colors, as well as emphasizing one color with another, less bright one.
Character by color: bright colors
Interesting, but unusual colors in everyday life (hot pink, orange, turquoise) are used in some cases, in appropriate circumstances, as a manifestation of originality and personal style, the essence of which can be expressed with these colors.