What does color psychology have to do with dating? A lot more than you think! As a Dating and Image Consultant, one of the services that I provide for all my clients is color analysis. Essentially, it’s a method of selecting colors to complement and enhance a person’s appearance. There is quite a bit of research behind color psychology, and in today’s episode we’re going to discuss why it matters and how you can use it to your benefit, landing dates with confidence and keeping all eyes on you… for the right reasons.

This episode, we discuss:

[4:58] The background of color psychology

In the 1980s, Dr. Albert Mehrabian conducted a study and found that we are constantly sending out silent messages. He studied closely how we make our first impressions and what information we use to form those impressions. He realized that everything we say and how we look work together to influence how we are perceived. While we don’t necessarily have a choice about how someone else is going to perceive us, we do have a choice about how we go about making those impressions. Whether you are on your first date, going for an interview, or you randomly discover someone interesting on a plane, your first impressions matter. Dr. Mehrabian concluded that your impression is 7% of what you say, 38% your tone or how you say something, and 55% how you look. So, according to his study, the way we look speaks way louder than our actual words.

[7:36] Why first impressions matter

Wearing the right colors and looking your best can positively affect others’ perception of you, but why do first impressions matter so much? The reality is, you only get one chance to make a first impression, one chance for another date, one chance to show someone who you truly are, so the first impression can sometimes dictate whether or not a second impression will even be possible. With colors, I don’t think most people realize how instantaneous it is. It’s the color before the pattern before the person before the mannerisms. As we continue to study color, people become more and more interested in the psychology behind it because it is so fascinating. Because color has such an impact, we are conveying who we are to the world before we even speak, so we want to be mindful and purposeful about what we want to put out there. You only get one chance at a first impression, so make it count.

[8:01] Important components of color

Unless you’re a fashion or style professional, chances are you won’t know a lot about color. There are a few components that I like to share with all of my clients, because they have an important impact on how people perceive us. One of these components is value. Value is how light or dark a color is. For example, light blue versus navy blue: Since light colors move visually outward, they’re perceived to be more approachable and friendly, feminine and casual. Dark colors move inward, and they’re often perceived as dramatic, authoritative, or masculine. Colors that fall between light and dark quite literally have a neutral value, just between masculine and feminine. The value is the intensity. While bright colors radiate and send a fun, energetic message, darker colors absorb and send a more conservative and casual message.

This can also be impacted by hue, like warm or cool colors. Warm colors are thought to be more earthy, friendly, and approachable, and cool colors are seen as more classic, authoritative, and refined.

[9:28] Meanings behind common colors

This is where color psychology comes in: I won’t overwhelm you with the entire color spectrum, but I wanted to give you a few examples to work with. A really popular color is a dark blue or navy, which represents honesty, integrity and trustworthiness. If you just look at some of the more well-known banks, a lot of them have navy blue in their branding. Black, another popular color, can come across as sophisticated, powerful, assertive, and even a bit mysterious and moody, White is fresh, clean, and hopeful, and can also be perceived as innocent and reliable. Elegant and approachable colors include tan, cream, and camel. Brown is read as security and stability, which you’ll notice can be seen often on professors and teachers. Red is the most powerful color. It exudes love, excitement, strength and seduction, and is my absolute favorite color.

[13:58] How to choose your best colors

If you do not have a color consultation from a professional image consultant like myself, there are a few tips you can use at home. I would suggest picking colors that will draw your date to your eyes, so they can focus on what you’re saying versus what you’re wearing. Choose based on your eye color, then wear that color on the top of your body, like your shirt or your jacket. If you have green eyes, try wearing greens and golds, and if you have blue eyes you can wear something within the blue and silver family. Brown eyes work well with copper, gold, and browns, while Hazel eyes vary based on their hue.

You can also use the hue of your hair to choose an appropriate color. For example, if you are a brunette, wear something in the brown category. If you have black hair, you can always wear navy or black. If you feel a bit lost, just be careful not to pick a color that is too off-putting. Instead, focus on the colors that represent you. You just don’t want your date to be turned off or distracted by the print or color of your clothing. It sounds crazy, but it could happen! Color is the first thing we see, so choose something that isn’t overbearing so that your date can see you for who you are.

Thanks for tuning in to today’s episode! Come and hang out with me on Instagram @celestemooreimage and let me know your thoughts on today’s episode, because I always love hearing from you all!

Podcast

The Impact of Color Psychology in the Dating World

July 18, 2022