What do the colors of clothes mean psychology. What does red mean in a woman's clothes? Black and white clothes
Psychologists around the world rightly argue that the choice of clothing color indicates at least a person's momentary mood, and at most his vision of himself in society. After all, it has been proven that the brain perceives colors differently and associates them with certain feelings and situations.
The psychology of color in clothes explains the choice of a particular color in two points of view:
- the first is the internal state of a person (intuitive choice);
- the second is the impression that the individual wants to make on others (conscious choice).
Often people subconsciously choose the color of clothing, depending on the psychological state caused by various troubles. It can be troubles at work, frequent conflicts in the family, or simply the mental anguish of a person who has not found himself in this life.
With the help of the psychology of clothing, you can, up to the inclination to the desired point of view. This is regularly used by public people, paying a lot of attention to their wardrobe.
The meaning of clothing color in psychology
Psychology believes that the contemplation of color has an impact on the human psyche, up to sudden mood swings. Therefore, it is important to choose an outfit so that it does not irritate either the owner or others during the day.
Red
Psychology considers a lover of red in clothes as an extraordinary, strong personality with clearly expressed leadership qualities. It is the color of love and passion on the one hand, and aggression on the other. A person who prefers red is impulsive, ambitious, often assertive and selfish.
Orange
Although orange shades in the spectrum are adjacent to red, this color has the opposite meaning. Orange lovers are intellectually developed, active, good-natured and sociable. A rich orange tone is hard to perceive by the brain, causing psychological exhaustion, therefore, such tones should be worn with care.
Yellow
In clothes it is associated with the sun, warmth, cheerfulness. Yellow has a positive effect on mental activity, fights chronic fatigue, prolonged depression. People who love this shade are always in a good mood, open and sociable. However, they are often very critical of themselves and others.
Green
Green symbolizes assertiveness, rigidity and hardness. The choice of green clothes speaks of a person's desire for constancy, his desire to assert himself. At the same time, lovers of green subconsciously want to be liked by others, they lack public recognition.
Blue
Blue has a dual effect on the human psyche. On the one hand, this color calms, on the other hand, if it is not diluted with other tones, it causes anxiety and even a state of depression. People who choose outfits in blue tones are reliable and calm.
Blue
Blue is associated with the sky, elevation, spirituality. Blue inspires trust and respect, promotes a sense of peace. People wearing blue clothes are intellectually developed, creative and positive. It is easy to find a common language with them and establish contact.
Lilac
The lilac color in clothes psychologically causes a feeling of anxiety and anxiety in others. You should not wear lilac tones when going to negotiations, because the interlocutor experiences rejection. Lilac lovers are people prone to melancholy and depression. Surrounding themselves with lilac tones, they unconsciously plunge into a state of depression deeper and deeper. A psychologist can help you get out of this state.
Violet
The psychology of purple in clothes speaks of a person’s desire to be realized in this life. People who prefer purple hues are critical of themselves, prone to self-control, but at the same time they are in dire need of support and support. They are sentimental and sensitive. Saturated purple hues can cause apathy, as they significantly put pressure on the psyche.
Pink
Pink shades relieve irritation, pacify anger, and have a relaxing effect on the psyche. need protection and love. Such people are easily excitable and often fall into anxiety for any reason. They are frivolous, looking for vivid sensations and impressions.
Grey
Psychology explains the choice of gray in clothes with the desire not to stand out, to be inconspicuous. People dressed in shades of gray are afraid to be seen, often have low self-esteem. At the same time, they are open, good-natured, responsible, you can rely on them and trust them.
White
In psychology, the white color of clothing is associated with purity, perfection. People who often wear white clothes are neat, punctual, decent and sincere with others. This color has a positive effect on the human psyche, disposes to itself, it is not for nothing that health workers wear white coats.
Black
Psychology explains the excess of black in clothes with self-doubt, the desire to hide from the surrounding reality. Often this indicates mental anguish, inner depression, longing and a state close to depression. However, this is not always the case. in the clothes of a woman, psychology explains aggressiveness towards others. By this she wants to show independence and self-sufficiency. For men, it is a symbol of rigor, efficiency, practicality.
Brown
The brown color of clothes in psychology symbolizes the earth, life, fertility. People who prefer brown tones clearly know their goals and go towards them. Oriented to success, practical and serious, condescending attitude towards dreamers. Brown brings a sense of stability, suppresses anxiety and anxiety.
The concept of warm and cold colors in psychology
Psychologically, a person divides all shades into warm and cold. Warm - shades with a predominance of red and yellow. Cold - shades with a predominance of blue and green.
To perceive warm tones, the human eye expends more energy, because these tones have the longest wavelength. An outfit in which warm tones predominate stimulates the work of the brain, but at the same time, excitable people should not wear clothes in rich warm colors.
Cold tones, on the contrary, have a short wavelength and are easily perceived by the eye. Clothing with a predominance of cold color soothes, slows down metabolism, protects against rash, impulsive actions.
The psychology of color in menswear
The choice of one or another shade by a man indicates his life aspirations and the desire to make a certain impression on others.
The presence of red in a man's clothes is considered by psychology as his desire to show his superiority over others. It is a symbol of power as well as sexuality. Often wearing red, a man seeks to attract the attention of a lady he likes.
The psychology of the black color of clothes speaks of strength of character and iron will. Dressing in black, a man demonstrates his determination and authority.
Blue tones will give a man seriousness, help to gain the trust and sympathy of others.
The psychology of color in women's clothing
Women devote much more time to choosing a wardrobe than men. Intuitively, with the help of the main tone of the outfit, they convey to others their desire to either stand out or go into the shadows.
For example, the predominance of a woman speaks of her unconscious impact on the surrounding men. By this, the girl tries to look more attractive and sexier in the eyes of the stronger sex, which indicates her dissatisfaction with her personal life. Nevertheless, dark and pastel colors do not always indicate depression, because in many ways the choice of outfit is influenced by both the momentary mood and the character of the person.
In addition, women of all ages are inherently quite emotional and are able to acquire a thing completely uncharacteristic for them. That is why the wardrobe of almost every woman is often replete with colors and style changes depending on the mood.
The psychology of color in children's clothing
The psychology of color in a child's clothes very subtly affects the psyche of the baby. Children are sharper than adults perceive the shades surrounding them, so you need to be careful in choosing children's things. Too bright colors can cause anxiety in the baby, he will be capricious and cry.
Up to a year, it is not recommended to dress a child in red, orange and purple tones. They suppress the psyche and negatively affect Yellow, pink and blue shades are ideal. They soothe, give a feeling of warmth and tenderness.
The right choice of clothes directly affects the mood of others and creates the first impression of a person. Therefore, this must be taken with all seriousness. After all, people often judge the interlocutor by their appearance, and the wrong wardrobe can ruin everything.
Incredible Facts
Even if your wardrobe is full of things of various colors, there will always be a color that you prefer.
This is the color that makes you feel comfortable and reflects your character.
Psychologists have long found out that the colors we prefer play an important role in determining our character and behavior.
Interestingly, one of the most popular colors in the world is blue, and it is the most popular color in men's clothing. Women prefer to wear black. Statistically, yellow is the least preferred color in the world, and with age, more and more people begin to like orange.
If you have been wondering what your favorite color in clothes means, the following information will reveal all the secrets.
So, what is your favorite color in clothes:
Your favorite clothing color is blue
You are: calm, unruffled and keep your composure in any situation
Blue is the color of the ocean and is often associated with a sense of serenity, and people who prefer it are able to find peace where others cannot. It is believed that people who often wear blue are easy to get along with, they are reliable and sympathetic to others.
Those with blue as their favorite often make good parents and exemplary workers.
Your favorite clothing color is red
You: Bold, sexy and want to impress
Studies have shown that both sexes are attracted to people who wear red in their clothes. Perhaps this is due to the fact that this color is associated with sexual attraction. Interestingly, women are more likely to wear red when their bodies are ready to conceive.
If you love red in clothes, then you are an extrovert, energetic, passionate and self-confident.
You easily get excited and are prone to various addictions.
Your favorite clothing color is green
You: attach great importance to money and security
While you might think that a preference for green speaks of a love of nature, according to the psychology of color, those who love green are in desperate need of security both financially and in relationships.
You care about how people around you perceive you, and you want to give the impression of a successful, accomplished and important person in your social circle.
You are also quite sociable, caring and kind by nature.
Your favorite clothing color is orange
You are: friendly, carefree and optimistic
Those who wear orange most often want to be the center of attention, expressive and not too serious. You are friendly, and many people like it, as long as you do not show your extravagant side.
According to research, those whose favorite color is orange are the least likely to tie the knot, and if they do get married, they are not too attached to their partner.
Your favorite clothing color is purple
You: a little distant and unpredictable
People who are attracted to purple are emotional, dreamy and sensitive. They are attracted by everything mystical, and sometimes they look at the world through rose-colored glasses.
They are unpredictable and getting along with them can be easy and difficult at the same time.
Your favorite clothing color is gray
Are you afraid of attachment?
Gray is a cross between black and white, and it is difficult for people who prefer it in clothes to bind themselves. Gray color - unemotional, detached and indecisive. People whose favorite color is gray do not have any strong likes, dislikes or great passion for something.
Often such a person wants to remain inconspicuous, does not like to attract attention and remains neutral in many situations.
Your favorite clothing color is pink
You: a bit naive, closed and sensitive
Those who prefer pink in clothes want to escape from the reality of the adult world. They are childlike and feminine in nature.
The soft pink color is soothing, which is why prison walls are often painted pink to reduce the level of aggression.
According to psychologists, people who most often wear pink are romantic, optimistic, value kindness and comfort above all else.
Your favorite clothing color is black
You: a little melancholic and sophisticated
Those who consider black to be their favorite color in clothing are often complex realists with a need for control. With a realistic outlook on life, they are able to cope with their pessimism and mood swings.
If you prefer black in clothes, you are ambitious, but sensitive. At heart, you are emotional and easily excitable, but you prefer to hide it. You want others to pay attention not to your appearance, but to the inner qualities that are of great importance to you.
Your favorite clothing color is white
You are: innocent (or at least you think so)
White symbolizes innocence, purity and simplicity. Those who prefer white want to convince others and themselves of their purity. Often a person buys something white when they want to start a new chapter in their life.
You are also quite scrupulous about your appearance, neat, reliable and striving for perfection in everything.
Your favorite clothing color is brown
You: calm and steady
Those who wear brown in clothes do not need extravagance. They like things to stay the way they are and don't tend to over complicate things.
These are reliable, unpretentious, straightforward people who are not characterized by spontaneity. They are a bit conservative and give the impression of smart and rational people.
Your favorite clothing color is yellow
You: a happy idealist who is often underestimated
Yellow color is preferred by a certain type of personality. Yellow is the color of optimism that many lose as they grow older.
Psychologists say that yellow is most often worn by active, creative and dependent people.
They are dreamers and adventurers, ready to explore and conquer new heights.
Red is the most powerful color of all available colors. In Old Slavonic, the name of this color sounds like “black to new”, that is, “the best”. This color is considered the color of men, because it symbolizes Yang - energy.
Shades of red are
Scarlet. Alizarin. Crimson. Pink. Scarlet. Carmine. Cardinal. Burgundy. Crimson. Fiery. Red-brown. Dark red. Cherry.
Red color in mythology
The color red is very often used: leaders and kings were dressed, in Africa, in red and only they were able to pass a death sentence; in Africa, this color used to mean crazy, crazy love. This color was also associated with a complete loss of self-control and with the hot season.
Red speaks of power, the will to win, leadership.
Red is the color of strong energy.
He symbolizes passion: passionately hates, very passionately loves, waits passionately.
This color is a manipulator of sexual relations. He pushes for intimate relationships, even if there are no true feelings.
Red "wanders" in the eternal search for justice. People who are not indifferent to this color always speak directly, without hints. "Red" people are excellent leaders and bosses. They have endurance, openness and courage.
In the psychology of relationships, this color also plays an important role. It is always associated with love, with feelings, with comfort, with warmth, and with the beginning of life. Red is the "guardian angel" of all female representatives. It is used to fight against rivalry and the evil eye. Red is the color of eroticism and everything erotic.
What can lead to a deficiency of red in the human body?
To nervous disorders, to illnesses and to headaches.
If you are usually very cold in winter, then this color should be present in your wardrobe. Red color perfectly warms, radiating heat.
An excess of this color will lead to misunderstanding, quarrels, disagreements and aggression. This color, in abundance, leads to fuss, anxiety, inattention to important (and any) matters, and to a complete lack of endurance.
Red color is fully consistent with choleric temperament, fire, modernity. It stimulates vital and creative energies, awakens passion and unexpected bold actions.
What wonders does red food do?
First of all, it removes all harmful substances from the body and activates the liver. Compensates for the lack of iron and saves from constipation. It also saves from melancholy and depression (at any stage of manifestation of these conditions). Helps in the treatment of smallpox, scarlet fever and hyperesthesia (the initial stage of neurasthenia). Red color is used in the treatment of apathy and anemia (childhood): the child has an appetite, he gains weight. Due to its ability to penetrate deep into the skin, this color helps to heal wounds.
This color, chosen mainly, is popular among young people. The older a person becomes, the less his craving for a given color.
People who reject this color suffer from mental and physical exhaustion. This color irritates those people who are distinguished by an inferiority complex, who experience great fear of any quarrels, who love solitude and inexorably strive for stability in everything.
Who loves this Red color? What does it mean?
Is your favorite color red? You are amorous, sexy, emotional, optimistic, cheerful. You are distinguished by courage, irascibility, sociability, altruism.
If you dream of being noticed, just buy a red bag or shoes (any of these accessories or both) and you will surely not go unnoticed.
Psychology and the meaning of red in clothes
Now let's talk a little about what red means in the world of clothing. Undoubtedly, this color is sympathetic to many people. However, not everyone dares to wear red clothes.
If, in your closet, a lot of red things “live”, then psychologists say the following about you: you are an impulsive and cheerful person, although sometimes you can be very aggressive. It is difficult for you to accept someone else's opinion if it does not coincide with yours.
You should not wear red outfits when you are depressed and stressed.
Red color in the interior. What does this color mean?
In the interior - red - the "king" of all colors. It creates, around itself, a cozy and warm atmosphere. However, even with such a cute color, you should be careful: it can also be very exciting.
Red is the color of the holiday. It is certainly associated with fun and joyful mood. It is not for nothing that, in the calendar, significant dates are marked with this particular color, and not with any other.
Don't look too long at this color. Long admiring it can lead to irritability and a negative mood.
At the very beginning of the article, we talked about what shades of red are found in nature. Do they have any meaning in the world of symbolism? Now you will know.
If you prefer a raspberry shade, then you are not one of those who throw words to the wind. You are sincere, impulsive and extremely unpredictable.
Love burgundy? You cannot imagine life without deep reflection, you have great willpower, you often get hung up on events that have long been left in the past.
If you sympathize with the fiery hue, then you are a very diligent and patient person. You always achieve what you want, while overcoming, at the same time, any obstacles and barriers.
Do you love scarlet? Your motto is "All or Nothing". Unfortunately, you have an incorrigible tendency to make rash decisions. In addition, you always stand your ground, often without understanding why you even need it.
If you are one of the fans of red-brown shades, then you are a very confident person and an enthusiast.
Love everything dark red? You are loyal (condescending) to almost everything. Even for sex. Don't overdo it with indulgence. Otherwise, it can turn into cruelty.
The symbolism of color originates from ancient times. From time immemorial, people have endowed colors with a special semantic meaning, which is reflected in various religious and mystical teachings, myths, folk tales, and legends.
In astrology, for example, the seven primary colors of the spectrum correspond to the 7 planets: blue is the color of Venus, red is associated with Mars (the red planet), green is Saturn, yellow is the color of Mercury, purple is identified with the Moon, and orange with the Sun. In esoteric practice, blue is often used for concentration, meditation, in the process of self-knowledge.
The meaning of blue in antiquity
The symbolism of the blue color began to appear already in ancient times. In Egypt, this color had a special meaning. Sacrifices and gifts to the gods were depicted in shades of blue. The same color was used to depict the wigs of gods, pharaohs, queens, in order to emphasize their higher, divine origin. Blue wigs were worn during various ceremonies.
Among the ancient Maya, blue was the color of sacrifice. Objects made of wood and ceramics, wall frescoes, aromatic resins, everything that was associated with ritual sacrifices, were painted and covered with blue paints. Since the Maya sacrificed even people who were doomed before death, they painted them with blue paint.
In the Christian tradition, blue symbolizes the eternity of divine power and the greatest sacraments. At the same time, among many Slavic peoples, blue was the color of sorrows and sorrows, associated with the demonic world. In ancient folk tales, blue and black demons are mentioned.
For many peoples of the world, blue symbolizes the sky, eternity, constancy, fidelity. It is considered the color of stability, tranquility, deep reflection. In heraldry, blue is used to represent chastity, honesty, good reputation, and fidelity.
The inhabitants of the East believe that the blue color scares away evil spirits, protects from negative influences, the evil eye and damage.
The duality of blue
The meaning of blue has both positive and negative aspects:
- the positive meaning of blue: spirituality, wisdom, patience, truth, tranquility and peace; this color inspires great achievements, purifies the soul, intuition and craving for higher knowledge are associated with blue;
- negative manifestations of blue shades: weakness, emotional coldness and imbalance, rancor, complacency; blue color can lead to a loss of a sense of reality, drug addiction, depressive states.
Blue color in psychology
Character
As a rule, at a certain point in time, a person prefers one, less often two or three colors that prevail in his environment, environment, clothing, etc. Over time, color preferences may change. But in any case, your favorite color can tell a lot about the features of your character and emotional state.
Psychologists use various color tests for these purposes. The most reliable of them is the Luscher color test, according to which blue color symbolizes calmness and contentment.
The main characteristics of blue in terms of psychology:
- self-confidence, determination, purposefulness, diplomatic approach to conflict resolution;
- inflexibility, inner core, the qualities most characteristic of businessmen, people with an analytical mindset;
- perfectionism, the tendency to idealize everything, is characteristic of philosophers, writers, creative personalities;
- fortitude, strong-willed leadership qualities - are manifested in politicians, orators;
- organization and responsibility - blue tones subconsciously help a person to concentrate on important goals, structure the information received;
- blue color in human psychology speaks of a tendency to intuitive decision-making, calmness and the ability to find reasonable compromises;
- in the psychology of relationships, blue means loyalty, stability, a sense of duty, adherence to traditions. Character
Blue is a shade of the sky, peace, relaxation. If you like the blue color, then this may mean that a person is characterized by modesty, melancholy, it is very important for him to feel self-confidence, as well as the favor of those around him. The choice of this color speaks of the desire for peace and stability. The greatest need for this color is manifested during periods when a person is sick or offended, with overwork.
If a person does not accept the blue color, this can be a manifestation of a thirst for change and constant movement, a rejection of the routine and monotony of life, an unwillingness to take responsibility and make serious decisions. Such people often dream of easy money and fame.
Color and functionality. The psychology of blue in action
Despite the fact that the color perception of each person is purely individual, scientists are making active attempts to influence the psychological state of a person for commercial and domestic purposes, in advertising, clothing, and interiors.
So, the predominance of a certain color, or their combinations, in the design of office or residential premises creates a special emotional atmosphere. Not all businessmen are aware that the color scheme of the interior can have a significant impact not only on the performance of company employees, but also affect the results of business negotiations.
- in meeting rooms it is recommended to use light blue tones, as they contribute to the establishment of friendly relations, mutual understanding, better assimilation of information;
- the abundance of blue in the room, on the contrary, reduces efficiency, can cause depression and unwillingness to work among employees;
- contemplation of a rich blue color slows down the heartbeat, stabilizes blood pressure, calms nervous tension, but in large quantities blue causes a feeling of depression;
- natural stones of rich blue tones (sapphire, topaz, lapis lazuli) - help to cope with stress and protect from unnecessary experiences, relieve uncertainty;
- stress relief technique: pour a glass of water and place it in front of you on a sheet of blue paper; sit back and for 10 minutes just look at the "blue" water; after that, you need to slowly drink some water, so the “charged blue water” has a beneficial effect on our subconscious.
Blue color in clothes
If your wardrobe is dominated by clothes in shades of blue, you are smart and independent enough, you often feel the need for warmth and attention. You are distinguished by patience, endurance, restraint in emotions.
Those who choose blue and cornflower blue shades for their wardrobe are dreamers and romantics, they believe in true love, and in everything they try to prove themselves and be noticed by others. Blue clothes radiate freshness and coolness and are ideal for hot summers.
If you prefer to wear jeans, be aware that denim clothing gives the impression of nobility and quality.
Image makers also advise both business women and businessmen to wear a dark blue suit more often. It not only slims the figure, but emphasizes your reliability as a business partner.
Shades of blue in psychology
Psychology studies not only the influence of primary colors on the psychological state of a person, but also their shades. Hues of primary colors also affect human perception and are often used in NLP techniques as an additional stimulus. The main shades of blue and their meaning:
Blue
Looking at it, it is almost impossible to concentrate your attention on a particular object; the color of dreams and dreams, serenity, peace and tranquility; the color of serenity, naivety and purity; reassures, inspires hope for a brighter future.
Indigo (deep blue)
It can lead to a depressed and apathetic state, causes sadness, melancholy, melancholy, deep immersion in one's inner space.
What decides color? Why do we choose certain shades over and over again? Where does this persistent desire to buy blue blouses or knit dark green rugs come from? Why was yellow the favorite color the day before yesterday, and today it is “fu, how could I buy this ?!”. About this and much more - in the column of the psychologist and art therapist Evgenia Peltek.
The idea of the important role of color is laid in us literally from the cradle. Pink ribbon - girl, blue - boy. Just don't mix it up! Lilac socks - only for girls, and green ones - for a boy. Why are you taking blue, you have a girl?!
Of course, all these color details are not important for babies (especially since in the first weeks of life they only distinguish between white and black). However, for us, as parents, this is important for some reason. Colors carry information that is embedded in our "cultural code". The emotional charge that we “read” from color has evolved over many centuries, through the entire history of its use in our culture.
Therefore, in order to understand your addiction to a particular shade, it would be good to understand its cultural context, if not in the centuries, then at least at the present time.
Sometimes the stable meaning of a shade can be read already in its name: “protective” (disguise as a terrain and defense), “marshmallow-pink” (infantility, sweetness, defenselessness), “color of the first grass” (growth, breakthrough, filling the territory) and so Further. In other cases, personal associations matter. For example, if a girl’s bedroom in her childhood was covered with lilac wallpaper with yellow flowers, then this combination of shades will be strongly associated with a sense of security, calmness, as well as a sense of “home” and a childish position. For another person, exactly this combination can cause anxiety.
"However, in addition to individual perception, there are also quite universal stable color associations, due to the common upbringing and cultural context in which we grew up. If individual associations can be clarified during art exercises, then universal ones are the general "alphabet" of color available to reading to everyone.
Black: "black hole"
What associations do you have with this color? The color of the earth, the color of the night, the "black hole". And it is also the color of mourning (that is, open grief), borders (it is this color that denotes the contours of the picture). It is also associated with the unknown and fear, anxiety. This is the most contrasting shade. It is useful for drawing contours. This makes it literally a symbol of boundaries for modern man. Therefore, those who want to "draw the line", isolate themselves from the world and be a "man in a case", often choose the black color of their "case".
Black color absorbs light and heat, does not reflect, but absorbs light (and color) waves.
"In the language of art therapy, the choice of this color can speak of a breakdown, lack of emotions, vitality. A person in "black mode" is most likely set up not to give, but to receive heat and energy from the outside, accumulating heat.
At the same time, the stable image of the “little black dress” is associated with sexuality and the idea of impeccable style. The attractiveness of this outfit can be explained in terms of color perception. Black is associated with boundaries, closeness, mystery, and sometimes danger (darkness, night, the unknown), which provokes the imagination. At the same time, this black "case", as the name already implies, is "small", which means that it leaves enough open areas of the body (arms, legs). This contrast between open and closed, between secret and frankness, is very attractive.
Green: "green light"
The idea of resolution is often associated with this color. From childhood, we know the counting rhyme: “Red - stop! Yellow - wait! And the green color - go! On the “subcortex” of most of us it is written: “green means you can”. Every day this belief is reinforced by all the traffic lights of the highways of your city (not to mention the neighboring ones). Safety signs (crossings, medical signs, emergency exit signs), direction signs - this color.
The second stable association with green is grass, leaves, vegetation, "greenery". The green color is steadily associated with the growth, emergence and development of life, as well as with the development of the territory, the appropriation of the right to it.
"As grass covers the ground, and leaves - trees, so a person in the "green period" may strive to develop a new territory (a new profession, achieve a different position in the family or a higher step in a career).
Mixed shades of green cause not such unambiguous associations. For example, the color "khaki" (it is often called "protective") is obtained by mixing gray or light brown with green. Already from the name - "protective", "khaki" - it is clear that a person who prefers such shades feels the need for defense, protection or disguise. He does not want to draw attention to his person, "merging into the landscape." Brighter shades of the same color often evoke negative associations: for example, “green melancholy”, “marsh mud” or simply “swamp”.
It happens that a person chooses a subjectively unpleasant shade for his clothes.
For example, during one of the art therapy sessions, client A., when I asked to see unpleasant colors, confidently chose khaki. She explained that he was associated for her with "swamp" and "stagnation". At the same time, A. wore trousers of a rich “bottle” color that exactly matched this shade. I invited her to draw the image that had arisen on paper and comment on the drawing. It turned out that the "swamp" in her view is a nutrient medium from which flowers sprout.
Currently, A. is mastering a new, interesting profession for her. Behind the “swamp” symbol, she easily recognized the current work, which feeds the girl, but does not arouse much interest. A. realized that at this point in time, the “swampy” color symbolizes support and stability for her, the possibility of professional development in a new field. That's why A.'s visually not-so-pleasant color was allowed into her wardrobe.
Blue: "blue sea"
Blue color is considered the most "calm", stable, restoring balance. This is the color of the sea and the sky, which is probably why it is considered the color of stability, peace, deep reflection.
"A person may experience an increased need for this color in situations where it is important for him to calm down, to get rid of vivid emotions and experiences.
Blue is also often associated with intelligence. It is no coincidence that the pseudoscientific term "indigo children", denoting unusually developed, unusual children with increased intellectual (and some other) abilities, is associated precisely with this shade. Road information signs (“pedestrian crossing”, “descent”, “stop”, “parking”), as a rule, are blue.
At the same time, blue is a cold shade associated with detachment, cold, emotionlessness.
Also, blue is the color of water, and therefore it is a symbol not only of the seas, rivers, oceans, rain, but also of tears, which means it is the color of sadness and sadness.
During one of the art therapy sessions, a young woman R. persistently painted transparent vessels filled with blue - decanters, glasses, jugs, explaining that it was water. When I asked her to draw this water, she completely filled the sheet with blue, and drew a small figure in the center - herself. Looking at her drawing, R. began to cry. She recognized in the blue "fog" her longing, which completely "overwhelmed" her. At this time, R. was going through a breakup with her loved one, but outwardly she remained absolutely calm and balanced. The blue color, which she also preferred in clothes, became for her a way to maintain balance in an emotionally difficult situation, at the same time being an expression of sadness and longing for her beloved.
Red: "fire flower"
Red is one of the most visible colors on the spectrum. It is the color of warmth, fire, love, life, energy. In Orthodoxy, red is considered a symbol of the Resurrection - the victory of life over death. But at the same time, the Orthodox culture, which is part of the cultural context surrounding us, recognizes the duality of this color, also considering it the color of blood and torment, the color of the sacrifice of Christ. The color of fire and blood evokes associations with a powerful element, it is the color of directed energy, at the same time it is a symbol of love, sex and aggression.
A bright red dress is an unambiguous sexual challenge (or call) addressed to a partner (real or potential).
In addition, this color symbolizes confidence and the intention to act. If a person has a need to demonstrate his power, strength, he will give preference to this color.
Also, it's a warning color. In nature, animals and insects that have a bright red color seem to say - "do not come near, it's dangerous!". In our, "human", warning of danger or prohibition road signs, the red color is also used for the most part (it is most noticeable and visible from a long distance).
"A person who persistently chooses this energetic color for his outfits or accessories is most likely determined to change a lot in his life. Sometimes "people in red" can go ahead of their goal, but they always honestly warn their fellow travelers or passers-by about this the color of your outfit.
Yellow: "warm sun"
With yellow, everything seems to be simple - it is the color of warmth, sun, joy, chickens and summer. It evokes a feeling of carelessness and optimism, it is a kind of quintessence of life. But at the other pole of this color, there are not the most pleasant associations: lies, betrayal and madness. “Yellow House”, “yellow newspaper”, Margarita Bulgakov's “alarming” yellow flowers, sickly yellow skin color and so on.
Why is that? Yellow is one of the brightest. It is associated with life and change, which means it is deeply dual in nature. Big changes mean "shaking up" values, abandoning old habits, coming out of the "shell". People who prefer yellow seem to be signaling that they are ready for a drastic change. And such readiness sometimes causes not only support, but also condemnation of others, and even an internal conflict.
" An interesting detail: the yellow color is so bright that it is rarely used solo in the design. Sometimes black goes in tandem with yellow, as the most contrasting and limiting.
This combination of colors (yellow + black) in nature is one of the brightest warning colors (bees, wasps, bumblebees, snakes), and in the “human” world it is used for signs reporting increased danger and threat to life (“biohazard” , "radiation threat", etc.). A reason to think for those who choose these colors for their clothes.
Blue: "the color of the sky"
Blue is one of the "lightest" and purest shades. It is a mixture of two colors: white and blue, but in its pure form it is present in the spectrum. This is the color of the sky, pure spring water, light breeze. It is associated with something light, airy, almost weightless.
In Orthodox culture, blue has an important meaning. It symbolizes the infinity of the sky and in icon painting is considered the color of the Mother of God, which combined the earthly and heavenly.
In Russian, there are many expressions associated with this shade: “blue dream”, “plate with a blue border”. Blue is a metaphor for hope, faith in good, it is the color of a fairy tale and the fulfillment of desires. It calms, causes a feeling of security. "Blue thief" - a charming type, which is difficult to be angry, "blue helicopter" will definitely bring a magician.
" This color calms, reduces the level of aggression, so it is often chosen by people who experience latent irritation, for whom it is important to "lower the degree", to relax.
At the other extreme of blue is its association with the "ideal". To live up to a dream, sometimes you have to work hard. Therefore, sometimes blue is the color of perfectionists and even snobs. Remember Malvina, the “girl with blue hair”, “blue blood”, symbolizing the “high” aristocratic origin.
White: "white noise"
A symbol of purity (both literal and metaphorical), freedom, beginning, background, which is yet to be filled with new content, renewal. White color is universal, it consists of all the colors of the spectrum, which means that it fits literally with everything. In Orthodoxy, he is a symbol of Divine light. It is the color of holiness and simplicity. On icons, saints and righteous people are usually depicted in white.
The importance of this color cannot be overestimated. Every key stage of a person's life is associated with white. White diapers, white wedding dress and bridal veil, white shroud. Birth, marriage, death - all transitions are associated with white. It is no coincidence that white in many cultures is a symbol of mourning.
Thus, “white clothes” are chosen by a person who feels the need for “zeroing”, a new starting point. In addition, this is the color of emptiness, background, “white noise”, emphasized neutrality.
The strict office dress code, which prescribes "white top - black bottom", comes from this property of white. White (as the most neutral) and black (as a symbol of boundaries) in combination give a faceless disguise, devoid of emotional fullness. Sometimes this is exactly what you need for a comfortable existence.
Not all colors of the palette are included in the material. “Unlucky” to get into this review is orange (the color of change and impulsiveness), brown (the color of “earthiness” and finding support), and also purple, gray, purple, pink and many, many other colors. The good news is that all these shades can be obtained by mixing the colors described in the material. And all "complex" mixed colors have the properties of each of the hue components.
To be continued. In the following article, read about color combinations and prints in clothes.