The Psychological Benefits of Having A Colourful Wardrobe
Do you ever notice how slipping into a bright red dress or a vibrant blue shirt just makes you feel different? Like suddenly, you have a little more energy, a little more confidence, or maybe just a better mood overall? That’s not just in your head; there’s actual psychology behind it.
There’s a concept called enclothed cognition. It basically means that the clothes we wear can influence our thoughts, behaviours, and emotions. It also means that when you dress a certain way, you tend to embody the qualities you associate with that outfit.
For example, yellow is linked to happiness and optimism, while red is associated with confidence and energy. So, when you put on something colourful, your brain gets a little nudge in the right direction.
On the other hand, dull colours like greys and browns tend to have a more muted effect on mood. There’s a reason why we associate grey with gloominess or why we talk about feeling “blue” when we’re sad. Wearing colours that make you feel good is like dressing for the mood you want to have rather than the mood you’re currently in.
A Colourful Wardrobe is a Vibe: The Psychology of Wearing Bright Colours
A study in 2012 by researchers Hajo Adams and Adam D. Galinsky found something super interesting. Participants who wore a white lab coat performed better on a task that required focus.
There was a catch, though: this only worked when they believed they were wearing a doctor’s coat. When they were told it was a painter’s coat, their performance didn’t improve. The brain associated the lab coat with intelligence and precision, and the wearers subconsciously took on those traits.
The same thing applies to colours. If we associate bright colours with energy and dull colours with low moods, then what we wear can influence how we feel throughout the day.
Fashion psychologist Karen Pine has also found that when people wear clothes that hold personal meaning, they exude more confidence. Maybe your favourite colour reminds you of a happy memory, or maybe you just feel good in it. Whatever the reason, wearing colours that resonate with you can be a simple way to boost your confidence.
Wearing Colour Might Help You Bring Out the Best in You
When you see someone wearing a bright yellow sweater, don’t they seem a little more approachable? Or when someone walks in with a deep emerald green jacket, doesn’t it give off an air of sophistication? That’s not an accident. Colour is one of the first things our brains register, and it plays a big role in perception.
And yet, so many people stick to neutrals, especially in professional settings, thinking that black, grey, and beige are the only “serious” options. The reality is that colour can actually help break down barriers.
Warmer shades like oranges and yellows naturally make you seem more friendly and optimistic, while blues and purples can make you come across as calm and confident.
And while many believe that bright colours aren’t “serious” enough for work, they can actually work in your favour and help you build rapport. When you have any of these colours on, you will notice how your conversations flow more easily and how people remember you better.
Historical Significance of Bright Colours
The idea of enclothed cognition wasn’t made up recently. Historically, colour has always been a form of self-expression and social status. As far back as the 1500s, King Henry VII, alongside his council, enacted a set of sumptuary laws that dictated who could wear what.
Certain colours, like deep crimson, were reserved for high-ranking individuals because these colours were deemed to command respect and give off nobility. And, of course, crimson dye was among the most expensive dye to produce.
Today, we may not have laws restricting what we can wear, but the impact of colour on perception hasn’t changed. The colours you wear tell the world who you are, how you feel, and sometimes, even who you aspire to be.
If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your wardrobe and make a statement in the world, you definitely have to invest in a custom wardrobe storage solution. All of your colourful outfits and accessories will have a place where they can be laid out for easy access.
A walk-in wardrobe should be your go-to choice if you have the space for you. If space is a concern, sliding wardrobe doors are a sleek and modern solution for that. And if you love a pop of colour, perhaps you can incorporate colourful wardrobe designs like a blue colour wardrobe design to bring some personality into your space.
How You Can Find the Perfect Colour Palette for Your Skin Tone
The right colour combination for your clothes depends entirely on your undertone, which is the subtle hue beneath your skin. You’re not just fair, medium, or deep; you have an undertone that leans warm, neutral or cool.
You are warm-toned when your skin has an unfailing yellowish or golden glow. However, if there’s a pink or bluish tint to it, you’re cool-toned. If it’s not either but a mix of both worlds, you’re neutral.
If you’re not sure which one you have, you can easily find out. We recommend looking at the veins on your wrist – if they appear to be on the greenish side, you are likely warm-toned. However, if you find them blue or purplish, you likely have cool undertones. And if you can’t quite tell, chances are you’re neutral.
Once you know your undertone, it’s time to find your most flattering colours. If you’re warm-toned, earthy shades like mustard yellow, burnt orange, olive green, and warm red will enhance your glow.
People with cool undertones tend to look their best in jewel tones such as sapphire blues, deep purples and emerald greens. And if you’re neutral, you get the best of both worlds. Rich teals, soft pinks, and balanced reds will suit you beautifully.
But then, you can’t just take a list of colours and run with it. The best way to figure out what actually works for you is to test it out in real life. You can start small if you like. For instance, if you usually wear a lot of black, grey, or white, try adding in a single pop of colour, maybe a deep green scarf or a rust-coloured jacket.
Pay attention to how you feel when you wear it. Do you feel more confident? Do you like the way your skin colour looks in it? Sometimes, a small colour change can completely change how you feel and carry yourself.
If you’re still unsure, try standing in front of a mirror in natural light while holding different coloured fabrics near your face. You’ll start to notice which shades brighten you up and which ones make you look a little washed out. Soon, you’ll be able to tell the colours that complement your skin tone the most.
At the end of the day, the best colour is the one that makes you feel amazing. Guidelines can help, sure, but if you love a colour that isn’t traditionally “yours,” get yourself a wardrobe full of them and wear them anyway. Confidence is what truly makes an outfit work. If you feel great in something, it shows.
Organise Your Colourful Outfits With a Custom Storage Solution
Now that we’ve established just how powerful colour can be, there’s one last thing to consider: storage. If you’re investing in a vibrant, mood-boosting wardrobe, you’ll need a functional and well-organised space to keep everything in top condition. Because honestly, it’s hard to make the most of your outfits if your wardrobe is a cluttered mess.
Sydney Wardrobes can give you a storage solution that makes it easier for you to organise and fully use all of your colourful outfits. When your clothes are neatly organised and easy to see, it’s so much easier to actually wear them.
A well-designed wardrobe showcases your clothes and makes it effortless to grab the right outfit for the right mood. You won’t have to rummage through piles of clothes or forget about that one dress you love but never wear because it’s buried somewhere in the back.
As soon as you open your wardrobe, all of your vibrant pieces are neatly displayed and ready for you to make a pick from and bring all your wardrobe ideas to life.
Get yourself a storage solution from Sydney wardrobe today, and begin to enjoy easier access to all your vibrant outfits. And, if you’re on a budget, don’t worry – you can find sturdy but cheap wardrobe options that still offer the same great quality and functionality that a custom wardrobe does.
For more tips on choosing the right wardrobe for your colourful outfits, check out our article: “Top 5 Tips to Help You Choose the Right Wardrobe Door”.
Your custom wardrobe is one consultation away. Whether you’re in Sydney, New South Wales or anywhere else in Australia, get in touch with us, and we’ll have the right wardrobe shipped off to you in no time.
