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A short guide to: Colour Psychology in business 

Do you find yourself constantly drawn to certain colours? Do you feel repelled by others?  Intrigued to know why? Read on….

RED: CONFIDENCE

This is the “marmite” colour during my colour analysis sessions – clients love it or hate it.  Wearing it can bring you the confidence that you may lack. 

It may also show the world that you feel super confident that day.  No wonder red lipstick has been in demand during times of economic downturn or hardship.  When the concentration camps were disbanded, red lipstick was the first thing female inmates requested in the start to rebuild their lives. 

However, it can come across as being aggressive – like you are “shouting”.  Whenever an Apprentice candidate wears red lipstick to the boardroom showdown I just know that there is a taxi outside with their name on it.

YELLOW: POWER

The hardest colour to wear and the least popular choice of my clients.  Is this the one that repels you? It is likely that you need to bring more of this into your life.  Dressing head to toe in yellow would be downright scary but it works well as part of a print. 

It also can be utilised as a colour for a coat or handbag.  It’s logical that small amounts of “power” can be beneficial but who would have thought that the colour of sunshine and daffodils could send nervous types into frenzy?   Perhaps one for dentists to avoid too.

GREEN: EMPATHY

Linked to the emotions and most often used in treatment rooms, holistic industries or beauty salons – anywhere whose objective is to calm and relax.  This will work well for coaches, councilors and nurses but not necessarily for Bank Managers or lawyers. 

Naturally empathetic people can come across as weak or too sensitive. Adding a touch of yellow can be a way to bring balance.  Use it as your secret weapon when required. 

BLUE: COMMUNICATION

Great for public speakers, teachers, trainers and presenters.  It is also the most common colour used for uniforms.  It brings with it implied trust worthiness and reliability – especially navy blue.  British Airways have favoured a navy uniform with a touch of red whereas Virgin Airways have gone for the reverse. 

What core values do you associate with each? Which do you prefer? Which would you say is the most successful?  

PURPLE: ENLIGHTENMENT

Often associated with Royalty, Religious leaders or Mystics.  It can be a sign of an individual nature or free-spirit (hence the book “When I grow old I shall wear purple”). It can also come across as “eccentric” so this is a colour to be used with care in any business setting that requires conformity.   It is great choice for creative professions.

We select colours not only for our clothing and interiors but also our marketing literature.  What colours have you chosen? 

Katherine Blyth
Katherine B Image & Style  www.katherineb.com