When working on photo shoots, and with private clients, I rarely recommend black.
I go for brights, prints, or other vibrant combinations to illuminate a picture, or my clients wardrobe.
I never knew there was a deeper meaning behind these color choices. I just liked how bolder colors made more of a statement.
Turns out, the colors we wear (and eat and surround ourselves in) do make a difference in how we feel.
And paying attention to these choices is key to styling from the inside out.
Recently, I had the pleasure of chatting with Betsy Karp (AKA The Colour Coach) about how color affects us. Here’s what she had to say.
1. How does color work to shift a mood?
Color has an energy perceived by your senses which can have a great impact on your emotional state of being, nervous system, and brain stimulation.
Color also elevates your energetic vibrations by causing the opening of your heart chakras. This allows you to feel open to new experiences and to raise your positivity.
For example: Think of a gray, rainy, cloudy day. You are walking around and you see someone in a yellow slicker holding a red umbrella. Instantly, the bright colors perceived by your brain, stimulate your mood and energy. This will cause an effect on you, whether noticeable or not, that might even lift your spirit and your mood.
2. How can we determine which colors to choose to address a specific emotion or energy level?
Each color has a specific emotional energy, very much related to the chakra system.
Red: The color of passion. It is the color of your first chakra, located at the base of your spine. It makes you feel rooted to the ground, and connected to who you truly are. It is very catching to the eye and encourages you to take act on.
Orange: The color of courage, color of your second chakra. Located two inches below your belly button, also known as the color of your sacral chakra. Orange inspires hope, positivity, and creativity. It is also very much about your boundaries, and your appetite for sensuality, sex, and food. It is also known as the color of decision, for it influences your ability to say yes or no, and take act on things.
Yellow: Color of confidence and laughter. Yellow is associated with your solar plexus chakra located in your gut. It is a male dominated energy. It is about your relationship with yourself. Yellow can influence your self-confidence, self-worth, and happiness. It is a great color because of its brightness. It is also a color of optimism, strength, and focus.
Green: This is the color of abundance. It is connected with your heart chakra. It stimulates your nurturing and harmonious self. It is about expansion and open-mindedness. Green can highly influence the relationship with nature and your own health. It gives a sense of freshness and well-being.
Turquoise/Blue: Color of clarity. It is identified with your throat chakra. It has to do with how you express yourself to the world. It has a big influence on how you communicate with others and with yourself. It encourages you to be true to yourself and it gives you a calming and clear sensation.
Indigo: Color of purpose. This color is associated with your brow chakra. It is about your inner truth, intuition, and the knowledge of what you are supposed to be doing. It is a color that inspires purpose and meaning to your life.
Magenta: Color of unconditional love. Color of the crown chakra. Magenta inspires you to be in alignment with your mind, body, and soul. It influences you to operate from a higher being, allowing you to open up your heart and share it with others. It is a very powerful and spiritual color.
3. Are there any colors you recommend avoiding?
I recommend people avoid wearing and being around too much black. Black is a heavy color, and it evokes a heavy energy. Black blocks light. It makes your spirit dull, and it often hides the revelation of what you want to say or share.
Too much red is also something that we should avoid. On the contrary to black, it is such a powerful and highly energized color that evokes too much fire.
4. What do our color choices say about our personalities?
Color is an expression of your soul. For example: people who dress in brighter colors are usually playful, confident, or energetic. In opposition to people who dress in dark and dull colors, are usually subdued, serious, grounded, or unexpressive.
To learn more about Betsy Karp (she’s got these fab mini mantras that are a great way to start using color to influence your daily life) visit her website here.
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Oh, Elysha, thank you so much for this! I adore colors–wearing them, surrounding myself with them, creating with them. I have read about the color associations with the chakras and energy before, but needed this helpful and detailed reminder. As usual, I have found inspiration and beauty and coolness here–I am grateful to you. xoxo
I am grateful to you, ST. Your presence along with your kind and thoughtful comments are a gift. Thank you. PS: I hope the info can help you have fun playing with color! xoxo
Very nice things about colors in our life!