Boost Your Profile & Your Profits

The Meaning of Colours & How to Apply in Business

Are your clothes telling others that you’re sexually frustrated!? You’d better find out which colour means this and the damage it could be doing to your brand!

Have you ever wondered what particular colours mean and whether or not you should be wearing them in particular situations?

Well, today I’m going to give you the inside scoop.

But be warned, the popularity and meanings of different colours in business and in media changes over time.

As I write this the current trend in worldwide politics is to wear a light blue tie to instil trust in voters (although this could change if too many corrupt officials adopt this attire!) Bright red ties for example are definitely passé and conjure up frightening images of sleazy, hard-nosed car salesmen from the 1980s especially when worn badly and out of context.

Take note of which colours are being worn by your peers and why, especially in the media. If everyone in your industry is wearing navy blue, then I suggest you go for something else. Also, wear colours that suit you as not
all of them will. More information on that to come shortly. In the meantime remember, your prime objective as a personal brand is to stand out.

Let’s take a look at the various meanings of a few colours now;

Navy blue: Authoritative; Trustworthy; Responsible; Organised.

Light blue: Trustworthy and energetic. But please note never wear light blue shirts that are faded or of poor quality material as they will dull your complexion and make you appear tired.

Charcoal grey: Successful; Serious and Well-informed.

Black: Power, Power & more Power!

Team black with a light blue shirt and a tie with dark blue & white stripes (preferably with a sheen to it) and you’ve come up with a powerful mix for when you’re in front of the CEO. Note: never wear a black shirt during the day (unless of course it is a polo top or a t-shirt, black shirts are for night time wear only).

Red: Commands attention; encourages brain wave activity and makes a bold statement. Be selective when you choose to wear this colour especially in low key scenarios such as a funeral or wedding!

Orange: Stimulates Emotions & Conversation and is a great colour to be worn on jewellery, on watch faces, in ties, scarfs & on cufflinks to add that extra bit of flair.

Purple: Historically Associated with Royalty; Magic and Mystery purple is indicative of Sexual Prowess or (conversely) Sexual Frustration!

Hmm, I wonder why life coaches wear so much of it?

Colour and its Effect on your FACE?

Colours from your waist up reflect onto your face and have the greatest impact. When trying clothes on, ask yourself the following questions.

· Does this colour help me look energised or does it wash me out?
· Does it help my eyes stand out or does it clash with my hair colour?
· Does it make my skin glow with health or emphasize my wrinkles?
· Do I look jaundiced (yellow), grey or ill? (only useful for pulling a sickie!)
· Does it gracefully minimise or draw attention to the bags under my eyes?
· Does it make me appear younger or does this colour age me horribly?
· Do I look slimmer / taller / fatter or shorter when I wear this colour? Looking like an Oompa Loompa may have worked for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory but I doubt it will work for you, especially if you don’t work at a chocolate factory!

Use the answers to these questions to better choose colours that suit your skin tone. If you’re unsure, hold the item of clothing directly under your face and look closely at the details. If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work.
Recognise this and don’t insist on being a slave to fashion! Find something else that suits you better.

Utilise this as a guideline when dressing to impress key contact in various business and personal situations.

Oh, and it may be best to ditch some of that purple in your closet. We don’t need to know about your sex life or lack thereof.


Ben’s book “Sleeping Your Way to The Top in Business” is available for purchase by clicking here. For media, consulting and speaking enquiries contact Ben directly at ben@benangel.com.au

Posted by Ben Angel, conference speakers on 5th March, 2010 | Comments | Trackbacks
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