The Psychology of Colors - What Your Colors Say About You

Where would we be without color? The richness and vibrancy of life in all its delicate hues and vivid explosions of tone, is something we are all perhaps guilty of taking for granted. Color is a powerful thing, capable of stirring up powerful emotions, inspiring wonder and amazement, and symbolizing concepts and ideas which would perhaps be difficult to put into words.  

From the appreciation we all share of azure blue waters and skies, lush green forests, and the multi-faceted shimmer of gemstones and minerals, to the way we decorate our homes and choose our clothes, we bestow color with meaning and significance. It is a peculiar human impulse, and one we have been doing since the dawn of civilization itself. 

The symbolism of colors is an important cultural factor, and one we learn from an early age. Just think for a moment about the color red - we see it every day, but what does this color mean? In the western world, it can represent a huge number of things. Passion, danger, heat, urgency, socialism, and the list goes on and on. In China, the color red is a lucky tone, associated with celebrations. All of this is arbitrary, yet all of it is also culturally relevant, and forms a part of our minds we are mostly unaware of.  

We may sometimes feel as though the colors we wear - whether that includes our clothes, our shoes, jewelry or accessories - and surround ourselves with are purely accidental, or down to nothing more than the whims of personal preference. However, there is little doubt in the world of psychology that each and every choice we make is meaningful and is carrying some sort of purpose - and this is especially relevant when it comes to selecting colored accessories such as high quality pocket squares, or when we are deliberately adding a splash of color to an outfit in another way. When we choose a pocket square, or shop for a pocket square, we are (perhaps subconsciously, perhaps not) attempting to communicate to the world some aspect of our personalities, some idea of who we are or who we would like to be seen as. With this in mind, let us take a brief look at what the principal color of your pocket square, or your favorite color for a pocket square, says about your psychological state or personality. 

Blue 

People who are drawn to blue colored accessories are those who invest a lot of value in harmony, peace and relaxation. We are surrounded by blue - the sea, the sky - and this is the color of depth, reliability and trustworthiness. Darker blues suggest strength and confidence, and an appreciation of formality. 

Red 

As mentioned, the color red can represent many different things. However, by adding a splash of red to an outfit via the medium of a pocket square, you are really demonstrating your love for spontaneity, adventure and the attention that such things bring. Ambition and competition are significant words to the red-wearer, and they live life to the full. 

Green 

The color green puts us in mind of natural beauty and calm, and this color appeals most to people who feel they have little to prove and are comfortable in their sense of self. Green wearers value generosity, loyalty and consistency, and this is a great color to wear if you want to appear quietly confident in your ability to draw people to you without obvious effort.  

Black 

Many people too readily associate the color black with psychological morbidity - it is, after all, a color associated with death and darkness. But this fails to acknowledge the sheer amount of black clothes which most of us wear on a daily basis. Indeed, black really indicates strength and determination, power and the desire for it, as well as an unending sophistication that has and never will fade.  

White 

White is something of a safe option, perhaps indicative of a lack of imagination. However, it mainly represents a cleanliness and meticulous attention to detail, as well as an optimistic, hopeful attitude that makes it a delightful color to wear as an accessory. Off-white and ivory suggest nostalgia and an appreciation for times passed.  

Brown 

The psychology behind the color brown suggests an industrious, modest attitude. Richer browns have a decadent edge to them, and while this is not necessarily a vibrant color, it is a somewhat unusual color for an accessory, making it an eye-catching tone for those who like to engage in conversation. 

Yellow 

Yellow is a bold color, in many ways. Not only is it vivid and vivacious, but to wear it makes a powerful statement and clear invitation for attention. Yellow is the color of sunshine, and it makes people feel happy, cheerful and fulfilled - as it does when people wear this color as part of an accessory. It is also the color of curiosity and focus.  

Pink 

Pink is a nurturing, warm, friendly color. It is favored by both men and women who want to show their elegant, soft, romantic and sensual sides, and is highly popular with those trying to present a charming, idealistic face to the world. It can also suggest naivety, innocence and a sort of childlike lovability, too.  

Purple 

The color purple attracts people who consider themselves creative, or perhaps engaged in alternative practices and belief systems which lead them to question the world around them and approach things from a sideways perspective. It also symbolizes regality and royalty, while being the color of visionaries, analysts and those with a high level of empathy. To wear purple is to present yourself as mysterious, with hidden depths and plenty to intrigue others.