I’ve discovered that the way we dress says far more than we may think. You are communicating all the time without ever opening your mouth. Your unique clothing style says a lot about your personality. The way you dress communicates loudly into the minds of others who you are, what you represent, and what you want to convey. Coco Chanel once said, “If a woman is badly dressed, it’s the dress we’ll notice; but if she is impeccably dressed, it’s the woman herself we’ll notice.”

When you leave the house in the morning or the evening, what are you and your outfit communicating? Wearing a bold yellow hat with heavy make-up projects a different image than a baseball cap and ponytail. Your clothing style can speak volumes about you before you ever utter a word. What story do you think your outfit today told the world about you? Can they tell from your clothing choice today that you’re depressed, you’re going through something, you’re athletic, you’re motivated, you’re successful, you’re desperate, or you’re too busy to care?

What you wear does not define you or your value as a person created in the image of God. However, how you dress is an expression of how you feel about yourself. As you project to others how you feel about yourself, they will generally treat you in like manner. It is true that God looks at the heart, but it is equally true that people look on the outside. You don’t have to spend a lot to dress well either. I’m a bargain shopper and have fun finding the $10 deals!

I remember in college during some of my communication classes, we were told these tips on colors that I think are just fun and interesting: (taken from: Color Psychology — Infoplease.com

Black: is the color of authority and power. It is used excessively in fashion because it makes people appear thinner. It is also stylish and timeless. Black also implies submission. Priests wear black to signify submission to God. Some fashion experts say a woman wearing black implies submission to men. Black outfits can also be overpowering, or make the wearer seem aloof or evil. Villains, such as Dracula, often wear black.

White: Brides wear white to symbolize innocence and purity. White reflects light and is considered a summer color. White is popular in decorating and in fashion because it is light, neutral, and goes with everything. Doctors and nurses wear white to imply sterility.

Red: The most emotionally intense color, red stimulates a faster heartbeat and breathing. It is also the color of love. Red clothing gets noticed and makes the wearer appear heavier. Since it is an extreme color, red clothing might not help people in negotiations or confrontations. Red cars are popular targets for thieves. In decorating, red is usually used as an accent. Decorators say that red furniture should be perfect since it will attract attention.

Pink: The most romantic color, pink, is more tranquilizing. Sports teams sometimes paint the locker rooms used by opposing teams bright pink so their opponents will lose energy.

Blue: The color of the sky and the ocean, blue is one of the most popular colors. It causes the opposite reaction as red. Peaceful, tranquil blue causes the body to produce calming chemicals, so it is often used in bedrooms. Blue can also be cold and depressing. Fashion consultants recommend wearing blue to job interviews because it symbolizes loyalty. People are more productive in blue rooms. Studies show weightlifters are able to handle heavier weights in blue gyms.

Green: Green symbolizes nature. It is the easiest color on the eye and can improve vision. It is a calming, refreshing color. People waiting to appear on TV sit in “green rooms” to relax. Hospitals often use green because it relaxes patients. Brides in the Middle Ages wore green to symbolize fertility. Dark green is masculine, conservative, and implies wealth.

Yellow: Cheerful sunny yellow is an attention getter. While it is considered an optimistic color, people lose their tempers more often in yellow rooms, and babies will cry more. It is the most difficult color for the eye to take in, so it can be overpowering if overused. Yellow enhances concentration, hence its use for legal pads. It also speeds metabolism.

Purple: The color of royalty, purple connotes luxury, wealth, and sophistication. It is also feminine and romantic. However, because it is rare in nature, purple can appear artificial.

Brown: Solid, reliable brown is the color of earth and is abundant in nature. Light brown implies genuineness while dark brown is similar to wood or leather. Brown can also be sad and wistful. Men are more apt to say brown is one of their favorite colors.

Isn’t it interesting that even the colors we choose to wear are communicating a message? So what does the color say about your personality? You can do more research on other colors at the online site where I obtained this enlightening information from Psychology Today (What Does The Color You Choose Say About You? The Color Test Published on June 6, 2011 by Bernardo Tirado, PMP in Digital Leaders):

Black: People who choose black as their favorite color are often artistic and sensitive. While these people aren’t introverts, they are careful with the details of their lives and do not share easily with others.

White: People who like white are often organized and logical and don’t have a great deal of clutter in their lives. 

Red: Those who love red live life to the fullest and are tenacious and determined in their endeavors.

Blue: If blue is your favorite color you love harmony, are reliable, sensitive and always make an effort to think of others. You like to keep things clean and tidy and feel that stability is the most important aspect in life.

Green: Those who love the color green are often affectionate, loyal and frank. Green lovers are also aware of what others think of them and consider their reputation very important.

Yellow: You enjoy learning and sharing your knowledge with others. Finding happiness comes easy to you and others would compare you to sunshine.

Purple: You are artistic and unique. You have a great respect for people but at times can be arrogant.

Brown: You are a good friend and try your hardest to be reliable and dependable. Flashy objects are not something you desire; you just want a stable life.

This information is meant to be fun and informative; not a cut and dry evaluation of your life from head to toe. So, just enjoy the colors and have fun wearing whatever you’re attracted to each day that communicates where you want to go in life.

For more information on what your clothes say about you request your copy of Untangle.