Pick the Right Colour Clothes for You

Dark colours make a person appear thinner and taller. Wearing a dark shirt with matching trousers and shoes can make a short woman appear taller. Only women can wear all black during the day. On a man, all black is best reserved for a black-tie do unless he breaks it up with a white or coloured shirt and tie. Grey is the colour of teamwork. It is a good choice for people in sales, banking, or finance and ideal to combine it with other colours to personalise to their personal colouring, scale and proportion. Grey is not a colour to be worn on its own- it will make you look like you do not have your own personality.

Red is the most active and energetic colour and a powerful accent colour for men. It is the colour of the initiator. Red ties are considered power ties. For women, red is an excellent choice for jackets, blouses, and dresses. But is usually too strong for a suit.

Yellow should always be paired with a darker colour such as navy, grey, or black. Light yellow can be a supporting/accent colour in shirts or ties on men. Women should avoid solid yellow suits, but using it as an accent colour in shirts, scarves or part of pattern in cardigan can have an uplifting element to their outward appearance.

Blue is probably the universal favourite colour, worn well by men and women. Everyone looks good in blue. But, it is important to find the right shade and tint, so that the blue is not draining (too bright) or overwhelming (too dark). Navy blue is another power colour. Medium-tone blue is friendlier. Light blue is a weak colour for a suit, but a very powerful colour element when worn as shirt or tie. Both men and women should keep navy pinstripes for the most powerful look. Men should not use blue for accessories e.g. briefcase. Women can and should use navy for shoes and purses, but not for a briefcase.

Green - Men should not wear light green for business. But in a patterned tie, green is ok. Women should wear bright green in small doses as it is seen as not serious. Lighter shades of green can look cheap and only a few women can pull this colour off. It needs to be combined with grey or brown outfit. Darker shades are generally ok when not worn as a solid colour.

Pink, either in a deep shade or softer shades of rose, is a good choice for womens blouses, dresses, or scarves. Men can wear pink in small doses; say in a shirt or in stripes or checks with a white shirt. Pink shirts should be reserved for less conservative or creative businesses when worn without ties and/or combined with elegant casual wear.

Brown is a colour men for more elegant causal wear rather corporate dressing. Though it gives you a sophisticated look, it makes you also softer looking, less sharp, what you might want to avoid in business meetings, but could be helpful at conferences or gatherings where you need to look as well approachable. However, it is acceptable for a woman to wear various shades of brown, it looks sophisticated, elegant and feminine.

Orange is a colour which is not easy to pull off for most men. If you can wear shades of orange and peach then keep them as background colours in a tie, shirt or handkerchief. Women can wear these colours, provided they complement their skin tone, in blouses and dresses so long as they are paired with powerful colours such as navy, grey, and on occasion, black. Light peach can look youthful and fresh.

Violet - Men should limit their use of purple to patterned ties and shirts. Women can select suits, dresses, or blouses in shades of mauve, violet, periwinkle, or purple, but ideally keep it to the top half.

White is an all around the year colour when chosen for shirts or a nice background colour when combined with coloured pattern in shirts- it is the power colour for shirts. Men should wear white shoes only for leisurewear. Under no circumstances should white be used for belts or purses. Women can wear white suits during the day in the summer, but men should only use out of business hours.

Burgundy is especially elegant and powerful when teamed with grey. Men will find that burgundy ties offer the richest look with grey, navy, and tan suits.

Tan or khaki is the best colour for rainwear, especially for men. It can be worn by men in summer suits, which are more casual in appearance, but need to be chosen with care, because it does not compliment all skin tones.

Using your best colours to emphasize your hair and eyes, to flatter your skin and figure, and to achieve a desired psychological effect will make the creation of your business and casual wardrobe a positive experience.

Wearing the right colours is an ideal way to look younger, healthier, groomed and more energised without having to resort to drastic measures. Women and men who understand the colour characteristics look happier, healthier and more self assured and as a result of this colours will have an instant positive impact on their look, image, self-esteem and confidence.In business we often need to make quick judgement calls, which are frequently based on your outward appearance. So pick the right colours and make a great first impression!