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Psychological power of blue -

Positive attributes include a strong association with a peaceful and trustworthy disposition. Blue is also associated with order, compassion, and sincerity. Negative attributes include conservatism, and a predictable nature. 

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Wearing blue for emotional and physical impact -

Dark blues are traditionally associated with authority, while mid-tone blues inspire confidence. 

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When to avoid wearing blue -

Creative types tend to steer clear of blue, it's just not exciting enough! And it's a color that doesn't really project success. 

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Psychological power of yellow -

Positive attributes of yellow include an ability to arouse cheerfulness, show gratitude, and stimulate mental activity. Negative attributes include a tendency to become volatile and even tiresome. 

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Wearing yellow for emotional and physical impact -

This color can cheer anybody up. Wear yellow for fun and when feeling frivolous. And note, this is the color kids love best.  

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When to avoid wearing yellow -

Yellow is another color you need to be wary of in a business environment, simply because it makes you stand out. So if you have nothing to bring to the table, opt for something more sober. Similarly, avoid if you need to be taken seriously. 

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Psychological power of violet -

Positive attributes of violet include imagination and selflessness, and a wonderful sense of intuition. Negative attributes include a certain immaturity and a tendency to take on a superior tone.  

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Wearing violet for emotional and physical impact -

This color projects confidence and individuality—ideal in a business context. It can also convey wealth, power, and luxury. 

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When to avoid wearing violet -

Avoid when you're feeling down and depressed, or need to exude a low-key yet reassuring profile (violet and purple can heighten anxiety). 

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Psychological power of pink -

Positive attributes include the femininity associated with pink, it's gentleness, vulnerability, and youth. Negative attributes include the naivety of the color, its under-confident connotations, and silliness. 

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Wearing pink for emotional and physical impact -

A calming, non-threatening color, pink can soften an austere business look but should be worn only as an accessory. This is a color that goes down well at christenings, and is always welcome at mid-summer garden parties. 

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When to avoid wearing pink -

Take heed. Pink is not often seen as management material, so it's best to avoid this color for important business dinners and meetings. 

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Psychological power of grey -

Positive attributes include respect and an evenly balanced outlook. Negative attributes include deception and a non-committal attitude. 

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Wearing grey for emotional and physical impact -

The smart, safe color makes a good option for a job interview. Wear grey to stay neutral in any sort of dispute, or when you want to project a balanced and unbiased attitude. 

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When to avoid wearing grey -

A color that never really gets you noticed, grey wins few points in the dating game. Similarly, children are less likely to respond to this dull hue, their minds more in tune with primary colors. 

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Psychological power of orange -

Positive attributes include an enthusiastic outlook on life, as well as being creative, sociable, and determined. 

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Wearing orange for emotional and physical impact -

Orange combines the energy of red and the happiness of yellow, so wear for an energizing effect. 

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When to avoid wearing orange -

Since it has an uninhibited air, orange may not be suitable for business, and it's not the best bet if you want to look elegant.  

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Psychological power of black -

Positive attributes include strength and authority, elegance and sophistication. Negative attributes include the association with fear and grief. 

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Wearing black for emotional and physical impact -

Ideal for dinner parties and formal occasions, black makes a bold but classic fashion statement. 

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When to avoid wearing black -

Opt for something else when mixing with the elderly or children, or as a wedding guest, as black is somber and stately, not joyous and flirty. 

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Psychological power of green -

Positive attributes include a self-reliant and tenacious streak. Green is also associated with depth and stability. Negative attributes include a certain predictability and an aversion to risk. 

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Wearing green for emotional and physical impact -

With its strong association with calmness and tranquility, green can produce restorative results in anyone over-stressed or tired. 

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When to avoid wearing green -

Green apparel doesn't project new ideas and can appear rather dated, not the color to wear when pitching a new idea or fund-raising. 

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Psychological power of brown -

Positive attributes include the color's earthy traits of dependability, reliability, and resilience. Negative attributes include the danger of being considered mature, predictable, and even boring. 

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Wearing brown for emotional and physical impact -

As the least threatening color, brown is good to wear if trying to get others to reach out and open up to you. Brown also looks good on female executives, less so on businessmen. 

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When to avoid wearing brown -

Avoid brown on elegant evening soirees. These occasions require a more appropriate color. Brown will not attract the attention of someone who attracts you. 

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Psychological power of red -

Positive attributes include its powerful association with passion, energy, confidence, and assertiveness. Negative attributes include showiness, dominance, and its traditional affiliation with danger. 

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Wearing red for emotional and physical impact -

The color to wear when first impressions count, or to catch someone's eye, red can also help project authority without being threatening. But be careful. Red can also overwhelm, especially when used to attract the opposite sex.  

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When to avoid wearing red -

Despite the fact that it attracts more attention than any other color, avoid red for job interviews, as it can be seen as too individualistic. On a more practical level, forget red if you're overtired or stressed—the energy boost you think it creates is artificial. 

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Psychological power of white -

Positive attributes include its purity, innocence, and the fact that white is considered to be the color of perfection. Negative attributes include coldness, neutrality, and its clinical reputation. 

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Wearing white for emotional and physical impact -

First-time brides traditionally wear white, and there's the long association of white with medicine and well-being. Neutral white is useful as an all-around fashion accessory color, and creates strong contrast against dark shades. 

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When to avoid wearing white -

All-in-white evening wear is always hit-or-miss, and remember that white emphasizes every mark and blemish.  

See also: Are office dress codes still relevant? Here are the pros and cons. 

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