Color Strategies for an empowered Professional Image

In my business and others, I have observed that in one's professional appearance, an aspect that can affect impressions of others is through the colors that an individual chooses for his outfit.  In my experience, awareness and education on colors, I have discovered that colors can play a role on getting the job, maintaining the attention of your audience and advancing in one's career.  I'm not just talking about color analysis (analyzing one's coloring of skin, hair and eyes and finding out the best colors to wear), I am also talking about the Psychology of Color.

Here are some basic impressions and image of colors when one wears it or sees it on others:

Woman in red suit.

RED

Red typically is associated with passion, energetic, and considered an attention grabbing color.

Women in red suits can make a powerful impact in entering a room.  When a female saleswoman wears red lipstick, this can be a way of keeping the attention of her prospective clients.

Red also shows positivity, being extroverted and dynamic for the wearer.

Read more about color strategies after the break!

BLUE

Blue is often considered the basic business color.  It represents being stable, conservative and traditional.  Navy blue suits are considered a staple in a professional wardrobe.

One may opt for a blue tie, a light blue shirt or a navy blue suit to show credibility, responsibility and authority in one's position.

Blue can also give the wearer an image of refinement and class.

Brad Pitt in a brown suit.

BROWN

A color that is warm and earthy, when one wears brown, an image of being practical and no-nonsense is typically the impression of others.  It's easy to approach a person in brown, as they appear down-to-earth, comfortable and empathetic.

Those in positions of needing to relate to customers and peers or are the point persons for giving information or help to others, brown is a great color as this also gives off a helpful and loyal vibe from the wearer.

John McCain shown in orange tie during the
US Presidential Campaign in 2008.

ORANGE

Orange is a bright color that can trascend to one's personality.  We see this as a common color in some campaigns, as orange is considered one of the most social colors.  It gives the image of excitement and glowing to the wearer.

For those who'd like to attract people and gain friends, orange is best to be worn.  Orange also signifies optimism, outgoing personality and fun!

Violet is mysterious and creative.

VIOLET

For artistic and creative jobs, violet is a good color to stimulate one's creativity.  At the same time, it also represents being mysterious and dramatic.

It might be difficult to appear personable to customers and clients wearing violet (especially darker shades), as this may make the wearer appear aloof.

In lighter shades, this color represents being witty and charming.

Pres. Noynoy Aquino during the 2010 Philippine
Presidential Campaign.

YELLOW

People sometime think yellow is the friendly color, but based on experts, orange is the social (and friendlier) color.  Yellow on the other hand is the color of happiness and joy.  For a wearer of a yellow shirt or tie, this may also show intellect and inspiration.  Yellow is also creative and spontaneous.

GREEN

Green is another color of our planet.  Hence, we can easily associate green with being environmental.  Other than that, those in green can also appear dependable, practical and balanced.

For those who'd like to increase their image of being a logical thinker, ambitious and stable, green can do that for you.  An interesting impression of green wearers is that they are pretty good in business.  Perhaps it's because US Dollars are colored green.

Knowing what color can do for you and your career can be a strategy that one can use towards achieving their professional success!  This can lead your empowered appearance to an overall empowered image!

What else do you think can these colors represent?  What other colors can you use for your career?  Comment below and share your thoughts!