Galway Advertiser 2008/GA_2008_02_28/GA_2802_E1_020.pdf 

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Galway Advertiser

February 28 2008

NEWS

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FASHION

BEAUTY

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H E A LT H

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LIFE

MARY
When you look in the mirror sometimes do you think you look jaded and dull? Your clothes just seem to hang on you and do little to make you look vibrant. The reason could lie in your choice of colour. Many of us fall into the trap of buying clothes because they look good on the rail or on other people. We rush out and buy something for a wedding or an important business meeting without giving it much thought. We do not realise that by developing our personal colour style we can look younger, healthier and more attractive. We can also save money by not wasting our hard earned cash on unwise buys. The colours we wear make a strong personal statement about us. They reflect our personality and can affect the way we feel about ourselves and how other people see us. Some people are lucky enough to have an instinctive feeling for colour and can mix and match it with ease and confidence. Colours evoke emotions both pleasant and unpleasant. You can be put off by a particular colour because of some past experience. When we wake up in the morning the colours we choose to wear can reflect our mood for the day. If you are feeling sombre you may choose black as you may not want to dress in bright colours. Colours are personality indicators, also. People with a negative view of life often opt for dark colours while those with a rosy outlook choose more cheery shades. Colour can be used to give a physical or psychological boost. If you feel tired but need to perform well experts recommend wearing red because it will give you an artificial energy boost. Extensive research has been carried out internationally on individual colours and their role as personality indicators. Read on to see what signals you are sending out when you choose to wear a black suit, yellow tie or pink jacket.
Singer Lucia Evans makes a dramatic entrance in red at the EZ Living Fashion Show recently.

O'CONNOR
Grey
A favourite of politicians and business people grey is the classic colour of those who want to blend in, they feel threatened by chaos and disorder. They desperately want to stay cool and uncluttered because they fear the real world is too much of a challenge. Grey lovers want to harmonise with others so they usually opt for safe hues.

Coming alive with colour
Photo: Mike Shaughnessy

Brown
Brown lovers need security and value their roots and family. They tend to feel insecure and are reluctant to take risks. They remain true to themselves and place great emphasis on their home life and financial situation. They are self sufficient and hate to feel dependent on anyone.

Yellow
The colour of canaries and custard, yellow is a sunny, optimistic colour often chosen by dreamers. People who need and like change, are cheerful, extrovert and energetic tend to opt for this colour. Yellow lovers see the world as a bright, lively place and tend to be cheerful and relaxed.

Green
This is a colour associated with peace, health, nature and alas, greed. Colour analysts say people who choose green want to impress and long for high self-esteem. They place a lot of emphasis on prestige and being right. Accuracy and neatness are highly valued by them. At home, they shy away from stimulating, noisy colours and prefer muted tones associated with restfulness and withdrawal.

Black
Black, favoured by superstars and undertakers, is the colour of choice of those who have "arrived". A sophisticated and elegant shade, it conveys a message of formality and control. People who opt for black may be autocratic, distrustful and secretive. They have agile minds and react swiftly and often ruthlessly if they do not get what they want. High achievers, they tend to have a well developed sense of self worth and feel they have little to prove to others. Black lovers tend to dislike criticism and are intolerant of weakness. Colour experts warn against wearing black for an important meeting. They say it is negative, lifeless and too associated with black moods. Famous lovers of black include singer/songwriter Leonard Cohen, actor Gabriel Byrne and singer Bryan Ferry.

Pink
Pink is a feminine, unthreatening colour. People who choose this hue like to feel they can charm and fascinate. They are usually sensitive and appreciative but do not like responsibility and often remain emotionally immature. Some pink lovers have a belief in dreams coming true, a romantic reliance on happy endings. Cautious people tend to plump for pink.

Red Blue
Calming, spiritual and creative, blue is the choice of people who are in harmony with themselves. They feel secure and enjoy life but can be obstinate sometimes. They value loyalty and integrity and make excellent friends. Blue is popular for corporate uniforms because it represents reliability and solid values. Blue wearers tend to be passive and self controlled. They may have reached the top or are content in their current position. They are not terribly ambitious and would never be ruthless so you will not find them elbowing anyone off the corporate ladder or engaged in elaborate ploys to dethrone the boss. Red is associated with stimulation and excitement. Those who wear red like to live life to the full but can be over dramatic, impulsive and obsessed by the need to conquer. Extroverts, they are passionate about life and yearn for excitement and achievement.

Orange
Orange represents pride, vigour and good health. A pleasure seeking colour, people who wear it tend to be self centred and not interested in the needs of others. They simply satisfy their own needs and wants.

White
White is synonymous with purity and tends to be worn by sensitive souls who fear criticism and are scared of sharing love. They are usually meticulous and give the impression of being in control. They are idealists, often caring people who like natural foods.

Stripes or spots
People who wear striped, spotted or patterned clothes are indecisive, say experts, and need reassurance. They tend to react aggressively to criticism - real or implied.