There’s a science to colour.
An entire theory based on colour.
As we’d all agree, design and art are two of the most subjective fields in the world. What’s sauce for the goose is, very often, not necessarily sauce for the gander. The same rule applies to colour. Perhaps even more so. What evokes one reaction in one person may trigger a completely disparate reaction in someone else. Be it due to personal preferences, situational circumstance, or, even cultural. Needless to say the science of colour is, well, a science in itself.
AN ENTIRE THEORY OF COLOUR
There’s also how colour affects us from a psychological perspective and, given the effort with which marketeers continuously try to outdo each other (all in the name of expanding bottomlines), it may very well be the most known of all principles pertaining to colour theory. Indeed, studying how colours impact people, either singularly or collectively, is something certain individuals build their careers on. Many in the industry (correctly) perceive colour as an integral component of branding/sales/marketing as it can influence consumers’ emotions and perceptions of goods and services.
Did you know warm colours attract spontaneous purchases?
And whilst red makes a woman more desirable, it does nothing for a man?
Absolutely nothing.
And there’s more to it. Loads more.
Something as rudimentary as changing the exact hue or saturation of a colour can bring about a whole world of difference in terms of the emotions it induces. Which side of the globe you hail from also changes things. For instance, in the US, mothers are gifted bouquets of white carnations. In Asia, those blossoms are primarily reserved for funerals. Clearly, something that’s happy and uplifting in one country can be depressing in another, and awareness of such cultural deviations can go a long way towards circumventing misunderstandings.
When it comes to their preferred colour, Blue is the top choice for 35% of Americans, followed by Green (16%) then Purple (10%) and, finally, Red (9%). Those last two colours came as a bit of shock for me but then again, Houston is a somewhat different playground. Many use colour to blend in, not stand out, and that’s why I rarely see Purple nor Red being worn. Varying shades of Beige abound.
YES, IT'S AS BLAND AS IT SOUNDS
On a personal level, which colours speak to you most? And, just for fun, what’s your personality colour? Here are some tests I discovered on the web, and tried out. This was eerily accurate, I wasn’t ready to confront myself. And this one here was fun. Here’s an entire line-up of different quizzes. My personal fave. And another based on personal traits. Do let me know what your results were. I’ll be sharing mine on Wednesday.
And now, my friends, welcome to the second of a tri-part project between Jodie and her ladies, Eve, and myself. Today, we focused on upping the Black + White ante by infusing our outfits with a dose of colour. Any colour of our choosing. Evidently, some of us (unwittingly and unknowingly) matched and co-ordinated. Heh.
Eve, Teens (the world according to eve)
So many brilliant nuances to this outfit. From those flirty fringes of her tie-dye top to the gothic skull studs on her wedge heels, all the way to that unexpected pop of coral around her neck, Eve is looking fine, footloose and fancy free.
Sheela, 40s (sheela writes)
That ombre effect towards the cuffs is what saves these pants from being called scrubs GRIN it was one of those last minute outfits which, somehow, worked out. Ish. I must say I do like how B&W are represented in my accessories as well.
Jodie, 50s (jodie’s touch of style)
I’ve loved the addition of Yellow to a B&W outfit ever since I first saw it on a Bratz character in 2005, and I love it even more seeing those colours on a real life “doll”. Doesn’t Jodie look sooo pretty? With bow bracelet and lace flats to boot?
Nancy, 60s (jodie’s touch of style)
Despite the stereotypical graphic aspect of Black and White, Nancy’s look is anything but harsh. In fact, it exudes a delicate, soft, oh so feminine vibe that’s immensely appealing. Can you tell I love me a good paradox?
Charlotte, 70s (jodie’s touch of style)
Charlotte has such a deft hand when it comes to wearing lace. And she’s certainly no insipid wallflower here with shots of electric blue and the palest of mustard yellow pumps. We could all learn a thing or two from her when it comes to embracing colour.
Come Wednesday, the concluding part of this project will feature an interview and thoughts on the colours Black as well as White. I’d love for you to come visit then.
Which colour do you pair with black and white?
Love, Sheela
p/s my photos by Sofia Touassa
I link up here.
Sheela Writes 
Okay—I’ll take the quiz…but I’m standing by my addiction to yellow at the moment.
I was just telling Suzanne, that I think as a kid, I felt like blue was mom’s color, so I had to pick a different one. And it used to be green—which I still love. But right now, yellow takes the cake (really, my mouth takes the cake,and then the hips— but you know what I mean)
So why is Houston a different playground? I know Denver (as an ex-cow town) is super casual and still has a somewhat cowboy vibe at times—but I haven’t thought about color and this city!!
If you made me take a stab right now at Denver and it’s most common color, I’d say denim and teevas (ugh…they give me the willies!!). Probably one of the reasons I gush at your shoe collection!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
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Hahaha I think Yellow is a brilliant choice, Jodie. That Bratz doll I was making reference too? She was wearing a B&W outfit with touches of silvery grey and sunshiny yellow. The entire palette made such a lasting impression on me 🙂 growing up, my Mum’s favourite colours were Red and Purple but she only wore Black and White. I know not why. Houston is, for the most part, very very VERY casual. And dressing-up often means head to toe in one single colour so, yeah. That’s not across the board but it happens quite a bit 🙂
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Color is very powerful! I used to wear a lot of blue years ago until a friend commented that all I ever wore was blue. So then I stayed away from it because I didn’t want to be boring. But lately I have come back to it! I need to wear what I want! 🙂 I have a lot of neutrals in my wardrobe but with pops of color thrown in. And I have a few very bright, colorful pieces. I have to be in the mood to wear them, but when I am and I wear them they always make me smile! 🙂
So fun to see everyone’s choices! Black and white really pairs well with so many colors. That’s why it’s part of my travel wardrobe I guess… 🙂
Andrea
Andrea’s Wellness Notes
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That’s precisely what I told my husband 14 years ago, and it’s only taken me, oh I don’t know, 8 years maybe? To “nudge” him onto other palettes and venture beyond various shades of blue 🙂 now he has lilac and steel grey and burgundy and olive green. The beautiful thing is he actually chooses to wear them, just as you wear what you want, Andrea. That’s the most wonderful thing about dressing-up. Freedom of expression and of choice xoxo
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For e few years ago my closet existed only of black items! Today I am finally wearing black again on my blog, but for the last few months more and more color has entered my closet! Blue,black and a white are a strong color combination. But you radiant power even with neutrale I think!😎😘
http://www.nancysfashion.style
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Up until a few months ago, Nancy, I was quite the same. I wore only Black for the longest time, since my teens actually. And now that I’m on this print/pattern adventure, I’m finding it difficult to wear all black again. Isn’t that the oddest 🙂 thank you so much for your kind words. Truly 🙂
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Sheela, your outfit is lovely. I love the ombre pants. And that vest is fabulous! I also find the science of color to be quite fascinating. Having been a competitive athlete for the first half of my life, the science of colors intrigued me with the effects colors have on mood, etc. For example, pink is known to be very soothing and relaxing to the point of inducing sleepiness. As a result, many locker rooms reserved for the opposing/visiting team are painted pink. Bright blue is known for aggravating and increasing energy…probably my so many team colors include blue.
For me personally, I love red with black and white. But I also love any bright pop of color with black and white. I have paired greens, yellows, pinks, and blues with black and white as well.
I am going to take your tests in time to comment on your next post…because I am now officially intrigued and curious…
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
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And thanks for linking up On the Edge of the Week!
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Prior to this post, I always seemed stuck at the black+white+red point. I couldn’t think of anything else to go with those two classic colours, and then when I think I’m being all smart and original with blue, well, there are three of us sporting that very same palette here so there you have it GRIN yes, please, Shelbee, take the tests. It’d be interesting to suss out which responses others receive.
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Such a great look and I love the stripes.
XO, Jessi
http://www.mywhiteT.com
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WOw I guess I fit the 35% for sure as I love wearing blue and then black. Interesting points here.
Rachel xo
http://garaytreasures.com
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I’m loving your mix of black, white and blue. I have to admit, I don’t wear a lot of color, and if I do, it’s usually a soft shade. It fascinates me how color is perceived in different cultures.
Rachael
http://www.threadsforthomasblog.com
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love this color combo. man i feel so boring I usually wear blacks and whites alone, or maybe with a rust or nude. haha totally boring, but it’s what i always feel comfortable in.
http://www.prettyinleather.net
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Love your writing. I’m a yellow personality but don’t wear it a lot because my skin color is pink. Blue is my clothes color of choice.
Julia
http://www.whenthegirlsrule.com
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Blue and black is one of my favorite color combos. I’m so glad to see three of you wearing it and all looking so different and yet fabulous.
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
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I love all the color choices, blue is a very popular color and my choice when I don’t want to be too different, otherwise, I always grab a yellow or a shade close to it.
http://www.stylediarybyosy.com/
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