The Psychology of What We Wear to Work
When getting dressed for work, how do you decide what to wear?
Is it about comfort, practicality, or simply what’s clean?
Just yesterday, as I was preparing for a workshop on effective communication, I instinctively reached for my usual
outfit—black, comfortable, and reliable. But I paused. I wanted to feel confident, energised, and fully engaged with my audience. So, I chose my favourite green dress instead. This small decision had a big impact on how I felt.
Over the years, I’ve learned that what we wear can significantly influence our mood, energy, and presence—especially at work. For me, my green dress represents balance and energy, aligning perfectly with my needs and the environmental values of my client, who focuses on conservation.
How Colour Affects Mood
Colours aren’t just visual; they have a profound psychological impact that can influence our emotions, behaviours, and even physical responses. Studies in colour psychology show that different hues evoke different emotional responses and can affect our energy levels.
Red: Increases heart rate and blood flow, creating feelings of excitement or urgency. It’s associated with passion, action, and sometimes danger. It’s great for days when you need to feel bold and decisive but can be overwhelming in excess.
Blue: Calming, lowers heart rate, and promotes relaxation and stability. Perfect for high-pressure situations or when trust and professionalism are key.
Yellow: Bright and cheerful, boosting optimism and energy. Ideal for when you want to feel positive and creative, but too much can be overstimulating.
Green: Symbolises balance, growth, and harmony. It fosters calmness and stability, making it great for collaborative or stressful environments.
The Impact of Colour in the Workplace
What we wear at work doesn’t just affect us; it also influences how others perceive us. In Kiwi culture, black is often the go-to colour, symbolising both simplicity and sophistication. It’s a staple in many wardrobes, offering a sense of authority and seriousness. However, it’s worth considering how other colours can be used strategically to enhance productivity, foster communication, and create a specific atmosphere. Here’s a quick guide:
Black: In New Zealand, black is more than a colour—it’s an identity. It conveys authority, elegance, and sophistication, making it a popular choice in the workplace. However, while black can project power and professionalism, wearing it exclusively might create a more subdued or even intimidating environment. Balancing it with lighter or more vibrant colours can add warmth and approachability.
Blue: Promotes calmness, focus, and reliability. It’s ideal for roles that require trust and authority (such as healthcare workers)
Red: Energises and boosts confidence. Great for leadership roles or when decisive action is needed, but best in moderation.
Green: Encourages calmness and harmony. Useful for team settings and high-stress environments.
Yellow: Inspires creativity and optimism. Great for brainstorming sessions but should be used sparingly to avoid overstimulation.
White: Represents clarity and simplicity. Good for promoting clear thinking but can feel sterile if overused.
Purple: Stimulates creativity and conveys luxury. Ideal for creative roles but opt for lighter shades for a more uplifting effect.
Orange: Exudes warmth and sociability. Perfect for team-building activities but best paired with more neutral tones.
Pink: Soft and nurturing, fostering warmth and calm. Ideal for roles requiring empathy but may need balancing with more authoritative colours.
Brown: Grounding and reliable, conveying stability. Good for trust-building but can seem dull if not paired with brighter colours.
Turquoise/Teal: Combines clarity with calmness. Perfect for situations requiring clear thinking and a positive attitude.
Beige/Cream: Neutral and calming, suitable for informal settings but can seem bland without contrasting colours.
Choosing Colours with Intention
I’ve noticed that the colours I wear directly influence how I feel. On days when I need grounding, I opt for greens and earthy tones. When I need a boost of energy and confidence, I choose reds or bright colours. Yesterday, wearing my green dress made a noticeable difference. I felt more balanced and confident, which positively impacted my workshop.
The key is to wear colours that reflect how you want to feel. If your mood is low, wearing black—while comfortable—might not lift your spirits. Instead, try blue, green, or white to feel more energised and positive.
Colour’s Influence on Team Dynamics
As a leader or team member, consider how your clothing choices can impact not just your mood but also your team’s atmosphere. In Kiwi culture, where black is a frequent choice, it can signify solidarity and strength but might also create a more serious or subdued tone. Leaders who mix in a variety of colours—like calming blues or energising yellows—can foster a more dynamic and uplifting environment. Encouraging your team to be mindful of their colour choices can boost morale and productivity.
Practical Tips for Colour Choices at Work
Identify Your Intentions: Consider how you want to feel and be perceived. For authority, choose deeper colours. For collaboration, opt for softer tones.
Understand Psychological Effects: Leverage colour psychology. Wear blue or green for calmness and focus; red or orange for energy and enthusiasm.
Experiment and Reflect: Try different colours and observe their effects on your mood and energy. Keeping a diary can help track these changes over time.
Match Colours to Tasks: Align your clothing with your agenda. Wear colours that promote communication like blue for meetings; choose green for focus-intensive tasks.
Promote Colour Awareness in Your Team: Encourage your team to wear colours that make them feel good. A colour-conscious workplace can improve mood, teamwork, and productivity.
The Broader Impact of Colour on Wellbeing
Colours affect more than our emotions; they can influence our physical wellbeing. Wearing colours linked to positive memories or emotions can boost mood, reduce stress, and enhance overall health. Dressing with intention, choosing colours that reflect how you want to feel, can make a significant difference in your day.
Next time you stand in front of your wardrobe deciding what to wear, remember that your choices are more than just about fashion—they’re a tool to influence your mood, energy, and how you present yourself.
Whether it’s the confidence of a red jacket or the calm of a blue blouse, the colours you wear can set the tone for your day. Embrace the power of colour, and let it work for you!
