What Your Clothing Color Says About You

Relaxation
The serene shade soothes the person wearing it and makes the people around them feel at ease, say researchers at the University of British Columbia. Just consider the setting when choosing a tone, says Joe Lupo, co-owner of Visual Therapy, an image and style consulting service. "Midnight hues win at job interviews, while lighter shades make party guests feel comfortable in your presence."

Lorick top and belt, $285, at Laura Kathryn, 205-870-5683; American Eagle Outfitters pants, $39.50, ae.com; Gap shoes, $79.50, gap.com; Tai Jewelry bracelet, $115, yvettefry.com for info; Nava Zahavi ring, fragments.com

Romance
Red is the sexpot at the rainbow's end. Psychologists at the University of Rochester found that men are more attracted to women wearing the ruby hue. "Red is a stimulant for men; it boosts arousal and makes them want to chase," says Abby Calisch, Psy.D., a psychology professor at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia.

Patterson J. Kincaid dress, $188, shopbop.com for similar styles; Kate Moss for Topshop boots, $145, topshop.com; The Belt by Joe's belt, $58, joesjeans.com; Frieda & Nellie by Stacy Herzog and Sarah Reid friendship bracelet, $130, friedaandnellie.com; Flying Lizard beaded bracelet, $115, yvettefry.com for info

Creativity
Whenever you want to feel inspired, pull on something purple. "This regal shade draws out the creative artist within," says Lupo. "Plus, because it's one of those colors that people either love or hate, wearing it sends the message that you're a self-assured free thinker." For a chic look, pair purple with chocolate brown or charcoal gray.

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Authority
The preferred shade of fashionistas, cops, and CEOs, black is the universal color of authority, says Calisch. Studies show that donning the dark color can make other people perceive you as more powerful and competent. "If you want to take the edge off, choose something with a bit of embellishment, like lace or ruffles," suggests Lupo.

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Fun
This exuberant shade isn't the best choice for a serious business meeting or jury duty. "Because it's enthusiastic and inviting, you should wear it when you want to appear social, friendly, or approachable," says celebrity stylist David Zyla, author of Color Your Style. If an orange top isn't your thing, try a belt or a pair of shoes.

D&G top, $205, 800-979-3038 for stores; Levi's jeans, $79.50, levi.com; J.Crew shoes, $118, jcrew.com; Acote belt, $89, at Cotélac, 212-219-8065; Rodrigo Otazu for Fragments ring, $215, fragments.com

Happiness
This hue puts you and others in a good mood, according to research from the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam. Green's pleasurable vibe stems from its connection to nature. "It instantly brings about feelings of peace and contentment," says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute and author of the book More Alive with Color.

Mai top, $345, mai-nyc.com for stores; Cynthia Steffe shorts, $145, 212-403-6200; Loeffler Randall shoes, $550, at Barneys New York, 888-822-7639 for select stores; Megan Odabash bangle, $202, at Sola Showroom, 212-620-0988