Seeing red? Feeling blue or are you green with envy? Considering the way we often describe our emotions, there is no denying that colour affects moods, feelings and emotions. Slip into a sexy black dress and you’ll feel like painting the town red, stumble upon an old grey shirt of an ex-boyfriend and you’ll want to drown yourself in a tub of ice-cream!

There’s no escaping colour. Here’s how different colours can affect you.

Seeing Red: Red is the hot, crazy girl of colours, evoking powerful emotions such as fear, anger and passion. Although research shows that the best way for a single gal to attract a guy’s attention is to wear red, you may be garnering attention you don’t necessarily want – there is a reason they call it the red light district! We link red to passion because red is the colour we exhibit on our skin when sexually interested – a red flush or blush. The safest way to rock this passion producing colour is by wearing red lipstick or nail polish, or carrying a red clutch.

A calming case of the blues: Need to chill out after a stressful day? Slip on something blue. Psychologically blue is the opposite of red – it instantly lowers your blood pressure and conveys tranquillity. Wear it on a first date; it will make you feel more relaxed. Wear blue if you are going for a job interview or meeting your partner’s parents for the first time. Blue is associated with trustworthiness, strength and dependability. Blue is also an appetite suppressant. Studies found that diners who eat in a blue room, compared to one painted red or yellow, consume a third less calories.

It’s easy to be green: The colour green is closely linked to the environment which can put you in a relaxed mood. Green is associated with growth and nature. This colour looks good on every skin type. Studies have shown that office workers, who could see green out the window liked their jobs more, were happier and healthier.

Bringing sexy black: Having a “fat day”? Something black will make you look and feel slimmer - instantly improving your mood. Wearing black can also be a downer (think funerals) or make you feel very chic (think Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s). Black is universally denoted to be the colour of authority and power.

Pure White: White implies honesty and purity, and wearing it has been found to make people act in a more altruistic way, which is why doctors and nurses wear this colour. Tests done by NASA have found that workers in white rooms are less motivated and focussed, possibly because they found the stark contrasts around them distracting.

Perky orange: This quirky colour says: “have a little more fun and be a little different, but not too different”.

Anything but mellow-yellow: Yellow is summertime feeling colour. That being said, overkill on yellow can leave you looking like a walking banana. Rather invest in yellow accessories e.g. a pale yellow scarf. Yellow is an eye irritant, not everyone can pull this colour off.

How our bodies respond to colour depends on the emotions the shades evoke. These reactions are often linked to our experiences. Seeing a certain colour evokes certain feelings. These emotions act on the hormones and neurotransmitters in our brain and this in turn changes the way our bodies feel and behave.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.