Are Your Clothes Sending Secret Signals About You

When it comes to your clothing, you really are what you wear.

Psychologists who study fashion trends and color response theory analyze how others react to your styles and colors. What they’ve learned might surprise you:

Psychological reactions to clothing styles

People who are fashion innovators (dress based on their own likes and dislikes even if they're not shared by the norm) tend to be creative and sensation-seekers. They tend to use their clothing as a vehicle for expressing individuality. Fashion followers tend to be lower in sensation-seeking and more concerned with the status quo. They are less likely to use their clothing to express their individuality. People who wear black tend to behave more aggressively (this was demonstrated in a study of athletic teams that wear black uniforms ...at games where they wore their black uniforms, they were more aggressive than at games where they wore another color).

When forming impressions of others on the basis of clothing style, people rely more on overall style of dress to form impressions than on specific features of clothing (e.g., cloth of the shirt, cut of the pants, etc.) Women tend to find men dressed in formal attire more suitable for a long-term relationship. Formal dress in men suggests financial security and sexual maturity. Men perceive other men wearing a tie as much more credible than men who don’t. They’re likely to disclose more and are more persuaded by men in ties than men without ties.

In general, people with strong social values and need for affiliation wear clothing that is considered popular and display the brand name of their clothing. Male business people perceive female applicants dressed in dark (as opposed to light) clothing as bold and assertive. People who are comfortable in their clothing perform better on tests of cognitive ability than people wearing uncomfortable clothing. When people wear clothing that they like, it produces positive emotion and causes them to become more sociable and productive. When thin and medium-build people wear oversize clothing, they are perceived as heavier than they really are. Yet, when overweight people wear oversized clothing, they are perceived as lighter than they actually are.

Psychological effects of colors: A crib sheet

* Black is the color of authority and power. It is popular in fashion because it makes people appear thinner. Black outfits can also be overpowering or make the wearer seem aloof.
* White is considered a summer color. White is popular in fashion because it is light, neutral and goes with everything.
* Red stimulates a faster heartbeat and breathing. Red clothing gets noticed and makes the wearer appear heavier. Since it’s an extreme color, red clothing might not help people in negotiations or confrontations.
* Blue is one of the most popular colors. Peaceful, tranquil blue causes the body to release calming hormones. Blue can also be cold and depressing. Fashion consultants recommend wearing blue to job interviews because it symbolizes loyalty.
* Green symbolizes nature. It is the easiest color on the eye and can improve vision. Dark green is masculine, conservative, and implies wealth.
* Cheerful, sunny yellow is an attention-getter. It’s considered an optimistic color. It’s also the most difficult color for the eye to take in, so it can be overpowering if overused.
* Purple connotes luxury, wealth and sophistication. It’s also feminine and romantic.
* Light brown implies genuineness. Brown can also be sad and wistful. Men tend to like brown a lot.

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