Color your World

For many of us, having our color charts done in the late 70's and 80's empowered us to wear color or rather see color differently. Thank you, Suzanne, the founder of the color chart sensation. We also search for answers and approval from what our mothers, daughters, sisters, brothers, fathers, partners or spouses have told us. I'm here to offer you a solution to the conversation you may have with yourself before you switch from black to pink!

Color has proven to offer many benefits including, affecting our moods and supporting our confidence. Color encourages self expression and creativity. Worn in a polite and appropriate way color can reflect the child we still hold inside.

We know intuitively that color has a profound effect on those it comes in contact with, as well as ourselves. The idea of wearing black to be invisible or white to reflect purity is an interesting thought. Let me offer this for those who feel black is so much easier. When you wear black do you find the need to apply more makeup or do you feel you look more tired? I'm not suggesting you rid your closet of black completely, I'm simply offering you something to consider before going to the safety of black. Better to be thoughtful and not to fear color, instead take a look in the mirror and ask the reflection how it feels to have only one crayon color to use..

Choosing a daily color can offer you more options, and at the same time, less actual decision making options when you’re getting dressed. Sound like a contradiction? Let me explain, by choosing a different color daily you’ll have less to think about when getting dressed, and more time to focus on the important tasks facing you that day. You might be asking, how I taught myself to rethink color on a daily basis. I first had to be willing to change a habit that had become too comfortable, wearing all black. Having learned about the colors of the Chakra through a friend, I created a daily guide to help me wear more color and mix up the wardrobe I currently have without going out to purchase more. Mondays I wear red, Tuesday yellow or orange, Wednesday blue, Thursday green and Friday shades of pink and lavender. I left the weekend as a free choice, often being neutrals! I have lived this style attitude for over 20 years. Admittedly certain colors triggered unpleasant and uncomfortable feelings including anger, fear and discomfort. It became a challenge to get out of my comfort especially knowing on Sundays I would face the color that created anger and discomfort every Monday. Ultimately for some time I would dread Sunday evenings. It took some. time but now I look forward to Mondays and what shades of red I can find and wear. Red is now a color that reminds me, I am compassionate, I have confidence and I can take on the week ahead.

Another way of understanding how choosing a daily color can give you more options, while also less options, try thinking of it like this: by pulling the daily color first, the surrounding “look” will be easier. Make sense? Think about your classic black, navy, grey, brown or white as your "canvas" color, then add the color for the day, your daily color, say green, work it back with your “canvas” color and voila you create a beautiful and comfortable picture that is pleasing to your eye and the look works.

Let me share how I use my color system to support my unique style. When getting myself together for any occasion, I start with my daily color wheel or the primary item of clothing. For me, I prefer to pick the primary neutral item I’m going to wear first such as pants, skirts, jackets or a dress. I then choose any 3 colors, sometimes all in one garment or accessory such as a scarf, a sweater, blouse or blazer, and put them all together to complete my look. If your work requires a uniform my color system can still work for you. If you’re asking how, let me share more. Wearing a uniform does not prevent you from accessorizing your look with 3 colors, consider colorful undies, socks, shoes or jewelry. Color in your wardrobe will give you the confidence to express youre creativity and allow others to perceive in a different way. Whether in a courtroom, office, business meeting, interview, podium speaking, teaching, or simply out around town, the “comfort” you feel will project the confidence you exude to those you come in contact with. Remember it doesn’t matter if the color is hidden under your clothes or on your feet, it’s how you feel knowing you have the color on.

Once you master your weekly colors you might find it easier to shop and not make costly mistakes with those, "now what do I do with it?" garments. You may see your wardrobe in a different way and therefore start wearing clothes that have left you with questions.

For some, color may create a certain amount of discomfort. Since color is perceived in such a variety of ways, it makes perfect sense you might feel, at first, insecure, self conscious, or anxious. A suggestion, trust your intuition with how it looks and how it makes you feel. Keep that color demon off your shoulder...that voice that’s telling you to doubt your gut feeling about what looks good. Knock that ugly little bottom feeding color snatcher bugger off your shoulder. Smack it, slap it and stop its chatter so you can listen to yourself. Dodge the self judgement and the judgements you might feel from others.

Be a child again and trust the crayons in your closet. I dare you to share.

Embrace yourself, your most colorful, brilliantly vivid self!