Avoid a Fashion Faux Pas Use the Psychology of Color to Dress for an Interview - CareerAlley

Avoid a Fashion Faux Pas Use the Psychology of Color to Dress for an Interview - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. When it comes time to go in for a job interview, a number of people probably can recall their events preceding their trip to the interview location. First, theres making sure to get a good nights sleep. Then, theres eating a good breakfast, getting ready, and deciding on the perfect outfit. What you wear has the potential to make or break the interview. Although other factors such as your skillset are undoubtedly considered, you dont want to look like a slob or dress in a way that makes a potential employer question your abilities. A good tip is to dress above the job, but beyond that, then what? When youre staring into your closet, trying to decide on a suit, sweater, or top, the psychology of color can make your decision a bit easier. There has been plenty of research done on the psychology of color and what colors provoke certain emotions. Although some findings are questionable, some of the general, more accepted statements are provided. Red Red is undoubtedly an intimidating attention getter, which is why stop signs are painted bright red. Its a cue for assertion, energy, and excitement. Although red can symbolize love, such as when its in the form of a rose, it also signals passion and intensity. In most cases, a red ensemble is not practical to wear to an interview, unless youre interviewing for a position very high up in a company where being intimidating is beneficial for job performance. That isnt to say all red is bad, however. Wearing a red pin or having a hint of red somewhere certainly is not frowned upon. Black Black is a color that boasts authority and power. It also is associated with strength, intelligence, and seriousness. Although it is associated with evil, death, and mourning, it isnt as morbid when balanced with other colors. In other words, black is perfectly fine to wear as long as you dont wear too much of it. White White is associated with purity, cleanliness, and innocence. White is a good color to wear and pair with other garments; however, its good to remember that white clothing tends to get dirty the quickest. The last thing you want is to spill something on a white outfit and show up to an interview with a stain on your clothing. Grey While too much grey can make you look drab, the right amount of grey can convey sophistication and practicality. Grey is a color that is great for a corporate environment because it is very professional. Blue Blue is associated with loyalty, calmness, and peace. Blue tends to be the favorite color of men and has the opposite effect red has. Although too much blue can suggest depression or coldness, the right shades and amount helps people feel calm and focused. Because blue is associated with a number of good qualities, it is an excellent color to wear to job interviews. Green Green is another favorite of men and women and is most often associated with money and nature. It has calming properties and despite being associated with envy, it symbolizes health, wealth, and growth. Green is another great color to include in your interview outfit. Pink Although red can symbolize love, pink is the true color of love. Perhaps not surprisingly, women prefer the color pink more than men do. Pink has also been shown to have calming properties. If you are a woman and know you will be interviewed by a woman, it might not hurt to include pink in your attire. Yellow While yellow can strain the eyes if it is too overpowering, it also is associated with cheerfulness and optimism. If youre going to wear yellow to an interview, a more golden yellow color is recommended, and the garment or accessory should not be too overpowering. Overall, knowing the psychology of color can help you tailor any outfit depending on purpose and location. Next time you have an interview, keep these tips in mind so you can make the best impression possible. Alyssa Zandi is a contributing writer for Minnesota Workwear, a distributor of Red Kap, Dickies, and other apparel. This is a Guest post. If you would like to submit a guest post to CareerAlley, please follow these guest post guidelines. Good luck in your search. Visit me on Facebook