Red
Like yellow, red is a stimulating color. It evokes confidence and enthusiasm and is attention getting (hence the color choice for stop signs and siren lights). Perhaps its cultural symbolism also explains why red is thought to produce better attention to detail. Seeing the color red can actually elevate blood pressure and make hearts beat faster, which might make it an optimal choice for people who need a quick burst of adrenaline. According to a 2005 British study, athletes who wear red perform better. Red improves performance outside of the sports world, too—a study published last year found that men rated women more attractive and sexually desirable when they wore red than when they wore other colors.
Pink
An offshoot of red, pink often has an opposite effect on people. Certain shades tend to promote calm and alleviate anger. After all, how angry could you stay in a bright pink room? A 1979 study by Dr. Alexander Schauss demonstrated that prison inmates kept in a pink room (the exact shade, similar in hue to bubblegum, is called Baker Miller Pink) for even a short period were considerably less hostile and aggressive. Participants of a similar study performed at the John Hopkins University Hospital in Maryland reported reduced appetites because of the pink exposure. Some also believe that seeing pink might cause people to taste sweetness (though it’s never made Pepto-Bismol more palatable to me).
Green
There’s something both refreshing and relaxing about the color green. Culturally, it suggests wealth and prosperity, but it also inspires renewal, openness, and peace. In a 2004 survey published in College Student Journal, participants were asked about their responses to certain colors. Most found that green increased their comfort and positivity levels because of green’s association with the environment and natural states. People also see green and think of lime flavor—one experiment showed that people given a cherry-flavored drink colored green thought it was lime.
Black
This stark color carries many connotations with it, including death, power, anger, dynamism, authority, and seduction. Research has found that offices using black as a primary color had workers who felt stronger and “tougher.” People who wear black usually feel more confident and attractive (the slimming effect helps) and people wearing black sometimes seem more sophisticated to others—probably why the little black dress has a home in most women’s closets.
