The colors you wear have an emotional effect on you and the impression you make on others.
This powerful color commands respect and gives the impression of confidence–even if it’s a T-shirt. That’s why it works so well for the Bold, Proper and Exotic Beauties (the Gamine, Classic and Dramatic). If this is your Img.ID, especially if you are a Winter, then you have the strength to carry this powerful color.
Enjoy it.
It does seem to be the most common clothing color available. Maybe that is because it is a “slimming color,” or perhaps because its richness has a way of making even a T-shirt look stately. Part of the reason why we wear it to funerals is that it’s formality shows respect to the one we lost or those we love that are grieving.
But, I must warn you (especially if you are a Ingénue, Romantic or Natural or if you are any seasonal palette other than the Winter) that black can also causes a sub-conscious emotional response of sorrow–which can do your image damage if you are not careful.
Think about this: Why don’t we wear bright yellow when we are around the grieving?
Bright colors speak “joy” and “life.” Dark colors have a more serious effect on us. To everything there is a season,right? Most of us have been taught to weep with those who weep and to rejoice with those who rejoice, but other than when going to a funeral, have you ever thought about what your clothing color is saying about you?
Here are my suggestions:
Gamines, be sure to add other colors (at least two) to your black attire, or you may come across as stanch and unfriendly. Your fun nature is one of your greatest qualities and I encourage you to bring that out to the forefront of your image. Soft or blending colors are not strong enough for you (unless you are combination of another Img.ID), but adding bold, contrasting colors will show the world the fun side of you–and it may just bring a little more joy into your temperament the days you wear it. Just as you might wear bright colors to help you through a dreary day, use this emotional effect to your advantage.
Classics and Dramatics should also be careful not to wear black only–or people may get the impression (even if it’s sub-conscious) that you are either a dictator (Proper Beauties) or unapproachable (Exotic Beauties). Monochromatic coloring may work well for either of these Img.IDs, but be sure to break it up with accessories that are inviting and inspiring or else you may find that others feel intimidated around you.
Ingénues, Romantics and Naturals who really do not want to give up black, should at least avoid wearing it around their face.
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To request an image consultation (what I call a Private Supreme MakeOver or SMO, which includes an color analysis and Img.ID assessment. I also do group SMOs) click on the Image Coaching tab:
Catrina Welch is an image- and life-coach whose message is not as much “what not to wear” as it is, “Know Who You Are,” which is the title of her book of guidelines for your personal image identity. Catrina has also written a Bible study to help women overcome their image issues. It is titled Supreme MakeOver: a Rich and Refreshing Devotional Experience. Her other books include Footprints Through the Sand: a Consolidation of Life-altering stories about Loving and Loosing a Trisomy-18 Baby and Confident Beauty: Reflecting the One Who Made You with the Images in Your Mirror and Your Soul, which will be available soon.
If you are interested in getting these books or having Catrina come speak at your event, you can contact her at www.CatrinaWelch.com or on facebook.