It all started with the color black. Last week, I decided to do some much needed spring cleaning in my small but oh-so-cozy closet. As I pulled out (quite gleefully) my worn-out winter sweaters, long sleeved dresses, and salt-stained suede boots from their coveted spots for the past five months, I realized they all had one miserable thing in common: they were all boring and black. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love the color black: it makes me feel sexy at all the right times, skinny in all the right places, and effortlessly put together at all the right moments. But with the warmer air igniting the playful, flirty female inside of me, black made me feel uninspired and antsy; I was itching for something colorful, something loud, and something that screamed spring. As I switched out my seasonal pieces from dull and dark—I got so tired of seeing the color that even my black tights made me cringe—to dainty and delightful, my heart felt instantly happy. Yellows, oranges, corals, pinks, red, blues, and greens in all patterns and shades exploded from my tiny closet, and I couldn’t help but smile. My wardrobe was alive again.
This fabulous, color-induced high made me curious; so naturally, I consulted an old Revlon* book given to me a long time ago. I’m not the fashion-and-beauty-challenged kid I used to be, and what once seemed a book of beauty transformed into a bible of color. Have you ever wondered why wearing that red strapless dress makes you feel hotter or why that blue flowy blouse makes you more carefree? Sure, it could simply be the style, how it accentuates your collarbone or eyes just right, or the way Mr. Hub Hottie stares you down whenever you wear it. Although the latter trumps almost anything, your mood and interactions are largely dependent on color choice. Lucky for you, bold, brilliant hues are everywhere this spring, and even luckier, I’ve dissected how the most popular shades of the season affect your clothing, accessories, and beauty regimen. So read on my fellow DePauw fashionistas, and choose from the rainbow with care. After all, your presence might depend on it.
Siren in Reds
You might recall from a previous article my mentioning that “Women who wear red lipstick smile more.” That’s because red is for those of you who want to get noticed, and what girl wouldn’t smile with everyone vying for their attention? The color red symbolizes heat, power, leadership, danger, sexuality, passion, love, and is known to stimulate the senses. No wonder why you feel so fabulous in that strapless dress on a night out at the Duck: all eyes are on you. Women who gravitate towards this color are known to be intense, impulsive, aggressive, optimistic and animated. They are spontaneous and have a strong sense of desire in all aspects of their life. While I always suggest trying out this hue on your lips (again, see the above quote), choose a pair of sunglasses—the most popular spring pair are retro-chic—in red.
Pretty in Pinks
Calling all ladies with a feminine, romantic flair: pink is your color. Pink reminds me of cutesy bows, big ruffles, and sassy sophistication. It gives others the impression of innocence, but can also mask a naughty-but-nice persona. The color possesses passive, energy-zapping qualities, which can act as a refreshing distraction for your latest Beta crush. Ladies who love pink are associated with sweetness, delicacy, tenderness, harmony, and good tempers. They have a keen interest for companionship, comfort, and the world around them. This color exudes the definition of flirty and fabulous, so paint some fuchsia on your toes or place a pink gloss—a definite spring “must” in all shades—on your pucker, and start batting those eyelashes.
Playful in Yellows
Sunshine, rubber ducks, daffodils, polka-dotted bikinis, and the list for why yellow makes us instantly happy goes on. My favorite: the yellow tulips right outside the Hub (you can almost hear my joyful sighs). Yellow evokes feelings of warmth, energy, power, youth, and optimism. Yellow lovers are highly imaginative, idealistic, talkative, artistic, spiritual, and love challenges. Ladies who wear this color are often associated with being reliable friends and having cheery dispositions. Who wouldn’t want to give off that sunny demeanor? Light-weight scarves are a spring staple, so try wrapping some sunshine around your neck and start soaking up the good vibes.
Offbeat in Oranges & Corals
When I think of these colors, I instantly think of the beach. I also start craving a cold, juicy Clementine on a hot summer day and my favorite dish at Almost Home: salmon. Oranges and corals are invigorating colors, and people that wear them are seen as daring, upfront, influential, innovative, and independent. As a symbol of vitality, a single glimpse at these colors lifts and lightens people’s moods. Celebs have been spotted left and right in orange and coral dresses this season, which can only mean one thing: try one on, expose your inner wild child, and work it girl.
Easygoing in Greens and Blues
Oh mother earth, the essential bearer of all things calming and natural. Greens and blues signify tranquility, beauty, good health, renewal, life, and peace; just picture the breathtaking scenes of the still, clear ocean, rolling meadows for miles, or the DePauw Nature Park. Others associate those who wear the colors as relaxed, soothing, productive, and carefree. Bright greens and blues are exploding this spring in every item from dresses to jewelry, so try them all out—especially big, earthy necklaces.
Passionate in Purples
Purple is the queen of luxury and royalty, perfect with the William and Kate wedding nuptials right around the corner (pre-wedding coverage starts this Friday around 4am DePauw time for those of you who didn’t get a royal invite). The color evokes an aura of intrigue, mystery, creativity, and individuality. Purple is a multi-tasker for emotions: it helps de-stress and unwind, and evokes sex appeal and sentimentality. My suggestion for this color? Wear it to Roy O. and sit by the hottie writing the same horrible History paper as you; that way, you’re killing two birds with one stone. The purple smokey eye is the new sultry look for spring, so also try out the color when you’re looking to pump up your girls-night-out beauty regimen.
Versatile in Neutrals
I know what you’re thinking: neutrals aren’t sassy or fun. But I must say, they give a totally different and fresh spring feel than darker colors. Light browns and beiges are associated with substance, stability, dependability, practicality, coziness, and natural beauty. Lovers of these colors are seen as down-to-earth, no-fuss individuals who appreciate comfort, simplicity, loyalty, and the home. Natural browns and beiges work well with anything, so pair or layer your bright, look-at-me colors above with neutral clothing, accessories, and shoes. Two staple items this spring: a trendy (and adorable) hat to keep out the sun and neutral shoes that go with just about anything—even black.
No Matter the Hue…
Every girl deserves the right to be in control of her life, whether it be your schedule, your relationships, your wardrobe, etc. Now throw on that yellow scarf, grab your neutral thong sandals, and relish in the fact that by choosing the right color, you are one step closer (and completely deserving) to being in control of you. This spring, color yourself happy.
*Many color analyses in this article were influenced by Revlon’s “Unforgettable Color: Makeup with Confidence” by Selene Milano. For a full assessment of your color personality, check it out.