Set The Right Tone

Blue
RELAXATION
SET
THE
RIGHT
TONE
Color is a powerful thing—
research shows it can affect our mood
and elicit strong biological
reactions in those around us. Use this
fashion guide to help you paint the
picture you want the world to see.
By Kristen Dold
PHOTOGRAPHS BY DAYMION MARDEL
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The serene shade
soothes the person
wearing it and makes
the people around
them feel at ease, say
researchers at the
University of British
Columbia. Just
consider the setting
when choosing a
tone, says Joe Lupo,
co-owner of Visual
Therapy, an image
and style consulting
service. “Midnight
hues win at job
interviews, while
lighter shades make
party guests feel
comfortable in your
presence.”
Lorick top and belt,
$285, at Laura Kathryn,
205-870-5683; American
Eagle Outfitters pants,
$39.50, ae.com; Gap
shoes, $79.50, gap.com;
Tai Jewelry bracelet,
$115, yvettefry.com for
info; Nava Zahavi ring,
fragments.com
Red
ROMANCE
Red is the sexpot at
the rainbow’s end.
Psychologists at
the University of
Rochester found
that men are more
attracted to women
wearing the ruby
hue. “Red is a
stimulant for men;
it boosts arousal and
makes them want
to chase,” says Abby
Calisch, Psy.D., a
psychology professor
at Eastern Virginia
Medical School in
Norfolk, Virginia.
Patterson J. Kincaid dress,
$188, shopbop.com for
similar styles; Kate Moss
for Topshop boots, $145,
topshop.com; The Belt by
Joe’s belt, $58, joesjeans
.com; Frieda & Nellie by
Stacy Herzog and Sarah
Reid friendship bracelet,
$130, friedaandnellie
.com; Flying Lizard
beaded bracelet, $115,
yvettefry.com for info
Purple
CREATIVITY
Whenever you want
to feel inspired,
pull on something
purple. “This regal
shade draws out
the creative artist
within,” says Lupo.
“Plus, because
it’s one of those
colors that people
either love or hate,
wearing it sends the
message that you’re
a self-assured free
thinker.” For a chic
look, pair purple with
chocolate brown or
charcoal gray.
Diane von Furstenberg
dress, $345, dvf.com;
Charles David shoes, $215,
kokopalenki.com; Disaya
necklace, $285, disaya
.com for stores; Bajra
Jewelry bracelet, $50, at
Lola, 914-921-3162
Black
AUTHORITY
The preferred shade
of fashionistas, cops,
and CEOs, black is
the universal color
of authority, says
Calisch. Studies
show that donning
the dark color can
make other people
perceive you as
more powerful
and competent. “If
you want to take
the edge off, choose
something with a
bit of embellishment,
like lace or ruffles,”
suggests Lupo.
Cotélac dress, $350,
212-219-8065; The Frye
Company shoes, $168,
thefryecompany.com;
Marquis & Camus bracelet,
$165, marquiscamus.com
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Orange
FUN
This exuberant
shade isn’t the best
choice for a serious
business meeting or
jury duty. “Because
it’s enthusiastic
and inviting, you
should wear it when
you want to appear
social, friendly, or
approachable,” says
celebrity stylist
David Zyla, author of
Color Your Style. If
an orange top isn’t
your thing, try a belt
or a pair of shoes.
D&G top, $205, 800979-3038 for stores;
Levi’s jeans, $79.50, levi
.com; J.Crew shoes, $118,
jcrew.com; Acote belt,
$89, at Cotélac, 212-2198065; Rodrigo Otazu
for Fragments ring, $215,
fragments.com
Green
HAPPINESS
This hue puts you
and others in a good
mood, according to
research from the
Vrije Universiteit
in Amsterdam.
Green’s pleasurable
vibe stems from
its connection to
nature. “It instantly
brings about
feelings of peace and
contentment,” says
Leatrice Eiseman,
executive director
of the Pantone Color
Institute and author
of the book More
Alive with Color.
Mai top, $345, mai-nyc
.com for stores; Cynthia
Steffe shorts, $145,
212-403-6200; Loeffler
Randall shoes, $550, at
Barneys New York,
888-822-7639 for select
stores; Megan Odabash
bangle, $202, at Sola
Showroom, 212-620-0988
STYLING BY
KATE MOODIE
Hair: Sarah Sabia/
See Management
Makeup: Angie
Parker for Dior/
raybrownpro.com
Prop styling: Helen
Crowther/Achard &
Associates
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