Black = dignified, elegant, intimidating, powerful, aloof.  It’s difficult to establish rapport in black, but it’s perfect for the power plays of the boardroom.

White = innocent, pure, optimistic, indecisive.  Wear white as a small piece of your ensemble (shirts, blouses).  Save your all-white ensemble for your medical uniform, casual wear or a walk down the aisle.

Gray = steady, stable, negotiable, disciplined.  A great color for business attire.  Gray inspires creativity and symbolizes success.

Blue = loyal, sincere, serene, responsible, pragmatic, conservative, respect.  All shades, especially navy, work well in business.

Red = vital, passionate, courageous, aggressive, impulsive, bullying.  Red demands attention, but don’t wear it for presentations.  After 20-30”, your audience will become agitated and stressed. 

Green = inexperienced, wealthy, jealous, moderate, balanced, traditional.  Green refreshes the spirit and encourages us to feel compassion.

Yellow = cheerful, warm, caution, innovative.  Use yellow in small amounts.  Babies cry more and more arguments break out around yellow.

Brown = earthy, casual, safe, reliable, stable.  A good color for encouraging dialogue; it promotes honesty in others.  Wear it when you need to look like “one of the team.”

Pink = gentle, approachable, emotional, reduces stress.  It’s hard to bully others or be bullied around pink.  Pink encourages agreement. 

Color plays a critical role in every decision we make.  Designers of fashion, cars, appliances and graphics all understand the power of color.  Take time to consider the colors you choose and you can use them to your advantage.

Jill Bremer, AICI, CIP, owner of Bremer Communications, offers training, consulting and coaching in professional image development, communication and presentation skills. Her clients include Oracle, Abbott Labs, W.W. Grainger, U.S. Department of Energy and the National Association of Realtors. She can be reached at 708-848-5945 or at www.bremercommunications.com