An expert in color psychology shares the 6 best shades to wear to make a good first impression on a date
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- We asked a color-psychology expert to share the benefits of wearing certain colors on a first date.
- The expert said magenta and dark shades of green can help boost your confidence.
- Wearing pink can give off the impression that you're ready to have fun.
Color is everywhere and it has power.
It can impact whether or not someone buys a product and it can affect how others perceive you. So, if you're looking to make a great first impression on a date, you may want to choose your outfit carefully.
Business Insider spoke with Michelle Lewis, a color-psychology expert and the founder of The Color Cure, about her thoughts on the positive benefits of wearing certain colors on a first date.
Here's what she said.
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If you're hoping to show confidence on a date, green may be the way to go, according to Lewis.
"This color is wonderfully symbolic of growth, stability, and a strong sense of self-identity," she told BI. Green can also signify a stable, calming presence, which may be of benefit to you on a date.
When it comes to choosing the right shade of green, Lewis recommended going for deeper hues. If the green is too light (think: pea soup), your date may feel ill at ease.
"You want to symbolize the good side of green for a first impression," she said.
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Blue is often considered the world's favorite color, so it's always a safe bet to wear on a first encounter.
If that's not enough to convince you, Lewis said, blue has associations with trustworthiness. After all, it's a popular choice for many global brands, like LinkedIn and Walmart, and the color of many police uniforms.
Blue is also good for calming a stressful situation, she said. Be aware, however, that deep shades of blue can be more mentally stimulating — not necessarily first-date material.
Dark blue "can help trust build quickly, but it can also keep things too cerebral," Lewis told BI. "I'd recommend pairing it with a bit of red to give a great balance."
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Lewis told BI she suggests you wear purple if you want "to signal your openness to a new relationship" or a deep one.
Purple is a positive wardrobe choice for a first date, she said, as it is considered to be the color of relationships and connection.
This color can help to facilitate a quick connection with new people, Lewis added.
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Red is always a powerful wardrobe choice and "obviously a great choice on a first date," Lewis said.
Wearing red on a first date can help to hold someone's attention and keep things highly energized, according to Lewis. Plus, some studies have suggested that, in some cases, red can make you feel — or be perceived as — more attractive.
"Whether it's red lipstick, a dress, or even shoes, a pop of red will get" your date's attention, she added.
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Magenta is a bold color choice that can pay off on a date.
"Magenta is known to spark conversation and encourage people to take bolder action, so for a first date, this may help encourage a great outing," Lewis told BI.
If you're needing a bit of an energy boost on a first date, she said, this hue is also known to make people feel confident and courageous.
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If you want to make a softer, more playful impression, wear a lighter pink, Lewis said.
Lighter shades of pink indicate that you're someone who is not overly serious. Pink hues also show that you're ready for a fun time, highlighting the softer side of your personality.
"It also encourages hugging and touching," she told BI.