Quiz: Learn The Secret Signals your Dress and Décor Send

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Did you know you can use color to boost your confidence, signal you're open for connection or show you’re trustworthy? Yes, Sis, color has the power to do all that and more.

The colors you wear and surround yourself with can impact your mood, the vibes you give off and how other people perceive you. Remember Rihanna’s all-red look for last year’s Super Bowl halftime show? Not only did the color make her stand out on stage, but it also helped boost her confidence and energy level for the performance. The bold hue was also the perfect choice to make her equally bold pregnancy announcement to the world.

The colors you gravitate to can also reflect your personality. Alicia Keys’ signature color is purple; it’s no wonder since the color is associated with creativity and spirituality.

When you choose what colors to wear, you might focus on what complements your uniquely beautiful shade of brown. But color choice goes much deeper than what looks good on you. Culture and personal experience can influence your response to certain colors, but in general, people often draw similar vibes from specific hues. Take this quiz to test your color comprehension and learn how to leverage this powerful tool.

You’ve landed an interview for your dream job. What color choice can help you slay the interview?

Blue. It’s professional and calming.

Blue signals trustworthiness, competence and reliability and is an excellent choice for job interviews and other professional situations. The color also has a soothing effect on the wearer and those around them, so wearing blue to an interview or important meeting can calm your nerves while communicating your dependability. Navy is a good choice for corporate settings, while brighter, bolder blues work in less conservative environments. Teal, a combination of blue and green, will strike just the right tone in creative workplaces.

Black. It’s chic and sophisticated.

Gray. It’s subtle and elegant.

Red. It’s powerful and bold.

You’re decorating your home office and want to enhance your productivity. What colors can help you feel energized and focused?

Whites and grays

Putting these colors in your work environment may be a hidden secret to productivity, as they both can heighten your focus and increase energy. Yellow can also help you pay attention to details and improve mental concentration, while orange keeps you alert.

Greens and blues

Yellows and oranges

Reds and pinks

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Your closet is a sea of black. What vibes are you giving off when you wear head-to-toe black?

I’m afraid to step out of my comfort zone.

Black is a universal color and appropriate for many situations. It’s classic, chic and slimming and can communicate authority and competence and command respect. But black is also associated with grief and can be off-putting in some circumstances. Wearing all-black can also indicate a desire to be safe and remain in your comfort zone.

I’m elegant, dignified and sophisticated.

All of the vibes listed

I’m mysterious, powerful and intelligent.

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What color can increase your heart rate when wearing or seeing it?

Red

Red is a powerful and stimulating color that can physically affect your body. It can increase heart rate, so it’s a perfect choice for an energy boost, attention or to inspire some action in the bedroom. Red may also improve circulation but be careful if you have high blood pressure; the arousing effects of red can aggravate it.

None of the colors listed

Purple

Green

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What color helps you blend in and fly under the radar?

Gray

Gray is subtle, elegant and timeless, but you won’t stand out wearing it. Choose the color when you want to go unnoticed, need some alone time or desire stability, but avoid gray when feeling lonely, down or stressed.

White

Blue

Brown

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You’re officially an empty-nester and turning a spare bedroom into a she-shed. What colors will help create a calm and serene vibe in your new sanctuary?

Greens and blues

Both greens and blues can inspire peace and tranquility. Green, especially shades found in nature, are calming and reassuring. It also conveys growth, abundance and harmony, so green is a great color to wear or surround yourself with when you want to feel grounded and calm. Similarly, blue, especially tones that evoke the sky and ocean, can generate a sense of openness, serenity and peace.

Reds and oranges

Beiges and tans

All colors listed

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What color helps you stand out while showing your individuality, creativity and willingness to be different?

Pink

Like red, magenta is an attention-grabbing color that conveys passion and energy. But this bold hue doesn’t only make you stand out; it sets you apart. Magenta is between red and purple on the color spectrum and combines red's passion with purple's connectedness. Wearing magenta highlights your uniqueness, distinct personality and adventurous spirit. It’s a great choice in creative settings and whenever you want to communicate your individuality

Red

Magenta

Yellow

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You’re painting your front door and want to choose an inviting and joyful color. Which color tells your guests they’re welcome?

None of the colors listed

Yellow is a vibrant color associated with joy, hope and positivity. It’s welcoming and communicates warmth. Use yellow cautiously, though; it’s a polarizing color and can be overwhelming in large doses.

Red

Green

Yellow

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You’re attending a networking event and eager to make connections. What color shows you’re open for conversations?

All colors listed

You can leverage many colors when wanting to connect with others. Pink shows you’re friendly, approachable and ready for communication. It also suggests you’re optimistic and cheerful. Orange encourages social interaction and connection with others. It also shows your confidence. Purple is an attention-getter that signals connection. A mix of red and blue, purple combines red's energy and strength with blue's integrity and reliability.

Pink

Purple

Orange

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What is the 2024 Color of the Year?

Ultimate Gray

Pantone, the color trend company and global color authority, has chosen Pantone 13-1023 Peach Fuzz as the 2024 Pantone Color of the Year. (Every December, the company selects a color that reflects the current worldwide mood and sets the tone for the year ahead.) Peach Fuzz, a soft pinkish-orange, reflects our natural yearning for closeness and connection and enriches the mind, body and soul, the company says. Expect the color to pop up in clothing, home furnishings, cosmetics, etc.

Classic Blue

Viva Magenta

Peach Fuzz

About the Author

Alaya Linton

Alaya Linton is a personal financial coach on a mission to help women break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle and create a better financial future. As a former clothing designer, she writes about both money and fashion and has appeared in U.S. News & World Report, thebalance.com, GOBankingRates, and other publications.

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Quiz: Learn The Secret Signals your Dress and Décor Send

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