Michel Lejoyeux, psychiatrist and author of ‘La Médecine du bon sens’ (Common Sense Medicine) also confirms this: “colours have an effect on the brain and probably on emotions too. You can feel it intuitively, but it’s tricky to prove scientifically. Let's just say that there is no medical prescription for a colour of clothing to make you feel better.”
Showing the link between the colours of our clothes and our mood is still difficult to prove scientifically, but Mr. Lejoyeux has two studies which highlight the ‘neurobiological effects’ of natural colours on our moods. According to him, a German study has shown that old people who get to see the sea and sea colours have "much better moods and cognitive abilities".
The second study highlights the benefits of going running in predominantly green surroundings: “going for a run in the woods will also cause more positive emotions than running on a treadmill in a gym with no green around”, says Michel Lejoyeux.
A matter of choice and anticipation
In reality, the likely impact of colour on our moods is more from choosing to wear it and/or paying attention to it, which allows you to “work closely on emotions you feel and transmit”, says Michel Lejoyeux. “Listening to oneself is beneficial, the proof being that alexithymics (people who are unable to communicate their emotions, NDLR) are four times as likely to develop cardiovascular disease”.
Furthermore, there is a certain degree of ‘anticipation’ when choosing clothes: that is how you see yourself arriving at the office. “Producing mental images is very positive for your brain and emotions," Michel Lejoyeux adds. “Clothing is not only about hiding our bodies or meeting social expectations, it is also about emotional communication through colours.”
An influence
Colours have a bearing on what we give off and the effect this has. "There is a lot of research about the impact of red,” reports psychologist and coach Boris Charpentier. “It can improve how we perform at sport, how others see us and even make women more attractive,” he says. “In fashion, some brands have taken on the meaning of colours. This is true of Louboutin, for example. It helped him stand out from the crowd with his famous red sole," adds Jean-Gabriel Causse, colour designer (http://www.jg-causse.com) and author of the novel ‘Crayons de Couleur’ (The Colour Pencils).
Ultimately, “let’s listen to our inner voice and wear colours which make us feel good," concludes the colour designer.
Bibliography:
. ‘La Médecine du bon sens’ by Michel Lejoyeux, Ed. Lattès, 250p, €19.50, released on 17 October 2018.
. ‘Les Crayons de Couleur’ by Jean-Gabriel Causse, Ed. Flammarion, 320p, €17.