Prints, Patterns, and a Splash of Color

In clothes, color has always had symbolic as well as psychological meaning, for it reflects various moods.

This isn't an infallible guideline, however, for there are various factors to consider: Social convention may dictate certain shades to be worn, as in a formal office setting. Moods can vary during the course of one day to the point that what one wears that morning may be totally out of sync with the way they're feeling by mid-afternoon. People may avoid wearing certain colors because they believe they don't look good in them, or wear a color only because it's the "in" shade.

And a color's impact is modified by the other colors that's worn with it, so mood indication is restricted mainly to clothes composed of one or nearly one shade.

From infancy, our eyes respond to the most clear-cut, graphic shapes and patterns.

Wearing STRIPES signifies "I'm in control." They convey order, reason, and being on top of things. If stripes are your preferred print or pattern, you're also easygoing or flexible. They may also remind you of your youth, conjuring up happy thoughts and images (candy canes and beach umbrellas!). And since stripes are an important part of growing up, they convey comfort.

Or do you prefer GINGHAM? This pattern recalls family picnics (the tablecloths!), summer pastimes and images of the country (fresh, green meadows, summer gardens, casual down-home dinners and "The Andy Griffith Show"). Gingham also conveys a sense of ease and leisure; a preference means you're nurturing and youthful.

A love of PLAIDS indicates a whimsical and fun-loving nature. BADANNA or GEOMETRIC prints indicates an energetic an playful personality.

Love the look of FLORALS? You're optimistic with a strong romantic streak.

Wearing this particular print or pattern shows you're in a lighthearted mood (flowers represent nature and remind us of being outdoors). And more people will instinctively take notice of you!

What's YOUR Most Flattering FRUIT color?

If your skin tone's LIGHT, choose Lime or Cherry.

If you're FAIR WITH FRECKLES-Kiwi or Tangerine

OLIVE-Raspberry or Banana

DARK-Strawberry, Grape or Plum

Hot Color Combos To Try Out

Lavender and Navy, Baby Blue and Chocolate, Lime Green and Azure or Turquoise, Navy and Lime, Red and Khaki, Powder Blue and Chocolate

Which BLUE Is Best For You?

If your skin has PINK UNDERTONES, reach for Sky Blue, Periwinkle or Navy.

WARM UNDERTONES look great in Royal Blue, Turquoise and Robin's-egg Blue.

A wardrobe built on neutrals-Black, Beige, Navy, and Brown-mixes and matches in seconds, so you can grab and go. "Trendy" colors (or just the brighter ones, to me) make great accents.

A BLACK-AND-WHITE COMBO makes a bold impact, grabs attention and suggests you're confident, sophisticated and stylish.

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis would often wear a black sweater or top with white pants, which made her look ultra-cool (She once said that wearing a white top with black pants gave you a "waiter appearance".)

Did You Know That .....

Everyday wear of bright colors can mean you have a very good outlook on your life and life in general. Constant use of dark drab colors can mean you're depressed; changing to a brighter color can help one to get over a depressed mood. As very young children, we're attracted to very bright primary colors. When you see these shades as an adult, you experience those same happy, youthful and energetic feelings.

Women tend to look very dainty in White.

Blue's the most common color for work clothes and for all clothing in general in Britain and America.

Purple was a color originally intended for royalty, for it was the most expensive color, being that the dye came from a rare shellfish.

But the invention of aniline dyes in the 19^th century made the color available to everyone.

Brown is the most popular color for country clothes in America and Britain.

Color can influence your food-buying decisions ; Red packaging can make you feel hungry!

Food that has the colors Green, White, and Silver in their packaging are perceived to have lower calories and less fat.

When wearing one hue from head to toe, make sure your shoes and bag match each other-but contrast with your outfit.

Experts say wearing fruity hues such as PEACH, CANTALOUPE, and MANGO will help you feeling fresh, happy and energized throughout your day!

Khaki coordinates beautifully with nearly every color in the rainbow, but clashes with Olive, Taupe, Sand, Tan and Caramel.

Vibrant colors like Red, Aqua, Pink and Orange are proven mood boosters; wearing them draws favorable attention to you.

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