Fashionably Divorced: Change Your Mood With Your Wardrobe

From early on we are susceptible to the emotional effects of color. Our eyes take in our colorful world and we feel an emotional response. A peaceful green field, a calm blue sky, a red rose, and all of the sayings that include color: tickled pink, red-hot, the blues. Research is still not clear if it is a learned or an organic response, but we do know that color affects us emotionally.

Remember the feeling of opening that new box of crayons when you were young? Even now I can still recall the smell and the rainbow at my fingertips. An all-out riot of color in front of me to do my bidding, to make my world any shade I desired. I guess that may be part of the reason why I declared art as my major in college.

Flash forward too many years to mention. I was married for ages to a control freak that would never let me do anything to our house without his approval. So I am sure you can already picture what I am stuck living in until the divorce is final. If you guessed an overwhelming beige house (well the outside is white, LOL) then you win the prize!

My only color outlet is my wardrobe, thank goodness for personal style! When all of this is finally over, one of the things I am really excited about is being able to return to my color loving past and decorate my home in any color I desire. I will become the queen of my own colorful world; my kingdom will finally be able to expand beyond my closet doors. But until then my wardrobe will have to suffice.

First, I have to admit that I wear an awful lot of black. Black can feel menacing (think Darth Vader), and maybe that is why some people are afraid of the dark. We can thank Audrey Hepburn and Givenchy for the first little black dress designed specifically for the movie Breakfast at Tiffiany’s. That iconic LBD elevated black into the world of fashion and made it sophisticated and sexy, and makes us feel that way too. Perfect for date night. It also projects seriousness, making it a good color for a job interview. Black goes with everything and is very slimming. What more could you want?

White is popular as a spring and summer color. Who doesn’t remember the archaic fashion rule of not wearing white after Labor Day? White reflects light and inspires openness and clarity of thoughts. White represents innocence and new beginnings. That is why bridal gowns in the western world have traditionally been white. White is timeless and always in fashion. So try wearing white when you need lucidity. For a not too innocent look wear clean, simple classic shapes.

I have found that a great way to beat the blues is by wearing a bright color. If I am ever feeling down, (and who doesn’t when you are dealing with divorce?) one of my favorite colors to dress in is orange. Orange is optimistic and lifts our spirits. Enveloped in that warm, high-energy color never fails to lift my mood. If wearing this color feels too bold for you try wearing a print with tangerine accents. Or try different shades of orange, go a little darker with burnt orange or lighter with apricot.

Yellow is a cheerful color. The color reminds us of the sun and light and it lifts our mood and self-esteem. Avoid wearing a completely yellow outfit as too much yellow may make you feel anxious. Sometimes a difficult color to wear, find a shade that complements your complexion. There are many shades from which to choose: from pale yellow to goldenrod.

Feeling stressed? Try wearing blue; the most well-liked color. Blue is very calm and relaxing color for both you and the people around you. If you are feeling a little blue yourself, you may want to opt for a brighter shade of blue such as turquoise; an exotic shade that has the feeling of a tropical ocean.

Wear green to feel refreshed and rejuvenated. Green is the color that evokes pastoral fields and new growth. Green helps to balance our emotions. A bright green shade like lime works for more energy and youthfulness or go darker with a shade like emerald or forest for added sophistication.

If you feeling introspective wear purple. Purple assists in creating a balance between the mind and emotions and encourages compassion. Purple is scarce in nature and so it was historically expensive to produce. That is why it is associated with wealth and luxury as only the royal or rich could afford to wear it. You may want to wear purple when you are in the mood to stand out and be seen. One shade that I really like is Byzantium, it is a gorgeous rich color that seems to look good on everyone!

Last but not least my favorite color: red! Red is stimulating and raises our pulse rate. It is the most emotionally intense color. Red demands attention. Studies have shown that red enhances attractiveness for both sexes, although there is a much stronger association for men as they subconsciously view red as a sign of sexual readiness. So if you are feeling very bold on a date wear red. If over the top sexuality is not what you are looking for wear a great shade of red lipstick or red shoes. But beware; too much red can also have adverse effects causing agitation and anger.

I do remember about ten years ago, I stopped by a home improvement store on my way to a party. I was wearing a fitted dress in a great shade of red. It was the quickest service I’ve ever received!

How can you lift your spirits after divorce?