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The Colours That Make You Feel Confident (and the Shades to Avoid), According to a Stylist
Want to look and feel more confident this autumn? It could be as simple as the colour you pull out of your wardrobe.
According to personal stylist Constance Richardson of By Constance Rose, the tones you wear can have a huge impact not just on how others see you, but how you see yourself.
“Colour psychology is powerful – certain shades trigger associations that make us feel more assertive, approachable or energised. But the wrong ones can drain your confidence and leave you feeling flat,” says Constance.
From bold reds to calming blues, here’s everything you need to know about using colour to your advantage – plus the shades to avoid if you want to walk into any room with confidence.
Why Colour Affects Confidence
Colour isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s psychology. Studies show that we make split-second judgements based on appearance, and colour plays a huge part in that. Wearing the right shade can instantly shift how you’re perceived, while also boosting your own self-belief.
“Think about how you feel in your favourite outfit versus something you’ve thrown on last minute,” Constance explains. “Now add colour into the equation. A red blazer or emerald dress can give you a lift before you’ve even left the house.”
The Confidence-Boosting Colours
| Colour | Why it Works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Universally associated with power, passion and leadership. | Job interviews, nights out, public speaking. |
| Royal Blue | Signals trust and credibility. Calming but authoritative. | Work meetings, first dates, networking. |
| Emerald Green | Fresh, balanced and linked with growth. | Everyday confidence boost, office wear. |
| Black (used smartly) | Slimming, sleek and timeless – can add authority. | Evening wear, formal events. |
🔑 Stylist’s tip: If bright red feels too bold, try a splash of it with accessories – a handbag, scarf, or lipstick can deliver the same effect without feeling overwhelming.
The Colours to Avoid (If You Want to Feel Confident)
| Colour | Why it Holds You Back | Where to be Cautious |
|---|---|---|
| Beige/Light Grey | Can wash you out, especially in winter. | Big presentations or confidence-led moments. |
| Yellow (pale tones) | Risk of looking tired, can be overpowering on pale skin. | Professional settings. |
| All-white | Crisp, but can feel exposing and impractical. | High-stress or messy environments. |
“Of course, no colour is ‘bad’ in itself,” says Constance. “It’s about context. Pale yellow may look amazing on holiday, but it might not make you feel as strong in the boardroom.”
How to Use Colour to Your Advantage
The trick, according to Constance, is balance. You don’t need to overhaul your wardrobe – instead, introduce confidence colours in small, strategic ways.
- Use accents: Add bold shades through jewellery, lipstick, or a statement accessory.
- Match to skin tone: Fairer tones often glow in jewel shades like sapphire or emerald, while deeper skin tones can carry brighter shades with ease.
- Layer neutrals with colour: A pop of royal blue against black or grey can instantly elevate an outfit.
- Experiment seasonally: Autumn is perfect for richer shades – burgundy, forest green, and navy are all confidence-enhancing without being too loud.
Why This Matters More in Autumn
Autumn is often a time of transition – back to routine, shorter days, and the start of party season. For many, it’s a period where confidence dips, whether due to post-summer blues or the pressures of returning to work.
“Colour is one of the easiest ways to shift your mindset,” says Constance. “On a gloomy Monday, an emerald blouse or red lip can change how you feel walking into a meeting. It’s instant impact with zero effort.”
The Psychology Behind It
- Red increases heart rate and is linked to power and passion.
- Blue lowers stress levels and builds trust.
- Green is associated with balance and renewal.
- Black signals strength and authority when styled intentionally.
On the flip side, muted tones like beige and pale grey can lack impact, leaving the wearer feeling overlooked or underdressed.
Final Word from the Stylist
“If you want to feel like the most confident version of yourself, don’t just follow trends – dress in the shades that lift your mood and make you stand taller. Confidence is a feeling, and colour can unlock it instantly.”
— Constance Richardson, By Constance Rose
Looking for curated ideas and inspiration? Discover more at Ravish Magazine, your UK lifestyle magazine.
