Jules Standish, author of How Not To Wear Black, is a style and color consultant² for women afraid of standing³ out, and she believes that changing your shopping habits can boost your well-being⁴ and self-esteem. 'Research shows that colors can have a psychological effect,' she says. 'When we look at certain colors it triggers neurological responses in the brain, and causes the hypothalamus gland⁵ to release hormones⁶.

 

'Looking at warm, bright colors, such as red or pink, releases dopamine -- known as the "feel-good hormone⁷" -- which can improve our mood, heighten the attention span and even boost our sex drive.

 

'Cool blues⁸, on the other hand, have been linked to the release of oxytocin, making you feel of calm.' Here, Jules gives her verdict on the clashing colors that couldn't be more suited.

 

'Red and green should never be seen' couldn't be more wrong. In small doses, they work superbly well together.

 

Our brains associate colors with temperature, so scarlet⁹ is at the hottest end of the color spectrum¹⁰. Scarlet and burgundy are both universally flattering and suit almost every skin tone and hair color.

 

Bright red also triggers the pituitary and adrenal glands¹¹, which can lead to increased metabolism¹² and weight loss, so it's great for a dieter. Pairing red with an equal amount of a darker shade, like burgundy, tones down flamboyance¹³.

 

This combination is often thought garish¹⁴, but here the cyan, or bright blue, helps to tone down the purple.

 

Bright blue suits most skin tones and helps to brighten the complexion¹⁵. It's proven that, if you suffer from stress, wearing blue can help as it stimulates¹⁶ the release of the calming hormone oxytocin.

 

Ordinarily, yellows and greens would not be worn together, but toning it down and pairing mustard with khaki is flattering. These earthy shades have golden undertones that illuminate¹⁷ greying, older skin.

 

Khaki is a flattering alternative to black for those of a certain age. And if mustard is still too bold for you, add gold accessories instead.

 

The phrase 'pretty in pink' really does work for all women, particularly those entering the menopause, as pink is associated with youth and femininity.

 

Research also suggests that men prefer women in pink, as it's the closest color to skin.

 

The flattering shade of cobalt blue complements¹⁸ the pink and is suited to most skin tones, drawing attention away from dark circles under the eyes.

 

Purple is a calming color -- its pacifying¹⁹ effect makes it one of the best shades to wear when feeling overwrought. Research has found that we associate yellow with joy, so wearing it can boost your mood.

 

Like fuchsia, pale pink is a feminine and youthful color, but it is more wearable than its brighter counterpart. Add touches of burgundy to make it more elegant.

 

Pale pink can be worn well into your 60s, and works for those who don't feel comfortable in attention-grabbing shades. A silk blouse with a burgundy leather skirt softens²⁰ the outfit²¹.

点击收听单词发音