Ask the fashion experts and they will tell you that there is a lot to be said about the power of colors in Corporate America. Below are just a few suggestions depending your intentions:
- If you want to establish trust and credibility, then blue is best. It is the safest color of all, universally liked by most men and women – however it has a certain predictability about it and suggests ‘conservative’.
- If you want to appear friendly & approachable – choose lighter colors such as mid tone blues and greens, blue-greens and teal, tan and peachy-orange.
- To be assertive – red, but it can also be threatening to others.
- To get noticed – red, if giving a talk to a large group – but it can be tiring if you are already overtired.
- To appear confident – blue-green is a good business color for women to wear, it suggests high self-esteem and confidence, yet is still friendly and approachable.
- To show dependability – green – be aware that it is also a color that is not always liked by others, even though it is the color of emotional balance.
- To appear neutral – grey or beige will do it. This can let your personality shine through, although you may also come across as a fence-sitter, keeping your true feelings to yourself – you may say what the client wants to hear, rather than the truth.
- To look professional with authority – dark blue or dark grey, which are the most business-like colors and good for credibility when promoting your business, yet these could be too overpowering and somber for many of your clients in a consultation.
- To shock and inspire your audience – magenta will do this for you.
I’ll admit that there was a time in my life when I was held hostage to the rules of the Corporate Culture. Admittedly, I attempted to do all the “right” things, wear all of the “right” colors and it did not serve me. When I decided to speak up for myself, I was labeled as not being “right” even by then trusted friends attempting to climb the Corporate Ladder themselves. I love, I love, I love letting the word of God do the work in my life! Two passages that I now rely on more than any fashion opinion are these:
I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels. (Isaiah 61:10 NLT) and “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future”, (Proverbs 31:25 NLT).
There is so much freedom in living a life sold out for Christ rather than a Corporate culture that will never fully embrace you that will show you no mercy and place even the greatest on of the sellouts on the chopping block if faced with a choice to do so.
Many say the color red has power and I couldn’t agree more. Red was the color of the dragon mentioned in the vision in Revelations 12 who attempted to sit at the birthing canal of the baby (thought to be Jesus) to devour Him at His very birth. This unsuccessful attempt renders the “red” dragon ineffective. This same sinless Jesus hung bled and died for the sins of many-yes His Red blood had the cleansing effect to wash each of us “White” as snow. My suggestion today is to allow the Holy Spirit, who Christ so graciously left with us here on this earth until His return to guide us and direct us-Let the peace of the Holy Spirit guide you into every decision you make including what style and color to wear. When we release societal views and completely put our trust in a matchless Christ, then and only then will we receive an Everlasting power. Embrace today Jesus Christ and receive the only real and lasting power!