Another day, another lacklustre reach for the tired black jeans and white T-shirt combo. Welcome to the summer style rut.

‘Lots of women get stuck wearing neutrals such as grey, black and beige almost to the exclusion of all other colours,’ says personal stylist and colour consultant Suzanne Arnold, who believes that when it comes to clothing, nothing has more of an impact than the colours you wear.

‘The colours we wear impact enormously on the way we feel. I am a natural introvert but frequently give presentations to large audiences. Colour plays a huge role in helping me do this: bright oranges and reds give me energy and confidence. Back at home I wear greens and blues for a sense of harmony and balance. People respond to colour subconsciously, but when you know how to use colour to help you deal with daily situations, you have a powerful ally.’

Of course, during hot, muggy summer months, the idea of wearing lovely bright colours is somewhat dampened by a fear of sweat marks – infinitely more visible on a bright blue dress than a baggy black sweater. And that’s before we’ve even mentioned the dreaded deodorant patches… Luckily, Dove Invisible Dry Deodorant contains ¼ moisturising cream, unlike other anti-perspirants, giving you beautifully soft and smooth underarms and the freedom to wear whatever you like. Their innovative formula has been proven to leave no white marks on 100 colours, which is great news for women wishing to use colour to influence how people feel towards them, or even to change their own mood.

‘Colours can influence the way we feel,’ says colour expert Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Colour Institute, who has written nine books on colour. ‘Brighter colours are seen as more “energetic”, so on a day when you are feeling listless (or trying to convince yourself to go to the gym) put on a really vibrant color like hot pink. It will lift your spirits and others will react to you in a more positive way, as they will perceive you as being higher in energy. It is a self-fulfilling prophecy - people treat you in a certain way because of the messages the colours you wear give out, and you will respond in kind.’

‘When we feel centred and empowered we are more likely to demonstrate this by the joy we take in colour,’ continues Suzanne. ‘Often I find that helping a person to recognise how to wear colour is the turning point in their life. It can have quite a deep effect, and quite literally change the way we see ourselves.

‘When I see private clients, I analyse their colouring - hair, skin and eyes - and help them understand their personality type. All of this informs the advice I give, and each person receives a palette of 42 of their best colours with advice on how to wear them.

‘Business organisations ask me to teach employees about the psychology of colour. They want to know how different colours impact on people just as much as they want to know which colours complement the individuals.’

So what do different colours say about our personalities? And how do we give our wardrobes a bright, colourful, summery makeover to give people a more positive impression of our characters?

‘Don’t assume that the woman you see wearing the red jacket is the most confident in the room, or that the one in the yellow shirt is the friendliest,’ explains Suzanne. ‘It may just be that they know that the colours they wear can give them the psychological support that they need in a given situation. It’s also about how you wear your colours. A simple black dress could be transformed by a blush pink scarf, and would help the woman wearing it to feel more feminine too.

What the colours you wear say about you:

RED

‘The colour of energy, wear red to feel confident and in control’, says Suzanne. ‘With the longest wavelength, red appears nearer than it actually is, ideal if you’re a quiet person in need of gravitas, perhaps in business. Be warned: strong personalities in red can appear overpowering, even aggressive.’

‘Red people like to stay on top of things and have a zest for life,’ adds Leatrice. ‘Key words associated with them are: intense, impulsive, adventurous, animated, optimistic, daring, often sensual and sometimes aggressive.’

For a wedding

Speziale Embroidered Lace Shift Dress; Marks & Spencer, £129

The elegant lace detailing on this super-feminine, mid-length, bright red shift dress makes it perfect for any special summer occasion. Sleeveless, tailored and with a subtle waistband, it will provide fabulous definition to a straighter figure. And Dove Invisible Dry Deodorant will keep it looking dazzling red all night.

For the office

Wrap Dress; Topshop, £46

This bright and breezy wrap dress is the ideal summer frock, with a fuss-free cut, flattering cinched-waist and relaxed V-neckline. Perfect for pear-shaped women or hourglass curves, it’s a joyful, feisty dress that’s dying to be taken out for a post-work glass of rose.

For a date

Light Before Dark Off-The-Shoulder Top; Urban Outfitters, £19

The sexy, summery drama of this off-the-shoulder cut works beautifully with its lightweight, loose and relaxed tunic style – terrific for showing off arms with confidence. Pair with pale skinny jeans to complement its bright red fieriness.

BLUE

‘The most popular colour, and one representing logic, blue activates the mind,’ explains Suzanne. ‘Its effects are cerebral rather than physical, unlike red. Strong blues stimulate clear thinking; if you need to decide about something important, wear blue. If you need to communicate something difficult to someone, blue might help creates a calm atmosphere. Its shorter wavelength also gives blue the appearance of distance - helpful in a tense situation

‘Wear blue to be seen as trustworthy, a thinker, and a good communicator - but watch out if you’re someone who finds it difficult to demonstrate emotional warmth, as blue can give the impression of aloofness.’

For a wedding

Flowy Long Dress; Mango, £29.99

This stunning, floor-length, Grecian-style dress in beautifully bright klein blue is ideal for a fuller bust, longer leg and killer curves. Its plunging V-neckline and elasticated waist draw attention to all your best attributes, without being OTT.

For the office

Mini Dress with Asymmetric Hem and V-Neck; ASOS, £18

This gorgeous, figure-hugging, soft-touch jersey cotton mini dress with asymmetric hem features a close-cut bodycon fit - fabulous for showing off a voluptuous hourglass figure. Pop a Dove Invisible Dry Deodorant in your handbag and you can wear this dress with confidence on the hottest day of the year.

For a date

Strappy Back Tunic; Topshop, £20

Show off a sun-kissed, post-holiday back in this relaxed, bright blue treat. Vertical lines and a cinched waistband will flatter a fuller middle, while the skirt’s skater-esque flick will give your summer festival twirl some seriously impressive movement.

GREEN

‘The colour of nature, green conveys a sense of balance and harmony, rest and reassurance,’ says Suzanne. ‘Easy on the eye, people will know where they are with you when you wear green. Team a bright green sweater with your blue jeans and those around you will experience you as a breath of fresh air.

‘But know your greens! The undertone can be either yellow-based and warm (such as apple green), or blue-based and cool, such as sea green. You might look great in one but sallow in the other.’

For a wedding

Palm Print Slip Shift Dress; Marks & Spencer, £19.50

This joyful maxi-dress, cut for a bodycon fit to follow the natural contours of your body, oozes summer. Fresh and vibrant, it works well with either heels or flats, and a side slit means you don’t need to hold back on the dance floor.

For the office

Drape Front Shift Dress; Simply Be, £19

Reduced from £50, this oh-so-flattering, figure-hugging shift dress is an absolute steal. The classic wraparound front is a wonder at showing off curves (and concealing big lunches). Power dressing at its finest. And with Dove Invisible Dry even the most stressful business meeting won’t leave you with annoying deodorant marks.

For a date

Crochet Sundress; Topshop, £32

Diminutive frames will sparkle in this simple strappy cotton dress with delicate crochet detailing across the bust and buttons from neck to hem. Heavenly on a summer picnic date or in a wine bar on a warm evening.

 

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