Popular colors for spring and why red makes you hungry
Color trends may not fall from the sky, but believe it or not, they can be forecast. Major brands like Benjamin Moore, Nine West, Saks Fifth Avenue, Estee Lauder, and Procter & Gamble turn toa group called the Color Associationto ensure their color choices for products and campaigns are on target.The Executive Director of the Color Association,Leslie Harrington,she spoke with eBay's style blog, the Inside Source, about "color intelligence," aka why certain colors make us feel a particular way and the role of colors in our lives. Here are five interesting color facts we learned.
1. The economy affects our color choices
Apparently during a recession people stick to safe colors. Now that we're feeling a bit more optimistic and gearing up for spring weather, Harrington says we're "going to be craving happy, bright feel-good colors."
2. Green, yellow, and blue will be big for spring
Harrington says Kelly green represents new growth, while strong yellows are now being viewed as more mature and less child-like. (Sidenote: Rush Limbaugh thinks Michelle Obama looks like a tub of mustard when she wears yellow, and while we strongly disagree, yellow isn't for everyone.) Watery blues will be big this season, and navy will become the new black.
3. Red really does make you hungry
"It has to do with the way it affects your brain," says Harrington. "Red releases endorphins into your system that stimulate the appetite." Take note, and don't wear a red dress when you're dieting.
4. Color is the #2 reason (after size) for online returns
How many times have you angrily filled out a clothing return form and selected "not as pictured"? Harrington insists "it's so hard to present the exact color of something on a website." OK. We'll try not to blame the online retailer for false advertising, and instead blame the pixels of our computers.
5. There are non-scary ways to introduce color to your wardrobe
Harrington suggests easing into color, like wearing dusty rose and slowly working your way up to fuchsia. You can also dip your toe in the water by pairing one bright accessory with a neutral outfit. "It's like tasting something for the first time," says Harrington. "You may try tequila in a margarita, but once you get used to it, you can actually do a shot!"
With that in mind, we're putting on our fuchsia sweaters and heading to happy hour!
Related links:
Honeysuckle: THE Color for 2011
Find the best natural colors for your complexion
What are your true colors? The palette that brings out your natural beauty
