Skip to Content

Confident Colors: What Color To Wear To Exude Confidence

Share this post:

This post may contain affiliate links

Your appearance is the first impression that people form of you. The right kind of attire can send different messages and your clothing plays its part in shaping the impression you leave on others.

For example, people can associate insecurity, seductiveness, or trustworthiness with you – just by visually processing the way you look.

It’s no secret that there’s a strong connection between how we look and how we feel. Simple changes in style make a huge difference in how confident we feel: new fabrics we haven’t tried before and clothes that fit us perfectly certainly work their magic. 

But what about colors? It turns out that there is a subconscious process that makes us associate certain colors with authority, power, and confidence.

Therefore, if you want to be perceived as a confident person you should try wearing confident colors. 

Your own confidence levels can also be boosted by picking the right clothing colors too. This technique can be used to help you in situations where you might feel nervous or anxious. For example, at a job interview or on a first date. 

Here are the main confident colors that you should go for to look and feel your most confident. 

Rule the room: almighty black

Black is the main color associated with positive qualities such as confidence, intelligence, authority, and sexiness. 

Black is often perceived as a confident color due to various factors. Throughout history, black has been associated with authority figures, conveying power and control. Its elegance and sophistication in fashion create a sense of self-assuredness. 

woman wearing all black clothing

Additionally, black’s use in minimalist designs projects a focused and clean image, contributing to confidence. The strong visual impact and ability to create contrast make black stand out, while its symbolic associations with authority and strength further reinforce the perception of confidence. In interior design, the strategic incorporation of black elements can enhance the minimalist aesthetic, providing a sense of sophistication and creating a visually compelling space that exudes confidence. 

It is the ultimate color of fashion bloggers and editors, as it radiates timeless chic and elegance while making you look self-assured and powerful.

Women like seeing black the most on men, and vice versa.

When you want to radiate confidence but still play it safe, wear a black outfit. It’s a safe color that strikes a good balance by fitting most occasions and also having strong emotional associations. 

Show stability and approachability: calming blue

One of the three primary colors, blue is associated with stability and reliability, which can contribute to a sense of self-assurance. The calm and composed nature of blue can instill a feeling of confidence in both oneself and others. 

Blue is also connected to intelligence and competence, as it is frequently used in professional settings to convey a sense of expertise and reliability. 

Additionally, blue is often associated with trustworthiness, which can enhance one’s confidence when interacting with others. The color’s cool and collected nature can evoke a sense of control and self-assuredness, contributing to its perception as one of the colors that represents confidence. 

blue is a confident color

But which color blue should you go for to look more self-assured? 

Deep, rich shades of blue, such as navy blue or royal blue, are often considered to exude a strong and confident presence. These darker shades of blue have a sense of depth and sophistication, and are the perfect choice to contribute to a confident impression. 

On the other hand, brighter shades of blue, such as electric blue or cobalt blue, can also project confidence due to their vibrant and energetic nature. 

Get those hearts pumping: passionate red

Red is also on top of the list of colors that help us feel good about ourselves. It’s the ultimate eye-catching color and it reflects power, strength, and passion. Just imagine how you would feel if you saw someone wearing a red suit or a red dress. 

Red is widely regarded as a confident color due to various reasons. Firstly, its boldness and ability to attract attention make it an assertive and commanding presence.

The vibrant and energetic nature of red demands immediate notice, projecting a sense of self-assurance, physical courage and strength. 

Moreover, red has long been associated with power and passion, carrying symbolic weight across cultures. Its connection to courage and leadership adds to its confident connotation, as it evokes a determined and ambitious spirit. These cultural and historical references further reinforce red as a color of confidence.

woman wearing a red skirt

Beyond symbolism, red also elicits physiological and psychological responses. Studies show that red stimulates physical reactions such as increased heart rate and blood pressure. It’s the color of physical desire and can boost your energy levels, enhancing focus and creating a sense of urgency. 

These effects contribute to the perception of red as a color that empowers and emboldens, reinforcing its association with confidence. Additionally, the marketing and branding industry extensively uses red to capture attention, evoke excitement, and convey confidence. Many successful companies employ red in their logos and branding strategies to project a confident and assertive image.

If wearing bright red worries you a little, don’t panic. Red encompasses a spectrum of shades, from the luxurious crimson to the vibrant cherry red, deep ruby red to bold scarlet, and sophisticated burgundy to playful coral. 

Hit the gym radiating confidence: vivid orange

Orange combines the boldness of red with the warmth of yellow, creating a vibrant and dynamic hue. It’s associated with enthusiasm, optimism, and extroversion, which contribute to a sense of confidence. Its lively and outgoing nature can evoke a feeling of fearlessness and assertiveness. 

Orange is also known for stimulating creativity and encouraging social interaction, further reinforcing its confident connotation.

The color’s ability to radiate warmth and positivity can boost self-assurance and create a sense of approachability and charisma.

In addition to its psychological impact, orange carries cultural and symbolic meanings that enhance its confident image. In some cultures, orange represents vitality, success, and ambition. It is associated with the positive aspects of change and growth, fostering a sense of confidence in embracing new opportunities and taking risks. The color’s connection to the sun and fire evokes feelings of energy and power, reinforcing its confident and determined aura. 

woman wearing orange

If you’re lacking the motivation to stick with your workout regime, here’s some good news: orange is the number one color to stimulate productivity, evoke action, and boost your energy levels. 

Orange is considered to be a casual active color. This makes it a great color for those who want to stand out from the crowd, but don’t want to bring all the attention to themselves. If head-to-toe orange is not your thing or is not appropriate for your work environment, consider incorporating just a little orange in to your look with an orange bag or shoes. 

Show a laidback attitude: natural green

As the color of nature and renewal, green represents vitality and abundance. It is symbolic of progress, prosperity, and the ability to adapt and thrive. This association with growth and renewal can instill a sense of confidence by reflecting an individual’s ability to adapt to new situations and overcome challenges.

Additionally, green is often associated with a sense of harmony and balance, which can contribute to feelings of stability and self-assurance.

The color’s calming and soothing effect can create a sense of inner confidence and composure.

woman smiling in green skirt

The color green also has positive psychological effects that contribute to its confident image. Studies have shown that exposure to green environments in the natural world can reduce stress and increase feelings of relaxation and well-being. Green is also associated with traits such as generosity, empathy, and selflessness. These qualities can enhance one’s self-perception and interpersonal interactions, leading to a confident and positive demeanor. 

Like blue, there are lots of different shades of green to choose from. To pick the most confident shade, the specific colors you should go for are deep, rich shades of green, such as emerald green or forest green. Vibrant and energetic shades of green, such as lime green or chartreuse, are also an excellent choice. 

Radiate regality: assertive purple

With its symbolic ties to royalty and nobility, purple holds a timeless charm that captivates the imagination. It sparks creativity and encourages ambitious pursuits, inspiring individuals to fearlessly express their unique ideas and aspirations. 

Embracing the mystery and intrigue within its depths, purple unveils a confident persona, drawing others closer with its enigmatic allure. 

woman looking confident in a purple dress

As a color associated with luxury and sophistication, purple signifies a refined taste and an unwavering self-assurance. 

It is the hue of individuality, standing proudly as a symbol of those unafraid to embrace their true selves and chart their own paths. Embrace the power of majestic purple through your clothes or even your hair color, and let its confident presence leave a lasting impression wherever you go.

Embody success: confident gold

Gold is seen as one of the colors that show confidence due to its association with prestige and opulence. It symbolizes success and achievement, evoking a sense of confidence and allure. The warm and radiant tone of gold, along with its timeless appeal and enduring value, adds to its confident connotation.

Its attention-grabbing nature and ability to reflect positivity further reinforce gold’s perception as a color of confidence.

Just as gold stands the test of time, individuals who embrace confident gold radiate an unwavering belief in their capabilities and the power to conquer any challenge that comes their way.

gold dress on a confident woman

When it comes to wearing gold to exude confidence, here are a few ideas:

  • Accessories: Incorporate gold accessories such as necklaces, bracelets, or rings into your ensemble. These accents can add a touch of elegance and opulence to your look, boosting your confidence and making a bold statement.
  • Clothing: Choose clothing items with gold embellishments or metallic accents. A golden belt, a dress with gold sequins, or a blazer with gold buttons can instantly elevate your outfit and exude confidence with a touch of glamour.
  • Makeup: Experiment with golden tones in your makeup routine. Apply a shimmering gold eyeshadow or highlighter to accentuate your features and add a radiant glow. The warm and luminous hues of gold can enhance your natural beauty and boost your self-assurance.
  • Footwear: Opt for shoes with gold details or metallic finishes. Whether it’s a pair of golden heels or sneakers with gold accents, wearing footwear that incorporates gold can provide a subtle yet confident touch to your overall look.
  • Nails: Paint your nails with a gold nail polish or incorporate gold accents in your manicure, such as golden glitter or nail art. The glimmering gold on your fingertips can serve as a reminder of your inner strength and confidence.

Color psychology is a great way to impact your mood, and any of the color choices above are a good choice if you want to look more confident. However, as with any advice about fashion choices, you should always pick colors and tones that flatter your own skin undertones. Pick clothing and accessories in shades that suit whether you have warm undertones or cool undertones. 

The color palette you choose should accentuate your eye color, brighten your skin tone and accentuate your best features. 

You can go to a color analyst in department stores and boutiques who can help you pick the perfect color for you. 

You may also love:

Fashion tips for plus size women

What colors go well with rose gold

Frequently asked questions

What is color psychology?

Color psychology is the study of how colors can affect human behavior, emotions, and perceptions. It explores the psychological and emotional responses people have to different colors, examining how color can influence mood, create certain associations, and even impact decision-making. 

How is color psychology used in everyday life?

In marketing and advertising, specific colors are strategically chosen to evoke desired emotions or convey brand messaging. In interior design, colors are selected to create specific atmospheres or influence mood. Additionally, individuals may apply color psychology in their personal lives by using certain colors in clothing choices, home decor, or even to enhance their own mood and well-being.

Which color is best for exuding confidence in professional settings?

In professional settings, the color that is often considered best for exuding confidence is navy blue. Navy blue is associated with qualities such as professionalism, authority, and trustworthiness. It is a classic and versatile color that exudes a sense of sophistication and competence, making it a popular choice for professional attire. 

Are there confident colors that work well for both men and women?

Yes: navy blue and charcoal gray are versatile and timeless choices that exude professionalism and confidence. Emerald green and burgundy can also make confident fashion statements, while classic black remains a reliable option for conveying power and sophistication. 

 

Melissa Jane Lee

Share this post:

I accept the Privacy Policy