Expressive Fashion

EXPRESSIVE

FASHION

Color can have a myriad of meanings and evoke certain feelings in those who see or wear it. In fashion, learning how to use color effectively puts power into the wearer’s hands and creates dimension in their outfits. Each color tells a different story.

Orange: There’s something powerful about adventure; about seeing the warning signs but inching ever closer to the edge. Historically, orange has symbolized healing and spirituality — and what’s more healing than discovering the sheer thrill of being alive? Studies show that psychologically, orange invokes feelings of energy and playfulness. As the color of falling leaves or the dying sun, it goes to show that maybe people are the most beautiful when they’re burning the brightest.

Red: Love, lust, rage, wrath. It’s all the same thing: passion. Enemies to lovers plotlines are favorites to many as red makes their hearts race and their breath quicken. No wonder the flag waved in front of an angry bull is the same shade as the most daring lipstick, swiped on to tease. And just like any good debate, red is all about power. Wearing it is proven to make people look more attractive and in control.

Yellow: It’s the feeling of smiling until one’s cheeks hurt, sometimes just to prove they’re as happy as everyone else, or even to hide the darkness underneath. But it’s also warm and comforting, like a soft, beaming night light brightening a dark room. The color of the sun itself, yellow was Vincent van Gogh’s favorite color. With psychological connotations to happiness, yellow often evokes positive emotions. Yellow’s curse, however, is that of toxic positivity — it’s forced to be happy forever.

Blue: While blue is calming and steading, Pablo Picasso’s art famously created connotations of deep sadness around the color. Blue is staring out of the window at the snow and feeling sinking despair. It’s the feeling of isolation while standing in a crowd. But lying on one’s back and staring up at the sky brings perspective. There’s nothing more relaxing than watching waves crash along a shoreline. Implications of authority and responsibility come from Ancient Egypt’s gemstone, lapis lazuli. This stone was used to create “true blue,” a color so rare that only the most powerful people could attain it.

Take the feeling of the color and embrace it. To use color effectively is to style with an advantage

Style: Brandon Roberts and Annabella Camaj Glam: Evan Yalowitz and Izzy Parker and Andie Bahm Photo: Karina Stankowski and Jillian Jezak Writer: Raenu Charles Models: Annabella Camaj, Milan Lazovski, Jasmine Souri and Adrienne Willis