These are The 3 Colors That Successful People Will Be Wearing This Spring

The fashion gods have spoken and colors are in for spring 2020. And not just blah colors but bold, vibrant ones. As Vogue Editor in Chief Anna Wintour decreed, “I saw there was quite a bit of color at the men’s collections, which usually is an indication of what we’re going to see. So hopefully color and optimism.” When that kind of statement comes from the most powerful woman in fashion, it means these are the trends that will be dominating offices all over the country soon and you better be ready.

At the Carolina Herrera fashion show this past week creative director Wes Gordon displayed many bright hues, some of them in very eccentric pairings. “My main mission and obsession has been bringing as much color to the house as possible,” he told AFP interview. “A large part of it is a response to times that can often be grey and uncertain.” People who embrace the bold colors will show that they are hopeful and ready to take on the world rather than just stick it out and suffer through it in drab grey.

The colors that were big at fashion week fit right in with the  Pantone Color Institute 2020 colors of the year as all of these shades “convey a sense of ease.” Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Institute, said in a statement, “Combining our desire for stability, creativity, and more spontaneous design approaches, the color palette for spring 2020 infuses heritage and tradition with a colorful youthful update that creates strong multi-colored combinations as well as energizing and optimistic pairings.”

So what are the three colors you should immediately incorporate into your work wardrobe?

There is nothing more bold than red and this is an even brighter red. Red is a power color, which means it just oozes confidence. It also makes you have more energy, according to a 2011 study.  You will literally be able to react quicker and with more strength which is definitely a win-win for work. Another study found that your motor skills can actually improve with the color red (so definitely wear it for your next workout.)

Many fashion industry insiders have been seen sporting these colors, at New York and London Fashion Weeks (Rebecca Minkoff was a fan), with an emphasis on Flame Scarlet. It is considered to be a part of the whole female empowerment movement we are seeing in fashion right now with puffy sleeves, laid back boxy suits and statement belts. Pantone’s Eiseman told WWD, “Obviously, red always gives a voice to women.” The First Lady of France, Bridgette Macron recently wore the color.

You are probably asking, ‘what the heck is biscay green?”‘ and that is a valid question. It is a lush shade of green but unlike last year’s super bright lime green it is a lot easier to pull off and it evokes a lot of confidence. Eiseman said, “It’s one of those I-wanna-go-away, stop-the-world-I-want-to get off colors. When people see it in the marketplace, their hand reaches out for it. And it evokes vacation thoughts.”

Plus green is already a great color to wear at work as it may just help you get a raise. Psychologist and author Carole Kanchier said of the color green that it “suggests security, abundance, love, growth, luck and balance.” She also noted, “Wear green when you want to see things from a different perspective, need to feel grounded, calm, generous. Don’t wear it when you’re confused, feel stagnant, want to be alone.”

Saffron is more than a spice, it’s a color that is full of optimism and is associated with the quest for light and salvation. Think of it as a richer form of yellow (more of an orange) which is always nice to see in an office on a spring day. Orange is a color that brings out feelings of excitement and enthusiasm and will always draw people’s attention.

Men should not be discouraged from wearing the color or any of the colors on the list as well. “We are less apt today to talk about, ‘Oh, that’s a girly color, female color or male color.’ If a color speaks to you, you love it and it appeals to you — then go for it. Regardless of gender, we shouldn’t be putting labels on colors,” Eiseman said.

— Meredith Lepore

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