Have you ever noticed how certain colors make you feel energized and confident, while others induce calmness or even a little sadness? The impact of color on our psychology and mood has intrigued psychologists, designers and artists for centuries, and, quite frankly, can be very subjective.

In the world of fashion, color is not just about aesthetics – it can unlock a world of emotions. It sounds a bit dramatic, I know, but the studies are there: The colors you wear can have a profound influence on your mindset, mood, and even how others perceive you (power play, anyone??).

Here at Haute Hijab, we’ve been leaning heavily into color this summer and exploring the relationship between the psychology of color and the hijabs we wear. Now, this is a whole science on its own, one we cannot begin to fully address with this post. But, if you are interested in learning more about the psychology of colors and how different colors have been found to stimulate various parts of the brain and elicit distinct emotional responses, keep reading!

It may help you embrace color as part of your hijab styling and pick what colors to wear to reflect (or impact) your personality and emotions. 🙂

If you're seeking a sense of tranquility and serenity, turn to the cool side of the color spectrum. Blue never fails to elicit these feelings. Think of the last time you were at the beach, staring peacefully at the different shades of ocean blues and turquoise. Did it not instill in you a beautiful sense of calmness and peace? Almost as if it quenched the thirst of your eyes? The color blue has actually been shown to lower blood pressure and promote a sense of relaxation – surprised?

Green, reminiscent of nature and growth, is associated with balance, harmony and renewal. Think of a time you were hiking through a forest, or staring at a mountain of evergreens. There’s something soothing and refreshing about it.

Warm colors – such as red, orange, and yellow – are known to evoke feelings of excitement, energy and enthusiasm. Red, in particular, has been linked to increased heart rate and heightened emotions. It can create a sense of urgency and passion, making it an ideal choice when you want to make a bold statement or stand out in a crowd.

Orange is associated with warmth, friendliness, and optimism. It can uplift your mood and promote a sense of vitality. Yellow, often associated with sunshine, is known for its ability to enhance focus and stimulate creativity and happiness. Wearing warm colors can give you a boost of confidence and make you more approachable and extroverted.

What about good old neutrals – the backbone of any wardrobe? Why have they been trending over the past few years, and especially during covid? All over social media, all we saw were white houses, beige interiors, and blush pink wardrobes and household items. There’s a reason for that.

How do neutrals play a role in shaping our image and mood? Neutrals are calm and reliable, undisrupted.

Think about black (yes, black is a neutral, and also our MOST popular hijab color!), the epitome of sophistication and power. A well-tailored black suit can instantly make you feel self-assured and ready to make a lasting impression and give you an air of authority. It can also be elegantly understated if you wanted to blend in, but appear put together. You really can never go wrong with black!

White, often associated with purity and simplicity, conveys a sense of freshness and openness. A flowing white dress or bright white hijab can create an effortlessly chic and sophisticated look, radiating confidence and approachability.

Gray is seen as a practical and timeless color that exudes neutrality and balance. Brown, reminiscent of earthy tones, is often associated with reliability, stability, and warmth.

Ok, this is all really cool. Now, how do I use color psychology to curate my hijab/fashion wardrobe?

Well, that’s entirely up to you! Do you need to reach for a red hijab or blazer when you’re trying to stand out? No. Your personality can do that for you. You can certainly follow your instinct when reaching for your color of the day (and you’ll actually find that most of the time, your instincts will match the research in color psychology), but it’s cool to have this information in your toolbox for certain situations.

For example, when dressing for specific occasions, consider the impact you want to create. Are you attending a job interview and aiming to project professionalism? Opt for sophisticated neutrals like gray or navy/shades of blue.

Do you want to make a memorable entrance at a social event? Vibrant colors like fuchsia, orange or royal blue can help you stand out and radiate confidence.

At the end of the day, remember to stay true to yourself. These aren’t rules, but rather guideposts that you can choose to follow, if you like. Also, keep in mind that cultural influences play a role in the psychological impact of color. Some cultures wear black to funerals. Others wear white.

Experiment and find the colors that resonate with your personal style and personality. Don’t be afraid to mix and match. Most importantly, go with what makes you feel your best.

Lastly, in my research about the psychology of color, I have to say I am left in wonder at Allah (S), Al-Khaliq (the creator) Al-Musawwir (the fashioner), Al-Jameel (the most beautiful). It is He who created these colors, all to be found in the most awe-inspiring moments in nature. Sunrises and sunsets, oceans and skies, desert sands, savannahs, and rainforests, underwater worlds, fields of flowers, fruits and vegetables, landscapes, animals, humans and so much more. Everything is by His design, and learning about this has left me in awe, pondering the wonders of His creations, blessings, and mercy.

Indeed, as the Prophet (S) said,

"إِنَّ اللَّهَ جَمِيلٌ يُحِبُّ الْجَمَالَ"

“Verily, Allah is beautiful and He loves beauty.”

And there is no better artist than He. Everything is as He intends.