Practical Guide : What colours should you choose for your professional clothing
Have you ever wondered about the role of colors clothes you wear in your professional environment? An obvious question no doubt! However, there is more than one color code in matters of Corporate Wear, and we will reveal them to you right after.
1. Top 3 most popular colors at work
It is not surprising to see that certain colors are more easily used in a professional setting, particularly in France. The reason is simple: there are shades which make your outfits more discreet and versatile than others. Unsurprisingly, the three most commonly used colors at work, across all sectors of activity, are black, THE white and the blue.
Black : Black is often considered a professional, versatile color that can be worn in a variety of work contexts. It is associated with elegance, sophistication and the formal aspect of an office outfit for example.
Blue : Blue is a widely appreciated color and perceived as professional because it is sober. A blue is often used in the banking, financial and corporate sectors because it evokes trust and credibility. Additionally, many people find blue calming, making it a favorite choice for work uniforms.
White : White is synonymous with purity, sharpness and cleanliness. It is massively used in industries where hygiene is paramount, such as hospitals, medical laboratories and the food sector for many.
2. Each sector has its own color code!
Unsurprisingly, certain professional sectors cherish certain colors more than others. There are even some that become their emblematic color. In addition to their flagship color, they add to their official uniforms, a particular style or personalize them with their brand name on shirt pocket, as is the case with hospitality brands.
Hotel and catering
Black: elegant, professional, discreet.
White: clean, crisp.
Navy blue: classic, formal, reliable.
Grey: sober, neutral, discreet.
Beige: warm, welcoming, natural.
Banking/Finance
Dark blue: serious, reliable, professional.
Charcoal gray: formal, elegant, reserved.
Off-white: clean, bright, professional.
Black: formal, serious, discreet.
Bordeaux: sober, distinguished.
Automotive Retail
Black: elegant, professional, sophisticated.
Dark gray: serious, modern.
Navy blue: reliable, classic, confident.
Silver: dynamic, modern, sophisticated.
3. Color Meanings for Professional Purposes
Why are certain colors favored by certain sectors and less so by others? This is because they broadcast their own codes, reflect the culture of a given industry or activity.
Better ! Certain colors can play a role in our work by influencing our mood, productivity and concentration. Colors indeed have the power to stimulate our brain in different ways and can therefore have an impact on our professional environment. Here are some examples of their potential influence.
THE blue is often associated with tranquility, productivity and concentration. It can help create a calm and soothing atmosphere, thus promoting concentration and reflection. It is a color often used in offices and workspaces where concentration is essential.
THE Green is associated with nature, growth and harmony. It can have a refreshing and revitalizing effect, making it a beneficial color in stressful work environments. Green, like blue, can also promote creativity and concentration.
THE YELLOW is a bright, energizing color that can boost optimism, creativity and mental clarity. However, it should be used in moderation, as excessive exposure to yellow can cause anxiety.
THE red is a bright, stimulating color that can spark excitement and energy. It can be used strategically to attract attention and encourage quick decision-making. But red can also be perceived as aggressive or stressful if used in excess.
THE gray is often associated with neutrality and sobriety. Although it can be perceived as boring, gray can also help create a professional atmosphere and formal. It can be used as a base color in many work environments.
4. Strong or bold colors: how to wear them to the office?
At work, on your company premises or in a store, when it comes to getting noticed while respecting professional ethics, there are several colors that can be advantageous, particularly for women.
THE red, bright and eye-catching color can help attract attention. It can convey an impression of self-confidence and dynamism. But be sure to use it sparingly to avoid it appearing too flashy or aggressive.
THE bright blue or electric is a bold shade that can stand out while maintaining a professional appearance. It can project an image of creativity and determination. Be careful not to go for too bright a blue, however, as this may seem unsuitable for some more formal work environments.
THE purple is a color associated with creativity, wisdom and sophistication. It can help stand out while maintaining a professional and stylish appearance. Darker shades of purple, like plum or eggplant, can be particularly flattering.
THE mustard yellow is a bright, trendy color that can attract attention without being too garish. It can evoke an image of liveliness and optimism. It's best to opt for a darker shade of mustard yellow for a more professional appearance.
5. Do luxury retail outfits have separate color codes?
When it comes to working in the luxury industry as a salesperson, certain colors may be more suited to create a strong brand image and convey a certain perception of quality and elegance. Here are some examples.
Black : Classic color par excellence, it is often used in the luxury industry. It evokes sophistication, elegance and prestige. Black also helps create a premium and timeless brand image.
Rich, deep colors : Colors like Bordeaux, THE purple and the Navy blue can evoke sophistication and quality. They can be used to create a luxurious atmosphere and give an impression of refinement.
Money : Silver is a color associated with modernity, technology and sophistication. It can be used to create a contemporary, high-end look. Silver is often used in combination with black to reinforce the luxury image.
Gold : The color gold is often associated with wealth, luxury and exclusivity. It can be used to add touches of shine and opulence to clothing accessories: sewing buttons, a belt, a scarf, etc.