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Mood-boosting colors you should be wearing, according to a Pantone executive director

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Colors symbolize many different feelings. The hue we gravitate towards can impact our thoughts, mood and even behavior. From bright home decor to bold choices in our clothing, integrating color within our surroundings is powerful. And as the world reunites in taking the pledge to stay home, it's important that we use the power of color to enhance our mood where we can.

Christian Siriano, who was the first fashion designer to offer up his resources in making face masks for New York hospitals, told the Washington Post, “At first we used all white and gray [fabrics]. Now we’ve gotten to the pink and yellow. In my studio, everything was so white and sterile. Now that we’re working in color, everyone’s mood changed a little bit.”

During this apprehensive time of uncertainty, In The Know caught up with Leatrice Eiseman, a famous color specialist and the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, to find out which hues we should look out for while shopping to actually transform our well-being.

Eiseman explained to us that the color’s “temperature” is what can effect your mood. “The cooler tones of blue, blue-green, blue-purples for example, are the most calming and the reds, oranges, yellows are perceived are more energetic and adrenaline-enhancing colors. Brightening the cooler tones can produce more energy (like an electric blue as opposed to a powder blue)."

“Are you feeling lethargic, bored or depressed—then it would be advised to use the warmer or brighter tones to get your energy level revved up. If you are feeling too hyper and need to calm down, then the cooler tones mentioned above are best, as are subtle neutrals, like cream whites or dove gray.” Ultimately, “the choice would be dependent on the way you want to feel,” Eiseman reminded us.

Known as the ‘the international color guru,‘ she says that yellow and orange are perceived “as the most cheerful” hues because of their connection to sunlight,” while the “concept of ‘healthy’ is often seen in the green range—as in healthy veggies.”

However, just because darker tones like brown and black might not necessarily seem optimistic, Eiseman explains that “brown might not be the first hue that comes to mind as a color that makes you feel comfortable, yet if you were cozied up on the sofa under a soft, plushy, warm (faux) furry chocolate colored blanket, your entire perspective about the color changes.”

So, what colors should we stay away from? “I don’t believe in ignoring any part of the color spectrum as they all have inherent messages and meanings,” Eiseman revealed. “Again, color is a matter of context. How, where and what mood/feelings are you aiming for?”

Ahead, we’ve rounded up which colors to wear for a mood-boost, according to Eiseman's expert advice. If you’re looking for a dose of energy, go for red and if you’re in need of a more calming tone, blueish-purple is for you.