Black stands out for its sophistication and strength, but for centuries it has also been associated with death. Here’s what experts say about this color.
In a world where trends change every minute, the black It has established itself as the favorite tone of many when choosing an outfit. Compared to others colors is the one with the most symbolism, which can vary depending on personal beliefs or cultures.
Even if for some it is the icon of elegance and sophistication over the centuries it has also had negative connotations: darkness, death and witchcraft have been linked to it . In the Middle Ages, for example, it was used in paintings to represent the devil with his black skin, hair and wings.
This negative perception has changed, but a small part is still latent in society.
In fact, in August this year, a high school in Texas, United States, sent a letter to students’ parents informing them that Head-to-toe black clothing would no longer be permitted. Otherwise, they would be violating the dress code.
Nick DeSantis, the school’s principal, said in the letter that black clothing “It has been more associated with depression, mental health problems and/or crime than with happy, healthy, ready-to-learn children.” . The measure sparked a wave of criticism beyond the school community, which then chose to suspend it.
But have you ever wondered why people use black so much in their clothing and what color psychology says about this tone?
Why do people wear black?
One of the reasons this tone is so widely used is that it functions as a lifeline: It combines with any clothing and can be used on different occasions, from casual outings to important events.
It also has the ability to provide strength and seriousness to the one who takes it. “Actually, during a job interview. In an interview he brings a lot of formality,” psychologist Lara Ferreiro comments to the media. ABC .
Unlike other shades or prints, black has always been timeless If it’s about clothes. No matter how much seasons pass and trends change, clothing of this tone never goes out of style.
From the point of view of designers, the predilection of this tone is also due to the fact that it is elegant, enigmatic and communicates to others that a person should not be disturbed.
“The black man is both modest and arrogant. Black is lazy and easy, but mysterious. But above all, the Black man says this: I don’t bother you, don’t bother me. pointed out The New York Times Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto.
While Kate Lanphear, a fashion editor who usually uses black in her daily wear, told the aforementioned media outlets that one of the reasons the color stands out is because it makes an outfit look “more expensive.” than it really is.
“Black quickly became my favorite uniform early in my career for two simple reasons. First of all, it usually looks more expensive than it is. This was essential when I was a struggling assistant and couldn’t afford to buy the best. And second, it’s easy. “Basically, you can dress in the dark,” Lanphear explained.
Agreeing with this is designer Narciso Rodríguez, who told American media that, when wearing it, “you always look well dressed.”
Black also has a power that other colors or prints do not have: It can stylize the silhouette of anyone who wears it.
What is color psychology and why is it important?
Colors influence your life more than you think. Not only do they communicate a message to those around you, but they also impact mood, to the point where they might cause anger, irritation, or calmness.
This is what the emphasis is on color psychology a field of study dedicated to the analysis of how we behave towards certain colors and the emotions they can provoke.
in his book Color psychologythe German writer and expert on the subject Eva Heller ensures that All colors have meaning and their combinations are not a matter of personal taste. but to “universal experiences deeply rooted in our language and thought”.
According to their analysis, bright colors tend to be preferred by older people over younger people, and as the years go by, they are likely to opt for colors like yellow or green.
What meaning does black have in color psychology?
As Howarth and Dorothy Sun explain in their book Color your life. How to use the right colors to achieve balance, health and happinessblack symbolizes what is authority, power and sensuality. But it also has a dark side: it represents death and the unknown.
Heller, on the other hand, assures that black has the ability to reverse the meaning of any other bright color.
“Whenever black is part of a chord with red, yellow or green, this chord visualizes a negative feeling or a negative quality: yellow-red is the chord of joy of living, but black-yellow-red agreement is that of the joy of living. selfishness. The inversion of all values, such is the most powerful effect of the black people,” says the writer, slogan Infobae .
The yellow-black combination represents selfishness, infidelity and lying. that is why it is considered the most negative. In addition, The purple-black combination is associated with magic and mysteriousness which does not necessarily have a negative connotation, specifies the author.
Heller assures that black is the favorite tone of young people and that the younger they are, the more it is preferred. Indeed, older people associate it with death, while young people associate it with fashion.
Source: Latercera
I’m Rose Brown , a journalist and writer with over 10 years of experience in the news industry. I specialize in covering tennis-related news for Athletistic, a leading sports media website. My writing is highly regarded for its quick turnaround and accuracy, as well as my ability to tell compelling stories about the sport.
