Joie De Vivre: Using colour-mood theory to combat seasonal depression
As the leaves start to turn and the sky turns gloomier with each passing day, you may be left to deal with seasonal depression. This feeling can leave you feeling unmotivated, upset or even just a little bit off.
There are different ways to combat that ever-so-annoying feeling that makes itself apparent when the sun bids adieu. Sometimes taking up a new hobby or retail therapy can brighten our days; however, a long-term solution can be waiting for you in the world of fashion. During colder months, we usually reach for darker colours and layers to hide under. Whilst layering is most certainly a necessity, the colours we reach for can do with a lively switch up.
If your favourite hot drink from Taste isn’t doing the trick and you’re left feeling anything but bubbly in the “bubble”, then colour-theory can be your saving grace. I’d like to introduce you to the colour-mood theory; when simply put, it argues that the colours you expose yourself to on a daily basis, has a huge effect on your mental state.
During sombre days, you might get some help from using a warm colour palette. Bright, warm hues of reds, oranges, and yellows are known to stimulate energy and increase levels of happiness. You can reach for a red scarf as a nod to Taylor Swift’s All Too Well whilst feeling cosy with a pep in your step.
If you find yourself wishing you could bottle up childlike joy, reach for colours like orange that is known to bring excitement or yellow that is synonymous with happiness. If you wish to further romanticise colder days, Elle Woods style, you can add pops of my personal favourite: Pink. Pink accents added to a neutral outfit can bring you your daily dose of optimism and glee.
Moreover, if you find yourself feeling stressed or anxious, you can find comfort in shades of blue, purple, and green. Whether it is an approaching deadline that makes you feel stressed or just the weather taking a toll on your mental health. You have a variety of remedies to choose from. Ranging from navy blue accents to pastel shades that delicately brighten your look, shades of blue can be exactly what you need to feel put together.
Perhaps you’re feeling demotivated and wish to curl up under the blankets, as tempting as that sounds, you have tutorials to show up to. In moments like these, reaching for purple can be rather helpful. Shades of purple are known to boost creativity and confidence. You never know, choosing a purple turtleneck instead of your usual black one can be exactly what you need for that extra boost.
If you want to channel your inner zen, maybe match your outfit to your matcha. Shades of green is known to bring a calming, put together energy. Maybe this deadline season, that is what you need to feel like you know what you’re doing.
If you’re feeling extra adventurous, mix patterns and colours! Choose funky jewellery to spice up winter basics. A scarf can be a statement piece which will also keep you warm (an absolute necessity in Scotland). If you want to stick to a more classic style or a capsule wardrobe, investing in colourful knits will be a game changer. You can pop on a colourful jumper with your favourite pair of jeans and coat, you will feel like you put on so much more effort than you actually did and perhaps get some extra compliments. As easy as hiding under basics sound, this autumn season, give colours a chance. You surely won’t regret it!
Photography by Cecilia Ryan