Put Your Red Dress On
October 29, 2008 by Michelle Smith
Filed under Relationships
According to a recent article in the online edition of the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, when presented with a choice, men chose the woman wearing red or framed in red over other color choices. When asked which woman they would spend more money on during the course of a date, the men chose the woman in red, even though it was the same woman wearing two different colored shirts.
Andrew Elliot, one of the people conducting the study found it, “…fascinating to find that something as ubiquitous as color can be having an effect on our behavior without our awareness.”
Elliot and his co-author Daniela Niesta said the effect could be due to societal conditioning, though they attribute it to deeper biological roots because nonhuman male primates, such as baboons and chimpanzees, are known to be attracted to females displaying red.
Red has long been recognized as the color of passion and romance throughout history. It’s rich and warm and I know that I always feel good when I wear it. It’s definitely not something that you wear if you want to blend into the background.
The study, detailed in the Oct. 28 online edition of the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, is said to be the first to scientifically document the effects of color on behavior in relationships….The red effect applied only to males and only to their perceptions of attractiveness; it did not change their ratings of the pictured women in terms of likability, intelligence or kindness.
I remember reading once that men prefer the orange-red color and that women prefer the blue-red. I asked my teenage daughter her opinion and she said, “I don’t like that icky orangey red. Hey, why are you asking me this? What are typing? Mom!“
Do you have a favorite red? Do you have a favorite red outfit that you feel special in? Or does another color work better for you?
I’m SO going to have to wear more red… I do love wearing it, have some nice pieces, but I need more.
I’m not a fan of orange-red either, but I might make the sacrifice for an experimental value…
Come to think of it though, I do tend to wear a lot of aquas, greens, and blues… which I’m often complimented on by men. Maybe it helps them feel more “relaxed” and “soothed” around me. I dunno, but I’ve always been fascinated by color and moods.
I know I’m going to wear more red. I like the blues and greens, too. Maybe they compliment your eyes? What color eyes do you have?
They’re green/light brown. My family has always said that red is “my color” because I have an olive complexion and dark dark hair. And come to think of it, the blues and greens only look good when I have a tan. LOL
I happen to be wearing a rosy red today. I’m psyched. Special things will happen today.
It’s too bad for me that I really don’t like red. Not a true red anyway. And thus, I don’t like to wear it either. I prefer to wear lots of blues and aquas and greens. I think it really compliments my eye color. Makes them pop.
I hope your rosy red brought you good things, Annie!
Heather, people are attracted to confidence, so wearing colors that make you feel good, I’m sure that works just as well as red.
Think I need to go out and buy some red shirts. I like blood red not the orange red-yuck. Really interesting how the guy picked the girl in red not realizing it was the same girl.
Jackie, I think so, too. Pretty funny. I’m not sure these guys were paying good attention. ;D