Health benefits implicit1 in color

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Many of us spend our lives in black, brown, navy, white and grey, but by choosing safe shades instead of a brighter wardrobe, we could be missing out on the health benefits implicit1 in color.

生活中的很多人喜欢穿着黑色，棕色，深蓝色，白色和灰色的衣服，如果我们总选择低沉颜色而不尝试更亮丽的服装，可能会错失亮色可能带来的一些健康有利因素。

Jules Standish, author of How Not To Wear Black, is a style and color consultant2 for women afraid of standing3 out, and she believes that changing your shopping habits can boost your well-being4 and self-esteem. 'Research shows that colors can have a psychological effect,' she says. 'When we look at certain colors it triggers neurological responses in the brain, and causes the hypothalamus gland5 to release hormones6.

'Looking at warm, bright colors, such as red or pink, releases dopamine -- known as the "feel-good hormone7" -- which can improve our mood, heighten the attention span and even boost our sex drive.

'Cool blues8, on the other hand, have been linked to the release of oxytocin, making you feel of calm.' Here, Jules gives her verdict on the clashing colors that couldn't be more suited.

'Red and green should never be seen' couldn't be more wrong. In small doses, they work superbly well together.

Our brains associate colors with temperature, so scarlet9 is at the hottest end of the color spectrum10. Scarlet and burgundy are both universally flattering and suit almost every skin tone and hair color.

Bright red also triggers the pituitary and adrenal glands11, which can lead to increased metabolism12 and weight loss, so it's great for a dieter. Pairing red with an equal amount of a darker shade, like burgundy, tones down flamboyance13.

This combination is often thought garish14, but here the cyan, or bright blue, helps to tone down the purple.

Bright blue suits most skin tones and helps to brighten the complexion15. It's proven that, if you suffer from stress, wearing blue can help as it stimulates16 the release of the calming hormone oxytocin.

Ordinarily, yellows and greens would not be worn together, but toning it down and pairing mustard with khaki is flattering. These earthy shades have golden undertones that illuminate17 greying, older skin.

Khaki is a flattering alternative to black for those of a certain age. And if mustard is still too bold for you, add gold accessories instead.

The phrase 'pretty in pink' really does work for all women, particularly those entering the menopause, as pink is associated with youth and femininity.

Research also suggests that men prefer women in pink, as it's the closest color to skin.

The flattering shade of cobalt blue complements18 the pink and is suited to most skin tones, drawing attention away from dark circles under the eyes.

Purple is a calming color -- its pacifying19 effect makes it one of the best shades to wear when feeling overwrought. Research has found that we associate yellow with joy, so wearing it can boost your mood.

Like fuchsia, pale pink is a feminine and youthful color, but it is more wearable than its brighter counterpart. Add touches of burgundy to make it more elegant.

Pale pink can be worn well into your 60s, and works for those who don't feel comfortable in attention-grabbing shades. A silk blouse with a burgundy leather skirt softens20 the outfit21.