A Color for Every Emotion

Designed by Hyouji Joo

I spent my summer people-watching and contemplating “Inside Out 2,” like every other wired headphone-wearing, BRAT-listening, pretending-I-live-in-New-York young adult of Generation Z. In between recognizing the impressively plausible theories of “sar-chasms” and “brain-storms,” I could not help but notice how quickly I started to read city strangers as emotional characters. But it wasn’t their faces I was looking at; it was their clothes. I saw people in shin-length jean shorts with a sunny Brazil jersey, weathered cowboy boots and elaborate crop tops, and finance office attire with faded Yankees hats. I realized I saw characters like Joy, Anxiety and Anger from Inside Out on my morning F-train.

I jumped back into Inside Out and watched from the perspective of a fashion-curious people watcher in New York. I saw all my subway friends, and I recognized them by their color. I nodded at my purple “don’t talk to me” stoics. I snuck glances at my green “I know you’re looking at me, but I’ll pretend you’re not” readers. And I smiled at my blue “just two more hours” Metropolitan Transportation Authority employees. Through some reading, a lot of Googling and a healthy amount of chatting, I have collected an Inside Out-inspired report on the emotional semiotics of color and clothing. 

Black is most commonly associated with qualities of sophistication, power and elegance. It is significantly more intimidating and demands to be taken seriously, though black is also often associated with serious topics like mourning and loss. Think about characters like Maleficent or Wednesday Addams, who exude confidence from their self-proclaimed authority. Black is often associated with negative emotionality, but as a choice, it can also represent introspection, mystery and a relishing of the unknown.

White is the color of purity and innocence. Several non-Western cultures utilize white as their color for mourning. Wearing white often gives the impression that one is organized, efficient and detail-oriented, which I hypothesize is because of the care it takes not to stain it in the throes of life. Wearing white shows a willingness to let go of the past and move forward with a clear mind, so it is very approachable. Think of Olaf, Snoopy or any of those elegant princess ballgowns. One and the same.

Grey is practical and seemingly unemotional, though this color also represents someone who is extremely flexible and easy-going. In the same light as Dumbo or Gru, these people are often tough when in leadership positions but become soft and caring with loved ones. People wearing grey clothing are considered cautious, pragmatic, reserved, practical and level-headed. They prefer tradition and order, though I’ve found that wearing a gray outfit, coined the groutfit, does not radiate leadership. Do with that as you will, but long live the groutfit.

Red is anger, as Inside Out shows us bluntly. This intense color is not always associated with negativity, as it also represents enticing, powerful love. The best general association with red is a sense of passion, often accompanied by confidence, energy and seduction. This is evident in the “red dress effect,” which is that a red dress increases one’s physical attraction, desire and romantic sentiments. Red can manifest itself as Anger, Deadpool or Lightning McQueen, but also Ariel, Betty Boop and Jessica Rabbit. In other words, this is the color to wear on a first date.

Orange plays to two very different sides of the spectrum. In one sense, orange emits a sense of coziness, pleasure and warmth while also feeling loud, attention-seeking and overly extroverted. This is why clothing generally tends to avoid oranges since it runs the risk of being too polarizing. Hence, the character Anxiety. That said, a person wearing orange exhibits a sense of adventure, energy and creativity. Picture characters like Phineas, Goofy and Velma.

Yellow is Joy! Unfortunately, yellow is rare to find in the world. But when you see it, you can feel its radiance. Yellow is often associated with childhood and a willingness to take risks and try new things. People perceive yellow as curious, positive and happy. Someone who wears yellow may embody intellect, mental clarity, mind stimulation or even concentration. There are characters like Spongebob, Charlie Brown and Cher in the opening scene of “Clueless.”

Green is the color of nature, plants and growth. When one wears green, people often consider them as calm, fresh, balanced and open to mental and physical development. Think Elphaba or Mike Wazowski. Green can also symbolize stability, security and financial prosperity or an aspiration for it. Maybe I should wear more green. But, as we see in Inside Out, green can be disgust, envy or jealousy. Studies have shown that this is most evident when the green is of a brighter shade. But now, it seems, green is “BRAT.”

Blue is sadness. It reminds us of water and the ocean, making us feel a slower tempo and calm. Blue also holds great responsibility, seriousness, trust and intelligence. This is why companies often have blue logos and employees wear navy business casual. Some film characters that embody this are Elsa, Fix-It Felix and the Genie. They hold great power and the opportunity to save their target from wrong. Blue is classic and secure, which is why it is such a closet staple.

Purple and Indigo most often represent a type of wisdom. Whether that's realistic or spiritual, purple has been associated with high status and exclusivity since the Romans. The perception of purple is someone deep, mystical and attuned to an inner world beyond our own. In “Inside Out 2,” this is represented in Fear’s worry for the future and Ennui’s lack of care for the present. This is also displayed in a character like Thanos’ ultimate desire for control. Purple carries with it a rich power, insight and emotional maturity.

Let these descriptions inspire you to use color as a tool for expression. I recommend you rewatch the Inside Out movies again since they are surprisingly intellectual and tear-jerking. Take an extra second to appreciate your emotionality in the mirror before you head out for the day. And try some things out! Let your feelings dictate your outfit, and empower your style with a psychological intention.