There are many factors that influence what colors guys find attractive on girls. While personal preferences certainly vary, research has shown some interesting trends when it comes to men’s attraction to certain colors. In this article, we’ll explore the science and psychology behind color attraction, look at surveys and studies conducted on the topic, and provide some styling tips for women looking to use color to enhance their allure.
The Psychology of Color Attraction
Colors can elicit powerful psychological responses. When it comes to attraction, color choice is important. Certain hues are intrinsically tied to attraction, passion, and romance in our culture. Meanwhile, other shades evoke feelings of power, confidence, or intelligence. Here are some of the main factors that influence guys’ color attraction:
– Cultural Associations – Red is commonly associated with love and sexuality. Black is seen as authoritative and elegant. Green can represent natural beauty. These culturally-ingrained color meanings subconsciously influence attraction.
– Nature Associations – Shade associations with things from nature can impact perceptions. Blue conjures images of the sky and sea. Green evokes lush grass and forests. Men may naturally gravitate towards more organic hues.
– Mood Enhancement – Colors shown to enhance mood, like yellow or purple, can increase positive perceptions. Darker, moodier shades like burgundy may also intrigue.
– Complimentary Undertones – Colors that flatter natural skin, hair, and eye tones tend to be rated as more attractive. Choosing shades with harmonious undertones flatters natural features.
Scientific Research on Color Attraction
Scientists have conducted experiments to isolate how color impacts attraction. While results vary somewhat, the research gives insight into colors that appeal most to men. Here are some interesting findings:
– Red Outfits – In one study, women wearing red were rated as more attractive and sexually desirable by men. Red subconsciously signals romance and fertility.
– Low Saturation – Desaturated, muted shades were rated as more attractive in research. Highly saturated colors can overwhelm the skin’s natural tones.
– Cool Undertones – While personal coloring differs, men tended to favor cooler blue and pink undertones over warm yellow tones in research trials.
– Darker Accents – Small dark accents, like black lace on a dress, can hike up mystery and allure based on men’s responses.
– Bright Lipstick – Vibrant reds, pinks and berries on the lips pop against the skin and heighten femininity. Darker shades also proved alluring.
Surveys on Favorite Colors
Marketing and fashion surveys provide real-world data on men’s color preferences. Here are some of the top colors that repeatedly rank high on men’s lists:
| Blue | navy, royal, sky blue |
| Green | emerald, sage, mint |
| Purple | lavender, lilac, plum |
| Pink | dusty, blush, mauve |
| Red | ruby, crimson, burgundy |
Key themes from the surveys include:
– Cooler shades rank highly – blues, greens
– Muted choices beat out bright hues – sage over lime green
– Purple ranks surprisingly high for a color of royalty and luxury
Marketers use this data to craft branding and products targeted at men. For women, it provides insight into hues likely to catch male attention.
How to Use Color to Attract Men
Women can use strategic color choices in outfits, makeup, and accessories to tap into psychology and heighten allure. Follow these tips when planning an attractive color palette:
– Choose flattering lip and blush shades in pinks and berries that complement your complexion. Avoid neon brights.
– Incorporate red strategically into your wardrobe – a bold pop of color through a dress or heel makes a statement.
– Alternate cool and warm shades to align with your natural coloring – emerald green vs garnet red.
– Go for rich jewel tones over bright primaries – try amethyst purple rather than royal purple.
– Add intrigue with small dark accents – black lace trim, charcoal nails, smoky eye makeup.
– Pick a signature scent in a darker, sensual perfume color family – amber, musk, or jasmine.
– Have more muted, casual hues for daytime – peach, sky blue, nude pink.
– Save the boldest shades for night – try a classic red cocktail dress or deep burgundy heels.
Dressing for Different Occasions
The setting and occasion can influence which color choices will be most attractive. Here are palette suggestions for different dates and events:
Casual Daytime Date:
| Dress/Blouse | Light blue, pink, peach, green |
| Jeans | Medium blue |
| Sweater/Cardigan | Oatmeal, gray, blush |
| Shoes | Nude, brown, metallic |
| Handbag | Tan, cognac, blush |
Cocktail Party:
| Cocktail Dress | Emerald green, cobalt blue, cherry red |
| Heels | Black, metallic |
| Clutch | Black, gold, silver |
| Lip Color | Berry, red, oxblood |
| Eyes | Smoky grays, black liner |
Black Tie Wedding:
| Gown | Navy, plum, marsala |
| Stole | Silver, ivory |
| Heels | Silver, gold |
| Clutch | Black, gold, neutral |
| Lip Color | Rosy nude, pink, berry stain |
| Eyes | Defined brows, touch of shimmer |
The vibe of the occasion should guide the color family and level of vibrancy. Daywear demands lighter, casual hues while formal affairs call for deeper, bolder shades.
Colors to Avoid
Some shades are less likely to attract male admiration based on cultural associations or ability to overwhelm natural coloring:
– Neon brights – can look garish against skin or hair tones.
– Orange/yellow – harder to complement different complexions
– Lime green/aqua – overly youthful or artificial-looking.
-Brown – perceived as boring, neutral, or plain.
– Gray – elicits feelings of conservativeness or drabness.
While personal style comes first, avoiding these shades as main colors can ensure a more universally flattering look. Pops of brighter shades can work for accessories. In general, muted versions of colors better complement natural beauty.
Conclusion
Color psychology plays a key role in attraction. While responses are somewhat subjective, many hues subconsciously signal romance and femininity to men. Cool tones of blue, green and pink repeatedly rank as favorites across studies and surveys. Strategically incorporating these shades when dressing for a date along with alluring accents like red or black lace can help pique male interest. Avoiding overly bright, overwhelming shades helps the natural beauty of skin and eyes shine. With the tips above, women can use color to craft an attractive, eye-catching look tailored to male visual preferences.