Color isn’t just something we see, it’s something we feel. That’s the idea behind the growing micro trend in fashion and makeup called color therapy, where people are intentionally wearing hues they wouldn’t normally choose as a subtle form of self-expression, emotional exploration, or even personal disruption.
It might start as simple as trying on a cobalt blue liner when you usually stick to understated tones, or slipping into a citrusy orange top when your closet is a sea of black and beige. But the effect is more than just aesthetic—it’s psychological. A color you’ve previously avoided might unlock a mood, stir a memory, or signal a new version of you ready to emerge.
There are two ways to approach this without feeling like you’re diving in blind:
1. Spin the Color Wheel (Literally)
Use a random color generator. Think of it like tarot for your closet or makeup bag—let fate decide what hue you’ll try today. Sometimes the randomness introduces a playfulness we forget to allow ourselves. And when the pressure is off to choose something “flattering” or “safe,” you might just find yourself thrilled by a splash of lemon yellow on your lids or a forest green jacket you’d never have picked.
2. Choose a Gateway Shade
If randomness isn’t your thing, try a gateway color: something adjacent to what you already wear. Love mauve? Try a raspberry. A loyal tan wearer? Ease into camel or a warm peach. These close neighbors on the color wheel still stretch your comfort zone without abandoning your identity.
Why Try It?
Because color has a frequency, and sometimes the one you need most is the one you resist. New colors can break patterns, shift moods, and offer a subtle but powerful way to experiment with who you’re becoming—without having to say a word.
So next time you’re getting dressed or reaching for your favorite lipstick, pause and ask: What would it feel like to wear what I usually avoid? You might not just look different—you might feel it too.
