1. Age and sex.

The colour of the dress should depend on the age and sex of the wearer. Bright and grey colours suit to children, whereas dull colours have a depressing effect. Sober and light colours suit to elderly persons.

These days all colours are in fashion for both boys and girls, but certain colours suit more to the fair sex. These colours, if used by men folk, make them a laughing stock.

2. Season and time.

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Season has a great effect on colour of the dress. In summer, light and cool colours and in winter, dark and warm colours are preferred. Cool colours like green, blue, pink, white, light purple give a feeling of coolness, while warm colours like red, orange, and yellow that of warmth.

Likewise, dark and bright colours do not appeal in daytime, while at night these colours add to the beauty of the wearer. Very warm, bright glossy colours used in summer or during day make the wearer and onlooker uncomfortable.

3. Size and shape of the body.

Colours affect the size and shape easily. Warm colours play an important role in increasing the size and cool colours in reducing the size. Fatty people with disproportionate body should not wear warm colours, as these colours increase the body size and enhance the body line. On the other hand, a slender person should use dark and bright colours to give a healthy look.

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4. Colour of skin, hair, and eyes.

Colour of skin is very important in the choice of the colour of dress. Dark colours look better on whitish complexion, cool and sober colours on fair complexion. For example, blue, pink, light purple suits more to people with fair complexion yellow and brown colours suits more to blonds (people with brown eyes and hair).

5. Occasion.

The colour of the dress should be appropriate to the occasion. Dark and light colours should be worn in parties, marriages and festivals, etc. to have cheerfulness as per the occasion.

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On serious occasions, one should wear such colours that give a look of seriousness. On special occasions and in certain profes­sions, some particular colour is used, for example, black or white colour is used in mourning.

Doctors, nurses, advocates, postmen, etc. have a distinctive uniform. Use of gaudy colours is not desirable in schools, colleges and offices. Formal social occasions demand a use of light, dull and medium colours in dressing.

6. Fashion.

Colours of dress keep on changing with the change in fashion. A par­ticular colour in fashion should only be worn if it suits the personality, colour, and figure. All colours suit only few people. Intensity and value of the colour in fashion can be changed according to the suitability of the wearer. Fashion should not be imitated blindly.

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7. Personality.

Colour of the dress reflects the personality of the wearer. Colour is an index of individual’s interest. Selection of colours should aim at enhancing the person­ality of the wearer. Some people like gaudy and bright colours, while some others dull and sober. Colours express varied moods. Warm colours like yellow and red are indica­tion of cheerfulness and enthusiasm and also stimulating. These colours go well with extroverts.