Color Me Curious: Does Your Favorite Hue Fit You?

One of my New Year’s resolutions was to give beloved black a rest and experiment with the other parts of the color spectrum. And I’ve been making a concerted effort to do just that, I really have—and in spite of the gloomy weather, too!

But as the steady gray rain pounds the pavement and I grow heady from the glorious cool, all I want to do is revert to my old, familiar ways and climb back into my dark-colored wardrobe. Separation anxiety, much?

We’re more than halfway through the year, so maybe it doesn’t really matter anymore—but, boy, do I hate to leave a commitment unfulfilled. Especially when the finish line is bordering on the horizon.

It was this year, in fact, when I started trying colors I used to hate—yellow and orange, if you’re wondering. I used to think that yellow would make me look like a toddler or a bee or a ditzy cheerleader. And orange—well, I thought orange was just for prison uniforms and Mario Batalli’s kitchen Crocs (neither of which I particularly care for).

But on a few impromptu shopping trips, I took a chance, snatching things in canary yellow and tangerine off the shelves as I made my way to the dressing room. Lo and behold—they both look pretty great on me! Warm skin tones like mine were made for brights and fruity shades, so this shouldn’t have come as much of a surprise. I just wish I had shaken off my misgivings sooner rather than later. Imagine all the fashion that could have been.

It might not seem like much, but consider my closet for context. Aside from an abundance of black, I’m only well-stocked in navy, neutrals, and red (the ultimate oomph-giver and saving grace of my somber collection). I’m big on stripes, animal prints, and florals, too, but every printed piece I own is monopolized by one of these color families. It’s like I’m trying to reach a quota, really.

Will I consider more colors? Certainly. But have my favorites changed drastically over the years? Negative. The heart wants what the heart wants! (I’m laughing while I write this, but it’s nonetheless true.) Black, blue, red, and me—we’re in it for the long run.

What’s your favorite color? Browse through the gallery and discover the meanings behind 10 common choices. Mine are all about power and career and intensity—an apt description for a self-confessed workaholic with OC tendencies! But that’s another story.

For more information, check out: "The Meanings of Colors," "Color Wheel Pro," and "Color Symbolism."

(Promo photo for Pushing Daisies courtesy of ABC)