It is interesting to note that the British leader David Cameron and his deputy Nick Clegg both wore shades of purple when they met with the Dalai Lama in May 2012.
It does seem that these two leaders understand the psychology of colours.
David Cameron and deputy Nick Clegg meet Dalai Lama in London on May 14
The colour purple is the symbol of royalty and wealth. It also represents spirituality and wisdom. These two leaders certainly know what to wear to meet their audience!
Look at the colour of the British leader’s ties when he met up with other top politicians in the world. He wore deeper shades of blue and grey that send the immediate message of credibility, respectability and authority.
Cameron and US President, Obama
Cameron with Russia PM, Putin
While colour perceptions on an individual may be subjective, there are some colours that have universal meanings. Think about why the nurses’ uniforms in the hospitals are in whites and pastels, while policemen’s uniforms are in deep dark shades? Would it be effective for their roles if the two occupations swap the colours of their uniforms? Would the policeman still command respect and authority if he wears baby-pink or baby-blue? How about the nurses? What’s the impact on the patients if they would to move around the wards in black and navy blues?
Top leaders of the world know the impact of colours. Red, an accent colour represents power and influence. Hence, whenever leaders have to deliver a major speeches or to create an impact in a meeting, this is the preferred colour choice of their ties.
Singapore PM Lee meeting Obama
Obama making a delivering a major message
So, the next time before you pick an outfit for the day or an event, ask yourself what’s your agenda? Colour is like an ammunition tool. If you understand the psychological effect, you may achieve half of your meeting agenda even before you open your mouth!
Refer to http://www.infoplease.com/spot/colors1.html/ for a list of colours and its psychological effect. Alternatively, get in touch with a certified colour consultant to find out not only goal-effective colours but your best shades for an image advantage.
Lily Koh 
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