What color suit is considered a power suit?
For better or worse, one’s appearance typically delivers the first impression. Because of this, the power suit is the go-to uniform for many of life’s biggest professional moments. When one wants to both feel and express confidence, capability and control, there’s nothing better than a power suit.
As with everything, the proper power suit starts with the perfect fit. Suits traditionally emanate a sense of strength through their cut, but an ill-fitting suit undermines this message. In other words, it doesn’t matter how well you may have nailed the power suit “formula” if your clothing doesn’t fit well.
The power suit is not defined by a particular color, but it must not venture beyond traditional, conservative colors. The power suit is not intended to convey individuality, creativity or fun and this sense of familiarity and tradition helps frame and compliment, rather than distract from, the wearer.
Solid, not overly intricate patterns are typically worn with the suit, shirt, tie and socks, but simple, traditional patterns such as the pinstripe suit or striped tie are power suit staples.
Bright red is the established power tie color because of what we associate with the color either consciously or unconsciously. It grabs attention, like red lipstick. Matadors in red are incredibly masculine. In nature, the color often communicates danger. Humans use it for stop signs and red lights.
If Navy Blue Is The Color Of Professional Power, Gray Is The Color Of Power Under Control.
So what do we associate with the color gray? The answer tells us why the gray power suit makes so much sense. Instead of the kind of power that is attention-seeking, bold and aggressive, gray reminds us of different facets of power. Here are three:
We first think of gray being associated with more advanced age, wisdom and trust. It’s neutral, which can help establish an air of fairness and objectivity that may be extremely powerful in certain settings.
Grays are often associated with sleekness or modernity, like the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.
Finally, gray has an industrial, concrete sense that conveys gravity and longevity.
It’s easy to think of professional moments where one might want to convey wisdom, professionalism, sleekness or gravitas. These are different sides of the power coin to the red discussed above and, in a more nuanced sense, the traditional navy blue power suit.
The navy blue power suit is great and I won’t try to talk you about of it as navy blue brings elements of tradition (military uniforms) and trust (as the expected choice). Two powerful elements to project. If navy blue is the color of professional power, gray is the color of power under control.
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