We have been talking a lot about chromotherapy, color theory, and the effect of colors on our personality and moods. In that context, there’s another interesting study that you might love to know –
the RED SNEAKER EFFECT.
What is the RED SNEAKER EFFECT and how does it impact us?
By the simplest definition of it, the Red Sneaker Effect happens when we add a slight touch of change to standard clothing norms.
Harvard psychological scientists discovered in a study that “intentionally wearing something that causes you to stand out from the crowd around the office, like red sneakers, for example, could send a positive message to others — one that communicates confidence, power, and status.”
After conducting a series of five studies, the team also found that “a little sartorial flair can increase perceptions of status and competence” – as long as you do it deliberately and intentionally. They defined this phenomenon as the “red sneaker effect.”
How can you use the effect it into your daily dressing?
While the original idea of Red Sneaker started with wearing literally “red sneakers”, and using the color red to create a striking uniqueness to a black-tie attire, it is also applicable to other colors and variations in dressing.
“It could just be wearing a colorful tie, or colorful socks or, you know, different shoes. It has to be very clear that it’s deliberate.”
The theory of the Red Sneaker Effect works with bold and vibrant colors. Why? Because most bright colors have a positive impact on our psyche and mood. For example, wearing yellow makes you feel more energetic. Or, wearing orange drives a sense of adventure. Similarly, wearing bright blue can be seen as having a sense of being calm and creative. The idea is to incite the mood that a particular color is associated with.
Let’s try with some examples.
Red on black
This is in sync with the original theory of the Red Sneaker Effect, where instead of just red sneakers, you change any one accessory in an all-black ensemble to red.
It could be a bow tie, a regular tie, a scarf, a belt/sash, or even stilettoes.
Now, try this with other colors that are impactful.
Yellow on grey
You could be in a grey business suit or a formal dress, but a yellow tie or even a yellow vest could create the effect. You could also try it with yellow (printed or solid) socks. And of course, the idea of yellow shoes with an all-grey ensemble is always there.
Orange on black
If red is not your color or you don’t have any red accessory, try the effect with orange. Orange shoes, sneakers, a flower pin, a belt, or even a scarf works.
Yellow/Orange on navy
This is a very stately combination, something we have learned from the monarchs and elites of the erstwhile societies. The blue-yellow combination is also quite common for uniforms across academia, civil servants, defense, etc. Now, if you change the ratio of yellow to blue, then you can easily incorporate the idea of the Red Sneaker Effect. Try the same thing with orange, and you have your very own and unique combination of clothes and accessories.
Another great way of using the effect is to try it with all-white ensembles.
Typically, people expect uniformity in a monochromatic ensemble, especially with black and white – white dress/suit, white shoes, bags, and so on. Now, imagine wearing strikingly red or fuchsia shoes or a tie/cravat/scarf with the all-white outfit! You will not only be defying the norm but that will also speak confidence and power to create your own.
Colors that stand out on white – red, gold, purple, orange, fuchsia, green.
Beyond accessories
One of the best things about the theory of the Red Sneaker Effect is that it doesn’t have to be an external accessory, every time. It could easily be a motif in a contrast color, embellished or embroidered onto the garment.
For example, if you have a red formal dress and you wear red shoes with it but you have a bright blue motif stitched on it, it could also have the similar results of the Red Sneaker Effect.
There’s no rule as to how far you can go with experimenting with colors in your clothing. It is about understanding which colors affect you how and what it does for you. As long as you get incite a positive visual impact in yourself and others, and get a unique emotional value for yourself, you have mastered the Red Sneaker Effect.
