Dress for your CHAKRA: How colour can boost energy and happiness

Let your wardrobe cheer you up in the coming weeks as the dull and dreary weather arrives after Christmas.

Bold block colors are a proven way to bring glamor when there are gray skies.

But according to some spiritual practitioners, color selection is more than just psychological: It is said to be an intrinsic part of the chakras – or energy points – which are believed to control your behavior and personality.

With seven of these energy points in the body, each assigned a different color and set of properties, can dressing for your chakras help you achieve more this year?

We asked Jayne Wallace, founder of Psychic Sisters – the spiritual retreat in Selfridges, London – to explain what kind of promise lies in each shade.

Maybe that beautiful green jacket or pillar red sweater will earn you much more than fashion points in 2024.

POSITIVE SUNNY

It takes a certain style confidence to wear yellow from head to toe, but there's no doubt that it brings joy to you and everyone around you.

“Yellow is the solar plexus chakra, and it's all about trusting yourself,” says Wallace. 'It represents positive energy, especially around work and business ideas. It's a great color to wear if you want to generate energy.'

With all-over yellow you choose a chic, feminine one, such as this Jasper Conran dress.

Think bold, not brassy.

GRATITUDE IN GREEN

After a year, green, fashion's hottest shade, has it all: it's sophisticated, soothing and flattering.

It is also the color of the heart chakra.

According to Wallace, that means it's about accepting yourself, knowing yourself and connecting with your emotions.

“It's a healing color,” she says. 'It is worn by care providers who teach others to love themselves and absorb their problems.

“It's also about politeness and gratitude.”

DIRECT ENERGY

Orange, with its perfect combination of warmth and freshness, immediately gives an energy boost for winter days.

According to Wallace, orange represents the sacral chakra, which is located in the lower abdomen and is a color of contentment and happiness – as well as sexuality.

“It's uplifting and gives you that little moment of yourself,” she says.

“And wearing it can almost turn your emotions off, making you feel more stable.”

'Appreciation is the word I most associate with orange.'

CALM BLUE SKY

Ice blue always looks chic in winter and brings a bit of calm to your look – and represents the same vibe as the color of the throat chakra, says Wallace.

“Blue evokes calm, tranquility, inner peace and happiness,” she explains. 'It makes you feel good about yourself, but also inspires others. It is the color of creativity, self-love and self-esteem.'

SILENT POWER

Red has long been the color of power and passion, and this extends all the way to the root chakra.

“Red represents confidence, strength, the passion to go and achieve, but also safety,” says Wallace. 'Even if it's not your skin tone, try wearing a little bit of it – even if it's underwear – to give you that “I can do this” feeling of strength.”

Avoid the cliché of power dressing and try a more relaxed blazer and sneakers combo instead.

INSIGHT INDIGO

Indigo is more nuanced than navy blue and richer than royal blue. It's one of the most versatile colors in your wardrobe, and because it goes with almost everything, it's an excellent choice for a jacket or separates.

That versatility is reflected in the third eye chakra, says Wallace, who adds, “Indigo is about insight – knowing your own truth, operating your third eye. It's about being aware of your energy and that of others.'

VA-VA-VOOM PURPLE

We tend to think of purple as a grand and regal color to wear, so it's no surprise that violet is the color of the crown chakra, which is located at the top of the head.

But it's not about appearance and grace, says Wallace. 'It's about understanding other people – listening, paying attention, absorbing. It is a spiritual color, which is both nurturing and observant.

'People in purple are diplomatic and are in control. You know they are trustworthy and wise.”