Meeting new people is never easy, especially when it comes to making friends as an adult. From engaging conversations to body language, a lot goes into nailing a good first impression. And thanks to color psychology, your wardrobe also matters. Specifically, the colors you choose to wear can also impact how people perceive you. “Research in color psychology consistently shows that colors influence first impressions, emotional responses, and social perception,” therapist Sonia Panchyshyn tells Upworthy. Krista Walker, LCSW, J.D., and clinical director at The Ohana, adds “Research has found that people tend to form quick impressions based on color and other visual cues. The brain tends to associate certain colors with environmental or emotional cues.” The color that conveys approachability If you want to appear more approachable to others, there is one color you should try wearing: orange. “Warm tones like orange are often associated with friendliness, energy, and openness, which can make someone appear more approachable,” says Panchyshyn. A 2025 review on colors and emotion confirmed that light colors are associated with more positive emotions than dark colors. Orange was specifically linked with “positive, high arousal emotions.” @masha.kaptilina Part 6 | Orange Lovers, is this correct?? Comment what colour I should do next?? #psychology #psychologyofcolours #orange #fyp #foryoupage Psychology Colour Psychology Orange Personality Test Psychology Test ♬ original sound – Masha Kaptilina In another study, orange was correlated with increased energy and attention levels. “Orange tends to communicate friendliness, warmth and energy. It’s associated with social connection. This can make a person appear more inviting,” says Walker. Additional colors for approachability If orange just isn’t your color, there are a couple more hues worth trying. Blue As communication expert Vanessa Van Edwards previously shared, she chose to wear blue to come off as more “confident, knowledgeable and calm” for her viral TED Talk, which she notes helped her feel “more calm and more calm to the audience.” Walker also tells Upworthy, “Blue is connected with emotional safety and trust. This may make the person seem more approachable.” Green Green is also an approachable color to try. “So much research shows that green reminds us of a lush spring. So, if you want to be seen as fresh and new, try green,” says Edwards. Susan Albers, PsyD, a psychologist for Cleveland Clinic, also explained, “Studies on the psychology of the color green indicate that it tends to trigger a sense of calmness and relaxation. This is because green is the dominant color in nature.” Red According to Edwards, if you want to be seen as “high energy,” try red. “When people are passionate, when they’re feeling excited, they often blush. So red is the most high-energy color,” she shares. Light pink Color analyst and founder of Your Color Style Jen Thoden explained that “blushing” colors (light pinks) give an “approachable, friendly vibe.” She explains that in professional settings when you may be wearing a navy suit (“which can be unapproachable, maybe a little bit more serious, a little bit more authoritative”), pairing it with a light pink can help you appear “a little friendlier and soften the look.” And as a reminder, clothing color is not the only factor that contributes to approachability. “Other things to seem more approachable besides color include eye contact, a genuine smile, and relaxed shoulders,” Walker tells Upworthy. “Overall, people are generally more approachable when they feel confident and comfortable compared to what color they are wearing.” The post Want to appear more approachable? The surprising color to wear is orange. appeared first on Upworthy.