The Colour Red

Red and its derivatives relate to the physical; it is often said that surrounding people with red will raise their blood pressure. Because it requires such an adjustment in the eye, red appears to be nearer than it is, which is why it is so often used when visual impact is important. The most obvious example of our recognition that red catches the eye is its use for traffic signals.

If you have gone forth in the morning wearing a bright red dress, or tie, or jacket, this means one of several alternatives: you may be feeling slightly below par on a physical level and know that red will give you a boost; conversely you may be full of energy and happy for the world to know it; you may wish to assert yourself, knowing that red makes the maximum visual impact; possibly there is a wish to play down femininity (whichever gender you are). You may even literally be preparing to go into battle!

Taken from The Beginner's Guide to Colour Psychology by Angela Wright