On a very relaxed Saturday morning, with me sipping on coffee and scrolling down on social media, I stumbled upon something. Nearly all of the admired outfits were either black or white. So I looked into my own cupboard and thought to myself, "Hmm, this is dominated by the same two colors." I found it rather weird. Why is it that the general trend of choosing clothing tends to lean more toward dull, desaturated colors—especially in the West? It felt like we were all playing it safe, but why? Why do we shy away from vibrant colors in our clothing?
This curiosity sent me down a rabbit hole to understand our relationship with color. Historically, colors like purple were once so expensive and hard to make that only royalty could afford them. This set a trend: the brighter your clothes, the higher your status. But as time went on, and clothes became easier and cheaper to make, you’d think we’d all be walking rainbows by now. So, what happened?
3000-year-old textile fibers
The turn towards simpler colors began to solidify during the industrial era. Back then, it was all about being practical. Clothes needed to be durable and easy to maintain, leading to the popularity of darker, simpler colors that didn't show dirt as easily. This practicality became a tradition that stuck, especially in formal wear. Think about it: business suits, tuxedos, and little black dresses. They all follow this unwritten rule of keeping it simple.
But let’s look at the other side of the globe for a moment, particularly at India. India is like a masterclass in embracing color. Every hue has a meaning and a purpose. From the vibrant yellows and reds worn during festivals to the diverse colors reflecting different regions and traditions, color is celebrated and deeply integrated into their culture. It's not just about aesthetics; it's a form of expression, that connects people to their heritage and each other.
Indian Women Kurti
So, why does the West hold back? Is it just habit, or is there something deeper at play? Perhaps it's time we question this aversion to color. Fashion is a powerful form of self-expression, after all. By limiting our palette, are we also limiting what we can express about ourselves?
This isn't to say that everyone should ditch their neutrals for neon overnight. But maybe, just maybe, it's worth exploring what a splash of color can do. Not just for our style, but for breaking free from the norms we've unconsciously clung to. After all, if fashion is about individuality, why not make our wardrobes as diverse and vibrant as the world around us?