Wearing grey, black or beige clothes can negatively affect how other people judge your intelligence. Colour psychology explained

Wearing grey, black or beige may seem like a simple style choice, but colour psychology suggests that repeatedly choosing these shades could influence how other people perceive your intelligence, creativity and willingness to take initiative. The important distinction is that the colours do not say anything about a person's actual IQ. Instead, they may shape the social image people form at first glance.

According to El Cronista, specialists in perception associate excessive use of certain neutral colours with traits such as passivity, rigidity, conformity and emotional distance. In other words, a wardrobe dominated by muted shades could sometimes create an impression of someone who is less curious, less innovative or less open to new ideas.

Research discussed by MARCA also suggests that the relationship between colour preferences, personality and intelligence is far from straightforward. Some studies have found links between preferred colours and personality traits or educational levels, but the findings are varied and often contradictory.

Grey can make someone appear less curious

Grey is associated with neutrality and an absence of strong visual stimulation, but according to El Cronista, using it excessively can make a person appear emotionally detached, passive or unwilling to take a clear position. In social situations, that lack of definition may be interpreted as limited intellectual curiosity, little initiative or a tendency to avoid getting involved, potentially creating an impression of less original thinking.

Black can signal authority but also rigidity

Black is commonly associated with elegance and authority, yet wearing it as the dominant clothing colour can also create an impression of coldness, rigidity and limited mental flexibility. El Cronista notes that in settings where creativity and openness are valued, repeatedly choosing black may be interpreted as resistance to change, emotional distance or an unwillingness to consider new ideas and alternative approaches.

Beige may give an impression of conformity

Beige and other earth tones are linked to discretion, anonymity and a preference not to stand out. According to El Cronista, their continued use can sometimes be associated with conformity and acceptance of established norms, leading others to perceive the wearer as having less ambition, creativity or interest in personal exploration. The colours themselves are not negative, but their predominance may influence the impression someone creates.

Research does not establish a simple link to intelligence

MARCA notes that studies examining the relationship between colour preferences and intelligence have produced varied results. Some research has linked preferences for primary colours such as red and yellow with more impulsive and extroverted tendencies, while people who prefer neutral shades such as grey and beige may be perceived as more reserved and introspective.

Some studies have also reported a correlation between colour preferences and educational levels. People with higher education have reportedly shown preferences for more subtle and complex colours such as cyan, ochre and burgundy. However, these findings are neither universal nor definitive.

The colour you wear does not determine your IQ

Colour psychology is ultimately about how people are perceived, not what they are actually capable of. Wearing grey, black or beige does not reduce a person's intelligence, creativity or ability to lead.

Culture and individual circumstances also play an important role in how colours are interpreted, making it difficult to establish a direct relationship between a particular colour and intelligence. Still, in situations where people make rapid judgments based on appearance, clothing choices can influence assumptions about personality, cognitive ability and openness to new ideas.