Have you ever wondered about the meaning behind the American president's use of red and navy ties? Akihiko Sekikawa, a men's floor attendant with a personal color analyst qualification, explains, "Color theory originated in America, so Americans are adept at using the effects of colors. He wears red when he wants to make a strong statement, and navy when he wants to show sincerity. His intentions are expressed through his ties, and I think they are truly symbols of power ties."

We Japanese tend to play it safe when it comes to the coloring of our V-zone (neck and waist area), but in reality, color speaks volumes about a person's character. Before the start of a new life in spring, let's learn how "you can use tie color to create both offense and defense" and use it effectively.

• 

  Instructor: Akihiko Sekikawa
  Image consultant at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building

  
  Located primarily on the 2nd floor Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building but also covering the 3rd, 6th, and 7th floors, this store specializes in offering styling suggestions for a wide range of occasions, from casual and high fashion to formal wear.
  In addition to being well-versed in the backgrounds and latest collection trends of creator and designer brands, she also possesses deep knowledge of vintage clothing and other related items. She fully utilizes her knowledge to propose outfits that meet the customer's purpose of "wanting to show off" and "wanting to be seen."

Learn about the four color schemes and organize your wardrobe accordingly.

Four types of "personal colors" that enhance a person's appearance

---

Personal color analysis is a method of determining which color group suits you best by examining your skin, eyes (iris), and hair color and shine. Personal colors are the colors that suit you regardless of age or gender, and you will always belong to one of four groups: Delight, Sophisticated, Harvest, or Permanent. Wearing the colors that suit you determined by the analysis can boost your confidence, give you a clean and persuasive appearance, and improve your overall impression.

" Green is the color to use when greeting someone for the first time."

Green ties have been selling well in recent years. Highway signs are green to help drivers stay calm and read them properly. Green has a calming and soothing effect. Wearing a green tie when greeting someone for the first time can give them a refreshing and friendly impression.

"For important presentations, use red when you want to get your point across."

Red is a very energetic color. Wear a red tie on presentation days or when you want to strongly convey your opinion. It conveys a proactive attitude and has the effect of boosting your own mood.

" Use blue when you want to show sincerity in a crucial situation."

Use blue or navy depending on the situation, such as during important business negotiations, when conveying sincerity, when you want to demonstrate persuasiveness and negotiation skills, or when apologizing. These colors convey a sense of cleanliness and freshness, as well as a sharp, decisive image. A striped shirt paired with a navy solid tie in the V-zone is a classic and popular combination.

" Tea is a good choice when you want to improve your likeability in the office."

Brown is a color that conveys calmness and composure. It helps you feel at ease and projects an image of calmness and composure to others. It's also a color that can be used to lighten the mood. While going without a tie is the mainstream for office casual attire, pairing a beige jacket with a brown tie can soften the office atmosphere and significantly increase your likeability among women.