Shiny, colour preferences and aversions may indeed be "mapped into" emotional experiences. I've wondered this myself. I have a serious hate-on for magenta (to me, it's just SO UGLY), which I know is totally irrational, and I sometimes wonder if I was traumatized by a magenta-wearing teacher or something as a small child.

For a less nebulous example, I was a long time warming up to bright orange because growing up, I knew my mom disliked it -- she thought it was not a "classy" colour (OK, well, I guess I kind of get that). My mom was very concerned about appearances and genteel behaviour. I like orange now, but I still think that it's a colour that shouts. It's just that I'm OK with that now.

FWIW I don't dislike purple on other people. I just don't feel "myself" in it.

Not even a little weird. I think that these are the kinds of nuances that allow us to be collectively "in style" and at the same time completely original and true to ourselves. (At least that is what I tell myself when I wear black tops, dresses, and pants, but won't wear black shoes or jewelry...)

Great thread! I wear purple on all parts -tops, bottoms, accessories (even have a purple leather moto jacket) but am not a "purple lover." I think maybe it's because I find it mixes so well with the oranges or grays I do gravitate towards. Very, very rarely have I worn an entire ensemble around purple (something I regularly do with warm-orange-earthy tones).

I did push myself outside my "norm" recently, though, by putting together an outfit that was predominantly purple and gray (with purple ankle boots. even).

I got more compliments at work that day on that outfit (from the gamer guys even!!) than any other outfit I've ever worn to work.

So apparently I should be a "purple person." Go figure

So I guess I'm not one of those folks who will only wear a certain color on a certain body part but I can totally see how others could feel that way and do so. It makes sense

...and I love a nude pump or boot equally as much as I love a red or black one!

I am this way with brown. A few years ago I experimented with it a little bit when it was an "in" color for a while, and it compliments my coloring well, but I just don't like it. I don't even like natural brown leather bags or shoes, with a few rare exceptions. But I'm fine with light brown or khaki colored bottoms.

For me I think it's some kind of grade school throwback. I have vague memories of being teased for wearing "dookie" colored clothes.

I am all about colors, except for neons. I will try all different colors on top or bottom and make sure they work for me before I purchase them..but I dont have a set color as such.. I pushed my boundry with my last post on my blog on wearing green pants. That was the biggest jump I have ever done with bottoms till date.

It's funny this has come up now because just a couple of days ago I bought a top in a cognac colour which was a first for me (and I'm getting on a bit...) I love cognac leather accessories (have boots and bag) but it has just not been on my clothing radar, particularly near my face, don't know why. I tried on the top just out of interest because it was the colour of my boots and bag and absolutely loved it on. Can't believe I've never tried it before!