WHEN you are rushing to work, the simplest thing is to reach for that black suit or top. After all it is slimming and easy to wear.

It seems like a safer bet than pinks, yellows or greens for those early morning outfit dilemmas. The risk is that what appears to be a perfect colour co-ordination when you are half asleep or in a rush, might seem a huge mistake later in the day.

But by going for the safe option you could be missing out on the positive effects of wearing something brighter.

Colour specialist Diana Mossop, a qualified complimentary therapist, believes that colour alters your mood and also affects the impact that you have on those around you. She has studied colours that are popular with women out of office hours and assessed how they can be put to good use in the workplace.

"For a job interview or a client business meeting wear a blue top or shirt," she suggests. "Top halves are more visible around a conference table and, as the colour of communication and mental agility, it will assure success.

"Aqua marine, as the colour associated with dramatic impressions, is just right for presentations -- all eyes will be on you.

"If you are trying to impress your boss in the first few months of work, green is the colour of genuine commitment, showing your dedication to your work."

It doesn't have to be all work and no play -- Mossop has some advice for those who have got their eye on someone in the office.

"Wearing pink or rosy colours conveys romantic notions in your clothes and guarantees he will be yours."

But it may take a lot of persuasion to convince some people to ditch those safe, dark clothes. Susan Bull, fashion adviser for John Lewis Partnership, finds that many corporate clients are afraid to venture into colour.

She believes in steering them towards colour -- but often suggests that a little goes a long way rather than using it top to toe.