Over the summer, I was doom-scrolling TikTok tarot card readers when I came across advice that actually resonated. Apparently, my life was in chaos, and it was time I entered an introspective, hermit crab-like period to reflect and rebalance. They suggested wearing black to protect my precious energy, and my Scorpio-rising-inner-voice said, “good idea.” It was July, so my wardrobe sang the range of lime green, baby pink, turquoise, and purple, though I agreed I wanted to recalibrate. I soon acquired a few black basics to begin my “black period,” in which I carefully wore head-to-toe black on days I felt a bit “off.” Call it a placebo, but it made me feel better, safer, perhaps. 

I follow practicing astrologers on Twitter and took note of discourse describing planetary “luck” that can be attracted according to the color you wear and the day of the week. Vedic astrology and feng shui consider the color of clothing as a means of protection and energy balance as well. What a foolproof way to get dressed, I thought. Why not dress to my full, universe-guided potential? 

Color is manipulated to evoke feelings and awaken our senses all the time. Bakeries are painted pink to encourage customers’ sweet tooths, and fast food restaurants use bold yellow and red to evoke happiness and hunger. Whether you “believe” in astrology or not, color psychology supports the placebo. 

Cultural traditions also assign colors to days. In Brazil, it’s superstitious to wear all white on New Year’s Eve with colored underwear peeking beneath. The Portuguese expression Ano novo, vida nova, meaning “New year, new life!,” is embraced by Rio de Janeiro partiers who jump into the ocean at midnight and make a wish on seven waves that must be faced head-on. In Thailand, people used to dress in colors assigned to days of the week, based on the deity that protects each day. Traditionally, there are lucky and unlucky colors to be mindful of. Similarly, Hindus dedicated each day to a different god, with special rituals and colors to worship in, based on the god’s favorite and least favorite colors.

Babylonians in 500 BCE (the original astronomy and astrology girls) assigned each day to the planets visible to the naked eye. The week starts on Sunday, its “planet” unsurprisingly being the sun. As the ruler of the sign Leo, it brings themes of vitality, nobility, and passion. The colors associated with this day are red, orange, and deep magenta, so wear these hues to heighten creative energy. 

Monday is represented by the moon, Cancer’s “planet,” which is all about emotional instinct and changing moods. Monday is a clean slate, so wearing whites, blues, and silvers will calm the senses to support whichever new direction you may take.  

Tuesday corresponds to Mars, an assertive and impulsive energy, which rules the sign Aries. Symbolized by the headstrong bull, this energy can be harnessed to get through the grind in strong reds. 

Wednesday is influenced by Mercury, the planet of communication and ruler of analytical Virgo and Gemini. Mercury prioritizes logic over emotion, clever wit, and communication. Wear green on “hump day” to encourage a fresh perspective and creative approach to any verbal or written work. Jupiter, the planet of luck, abundance, and worldly expansion rules Thursday in yellow and gold. Also the ruler of Sagittarius, Jupiter day is best for kicking off a weekend trip or philosophizing under the stars. 

Friday is ruled by romantic Venus, the planet of love, attraction, and harmony, and the signs Taurus and Libra. Manifest loving feelings and compassion for yourself and others by wearing soft pink, white, and cream. Friday also encourages shapeshifting with your look or special plans with your boo. 

Finally, Saturday is ruled by Saturn, the planet of disciplined commitment and responsibility. Embodied by Capricorns, this energy is known for wisdom and forward planning, which can be heightened with black, navy, violet, and gray. 

Western cultures to this day wear black in mourning to signal loss and bring emotional comfort. Color is a tool for dressing intentionally, a way of tangibly manifesting how you want to feel or operate that day. So if you’re stumped about your ‘fit for class or work, look to the sky, like you would the Earthly weather report, to help decide on the appropriate hues to attract good vibes. And with several planets in retrograde throughout October—Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto—this universe hack might come in handy.