Red is the color of love, and as Valentine’s Day approaches, the color of flowers and gifts as its symbols. But, what about red as a symbol of power and strength?

Research shows the idea of a red power tie is actually a fallacy, according to Research Fellow Robin Kramer, Trent University.

“Basically wearing a red tie to make yourself seem more powerful, seem more dominant, is not true," Kramer said. "It’s just a myth. It seems like doesn’t affect what people think of you, whether they’re familiar with you or not."

Kramer’s research studied YouTube videos of people in positions of political power, wearing both red and blue ties. He found no difference in perceptions of power based on clothing choice.

His research held true regardless of whether or not the political figure featured was recognizable or known to the participant. Meaning, even when study subjects held prior opinions about political figures, it did not influence their opinion on perception of strength and power with regard to tie color. When subjects did not recognize the political figure, the finding also held true.

The color of the tie did not influence the subjects' perception of the political figure's strength or power.

Kramer does note research supports wearing red affects perceptions of attraction and beauty, but not power.