my rendition of colors runs like this .
natural with something flashy or sparkly if its sun up high and the water is "kinda" clear ,possibly with a blue or silver tint
white or chart if the water is turbid and or stained and its daylight .
I like orange early in the day and or in muddy looking waters .
then the darker greys fall into play in deep water along with black and in the dark as well.
I add contrast or try it when solids don't seem to get bit .
but quite often I find that what I think they want isn't the ticket at all and its some kind of break all the rules thing the crappie like to do .
on a final note sometimes its about size more than color and that can play a huge role in if you ketch fish for sure .
and then ….toss all the advice and rinse and repeat as there is a day when it just aint happening ….
you know them days you just aint tuned in ,your karma is messed up or you aint holding your mouth right
I got a bud that will tell you to lay the rod down and don't touch it when you are in a funk .
he swears crappie can sense it ….