First impressions play a vital role in the future of relationships, both personal and professional ones. The person you meet for the first time inevitably creates an image about you, who you are, what you represent, and what your intentions are. Besides the natural charisma and energy unique to each one of us, our physical appearance is a big component of leaving a good impression. Here we’ve shared some tips and tricks to bear in mind when outfit-hunting for a good impression.
What your clothing says about you
While some of the greatest minds in the world, such as Mark Zuckerberg, don’t believe that visual impressions are the best first impression, the undeniable truth is that your choice of clothes does say a lot about you, whether you like it or not. In accordance to the occasion and circumstances, you may be able to control the first impression you make by choosing the right outfit. If you’re going on a first date, hoping it will turn out to be a lot more than just a one-night stand, you definitely won’t be wearing your party-animal outfit. Or, if you’re looking to expand a business and have called a meeting with potential partners, you won’t come in a fun and colorful Sunday brunch attire. Research shows that your appearance strongly influences other people’s perception of you, and ideally it should communicate what you stand for and help others build a reliable first impression of you.
Three As
There are three fundamental rules to adhere to if you’re looking to make a good impression with what you’re wearing. For a good visual statement, the clothes you’re wearing should be appropriate, authoritative, and authentic. Appropriateness is usually the most important consideration, since it shows respect towards the event and people you’re meeting and validates you as a considerate and attentive individual. Secondly, you need to make sure you own what you’re wearing and it doesn’t own you, i.e. you have the authority over your outfit. And finally, authenticity. Although authenticity can be reflected even in the most basic outfits, the best way to show it is through accessories, colors and prints. These three together form the image you intend to project.
Style isn’t expensive, fashion is
This is where most of us make a mistake, thinking that the more they spend on clothing items, the better impression they’ll make. Ironically, you could spend a fortune in luxury stores and still look like you’re lacking either style or self-expression, or sometimes both given that they are codependent. You could be wearing a simple classy dress from an affordable online fashion store and look like a million bucks. Shop for outfits which will work both ways, for blending in and standing out, depending on the situation. At the end of the day, it’s about looking for pieces which represent the real you, not something a celebrity wore at the Met Gala, or fashion magazine cover page outfit. Style is about your skills to express yourself in what you’re buying and how you’re wearing it, not about the name of the brand or the amount of money you spent.
Feel comfortable
In order to make a good impression, you need to feel good in your own skin and the outfit you’re wearing. Bear this in mind when you go shopping next time, and skip the items that you believe would be good for the occasion but are not really your cup of tea, or don’t feel right once you try them on. You should leave your comfort zone from time to time, but not in a literal sense by wearing an outfit which makes you uncomfortable or less confident. When you’re feeling good about your outfit choice and overall look, you are able to project your energy and personality in the best way possible, and indubitably make a good impression.
Our clothes do say a great deal about who we are or who we want to be. Whether we want to blend in, stand out, or make a radical statement, we should be in sync with our appearance. Moreover, it only takes 7 seconds for people to make an accurate or inaccurate assumption of us, and this is one of the reasons why we should pay attention to the visual impression we make. Take note of the tips we shared for your next style investment venture.