A Good First Impression is the First Step to Success
by Natasha Christou Digital Marketing ConsultantDress code
expectations over the past 50 years have changes dramatically.
Beyond the courts and
boardrooms of major multinationals the look of a professional individual is
barely recognizable today from what it was in the 70s.
However, despite the
fact styles may look completely different, one thing has remained the same and
that is perception. Research suggests that 55 percent of someone’s perception
of you is based on how you look. This is something that is unlikely to ever
change. Professional attire will automatically suggest competence and
trustworthiness.
Success is commanded
by ability, but for those at the top there are certain features which
continually present themselves. One of those features is the way in which these
people are dressed.
In this article, we
take a look at how you can dress for success before you are successful.
Pick your time
As we’ve mentioned
before, expectations aren’t as highbrow as those of the past. However, despite
everyday not being a black-tie like event day, don’t shy away from donning your
best when it matters most.
A big board meeting, a
conference, or a networking event is the perfect opportunity to display your
class, demonstrating your ability to pull off a suave look.
Price doesn’t always profit
One assumption many
people jump to when planning how to dress for success is that it is going to
cost them an arm and a leg. This couldn’t be further from the truth. We aren’t
suggesting that a host of designer labels filling up your wardrobe is a bad
thing as it will certainly command the attention you desire, but it isn’t
essential.
Pick a style that
works for you and you can begin to build a collection of versatile outfits. For
men, basic neutral colors in a suit can go a long way, only needing altered by
a sleek and colorful silk-tie. Meanwhile, for women, find the right pair of
trousers or a skirt and you can top it up with a different blouse three days
out of five without anyone batting an eyelid.
Shoes make the man
Forest Gump famously said:
"My Mama always said you can tell a lot about a person by their shoes.
Where they're going, where they've been." The lovable character’s
quotation couldn’t be more accurate.
Shoes are such an
important aspect of any look and often the first thing that will stand out to
someone meeting you for the first time. Women have slightly more leeway in this
department as they can alter their professional look with numerous options, like
sandals or boots. For men, however, put on a classy pair of brogues and you are
on to a winner. Men’s suits aren’t difficult to pair with but make sure the
colors are complementary.
Before investing in a
pair of shoes, however, consider your daily requirements and usage. If your
journey to work involves a three-mile on foot commute, you’ll want to shop for
something a bit more comfortable.
Finally, don’t be so
foolish as to purchase a pair of fine Italian leather foot companions and then
fail to polish them — it shows!
Exercise your right to accessorize
Top up an already
impressive look with a lavish accessory and you could transform your look from
an eight into a ten. A necklace, a pocket-square, or perhaps a traditional time
piece might be enough to boost you on your way along that all-important road to
success. These additional items don’t have to be expensive. They could even be
something you have lying at the back of your wardrobe or in a kitchen drawer —
they just need to be paired correctly.
Over a neutral colored
shirt, a man
is granted the opportunity to display some of his characteristics through the
choice of cloth that he wraps around his neck. Extravagant colors in a tie can
suggest that the person wearing it is somewhat of a risk taker.
Kat Griffin, fashion and
lifestyle blogger and founder of corporette.com discusses the fine line for
women when it comes to handbags. Carry an expensive, quality accessory on your
arm and colleagues and peers might appreciate your commitment to your work. But
go too far in regard to luxury and it might come across as you don’t need the
job.
Regarding a belt — a discolored
one can completely offset a look. Remember you’re wanting to look at the top of
professional game, not like an extra
from a country and western film, so be sure to pick your belt in a color that
complements, not clashes with, your suit.
Clean and press
No, this isn’t a
suggestion that you need to exercise more. A clean look, whether that be
freshly shaved and groomed for a male or hair styled neatly for a woman, will
finish off the most professional of looks alongside a well-ironed selection of
clothing.
This is not an
expensive or time-consuming contribution to the look, but it will significantly
impact it.
Ultimately, seizing the
opportunity to express yourself will allow you to feel more comfortable and
strive to success. By following these simplistic steps, however, you can
further enhance your chances of progression.
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Created on May 28th 2020 07:39. Viewed 456 times.