What do you think when you see a man dressed in a bespoke suit paired with elegant cufflinks, a nice watch and a good pair of shoes? Perhaps he’s going somewhere important, he’s smart, has a high paying job and is influential. These quick judgements are what we call “snap judgements”. Whether we like it or not, we make snap judgements about people all the time.
We’ve all heard the saying “Your first impression is the last impression”. There are various TV shows on the concept of dressing well. They gather comments and criticism about the person before and after the makeover. Some of the comments are bitter but this shows us the impact our dressing has on the impression we make.
Dressing smart is important for professionals as well. This means not wearing wrinkled shirts or dirty clothes, wearing clothes that fit you well and last but not the least, wearing appropriate shoes and accessories. Although they may seem small, accessories such as gold or silver cufflinks and dress watches says a lot about a person. It’s these finer details that carry a lot of weight.
What you wear also communicates your personality to others – think back, have you spotted a man with bright socks under and smart suit? Or someone wearing unique cufflinks that standout against the everyday business shirt? Did these leave an impression? For women, their personality can be shown through their jewellery and accessories – a bright coloured scarf, a bold or elegant necklace, or a stylish bangle.
Although society has created a lot of stereotypes around dressing, following some basic rules will not only help you create a good impression but also boost your self-confidence. Some simple tips for dressing smartly:
- Nicely tailored, clothes that fit you well; if you need a little tweak, organise a tailor to make the small adjustments.
- Choose the right accessories to dress up your clothes; a simple bangle, or a pair of personalised cufflinks can go a long way.
- Choose the right colours that suit and complement you; you may want to invest in a colour analysis by your local stylist.
- And when it comes to the professionals, dress for the job you want, not for the job you have.
Remember, first impressions count... and they count a lot more than most people think. Taking time to consider your whole outfit, accessories included, will definitely set you apart and create a lasting impression on anyone that meets you!
Angie Mastroyiannis
Author