First impressions matter: How to always dress to impress others
Whether you’re at work or out on the town, your appearance reflects upon who you are and how well you think of yourself. It’s an important factor when dealing with other people, so it’s always a good idea to dress in the best manner possible when engaging others face-to-face or on social media. The following tips will help you to always dress to impress others, no matter what the situation may be.
Dress To Suit Your Shape
Dressing well is about more than simply having fashionable clothes. For men and women, it’s about understanding what you can pull off and what looks good on your body type. Put simply, no man or woman should ever look dumpy in their clothing or have to wear ill-fitting outfits to avoid looking terrible. To avoid looking dumpy, all you need to do is pay attention (and show a little restraint) when you go shopping for new outfits; there’s no reason any man or woman should ever buy an outfit that makes him/her look like a poorly stuffed sausage. Simply avoid clothing that is too tight; opt instead for slightly looser (but still flattering) styles.
Use Your Accessories Wisely
Looking dapper is one of life’s little luxuries. And, it seems to have become more important as of late. As studies show that first impressions are lasting ones, it’s imperative you look your best at all times. In fact, research has revealed that people make up their minds about others in a hundred milliseconds, so it’s safe to assume people will judge you based on how you look from head-to-toe. Luckily, dressing well doesn’t have to be complicated and expensive! All you need is a bit of knowledge and some common sense. Here are our tips for making an impression with your accessories
Keep it Simple
Simple, classic styles tend to stand out in a crowd. If you stick with basic colors and timeless cuts, you’ll avoid both trendy styles and outdated looks. Opting for a monochromatic look is also a great way to make sure that your clothes will never be out of style. In addition, choosing pieces with no or few embellishments (like buttons, zippers or other frills) makes it easy for your clothing items to go from day-to-night. And make sure that every piece you choose goes well together.
Go With Color
Bright, dark and muted colors don’t just complement each other, they create a greater contrast that enhances your perceived attractiveness. Here’s what to remember when it comes to color selection—especially for those of you who wear a lot of black and white (which is extremely fashionable but tough when it comes time to find a tie). Darker shades are flattering with lighter skin tones; if you have darker skin, stick with light or bright colors. And remember, we all perceive color slightly differently, so you may have to try on a variety of ties before finding one you like. When in doubt about what someone will think of your ensemble, ask for their opinion before heading out for an important meeting or interview. After all—first impressions really do matter.
Incorporate Patterns
Most people think of color when they think of patterns. However, there are many different kinds of patterns, including geometric and floral. It’s wise to incorporate a pattern for at least one part of your outfit so you don’t appear boring or plain. Be careful with prints that contain several colors as it can be difficult to pull off more than one color within a single outfit. If you’re uncomfortable with taking risks, then stick with simple patterns in solid colors like polka dots and stripes, which are ideal for beginners. When incorporating a pattern into an outfit, it’s also important that all items fit properly because no one wants to see visible bulges or loose clothing—it distracts from your entire look!
Don’t Forget About Shoes
When you’re not in familiar territory, it’s easy to underestimate how important your footwear is. Comfort and fashion are both important when choosing shoes, but comfort should be prioritized. If you show up somewhere wearing shoes that kill your feet after an hour, no one is going to remember if you have a great outfit or not. Be nice to your feet by bringing along comfortable shoes even if it means sacrificing style points.
Consider Formal Vs. Casual Settings
Dressing for an interview is different than dressing for a client presentation. Since you’re not sure what sort of event you’re attending, it’s best to err on the side of caution by choosing clothing that can be adapted easily. Wear a blazer and slacks if you think it might be a semi-formal or casual event and avoid untucked shirts or denim altogether. If, however, your first thought is I wonder what I should wear?!?, then settle on something formal; go with a suit and tie over khakis any day of the week.
Maintain a Professional Appearance During Job Interviews
Despite what you see on popular television programs, being well-groomed is not just for women. It’s important for both genders to make a good first impression when meeting with potential employers. It doesn’t take much effort or much money—just a little bit of preparation. Below are some tips on how to always look your best during job interviews
Always Look Good in Pictures
While you’re out and about, try looking at yourself in reflective surfaces as you move around. At first, it might feel a bit weird, but with practice (and a little patience) you’ll get more comfortable checking out your profile from all angles. Self-assessment is one of those skills that will serve you well over time; it will help prevent oops moments when someone calls for an impromptu group shot or asks for your Facebook profile picture. It may seem minor, but many major life decisions are made without much self-awareness—so it’s not such a bad idea to learn how to check yourself out first.