Clothes are meant to show how you feel.
When they are sharp, flamboyant, dowdy, conservative, ill fitting, dirty, sexy, silly… it shows.
There’s a time and place for everything.
Being appropriate and honoring the setting is important. Wearing shorts and flip flops aren’t the best attire for a religious gathering or wedding. But in each setting clothes allow us the opportunity to express who we are and how we want others to view us.
“Dressed to the nines” was an expression that meant you were put together, presenting a smart, classy picture.
Or “clothes make the man” (or woman), meaning we act as we dress. When casual, we walk and sit stand differently than in a suit or evening wear.
Clothes not only affect your demeanor but those around you.
Dressing for the occasion signals you take the situation seriously and are prepared to present yourself in the best possible light.
It’s a sign of respect. To you and everyone in the room. When dressed impeccably it elevates you and every one else. We may differ on style, look or accents, but dressing well makes everyone feel better.
In fact, some studies actually show it can improve cognitive performance, communication skills, mood and confidence. I think we can all attest to the last two being accurate.
Clothes, hair, and accents are the first things people see.
One study showed people formulate a first impression within 33-100 milliseconds based on our clothes, facial expressions, posture and grooming.
That’s how quickly others create a picture of who we are. Reversing that perception can be difficult.
And 55% of people percieve us by how we look.
In many cases removing worries that our outfits will be accepted, not ridiculed, or be a way to create hierarchies resulted in uniforms. They promote a feeling of unity, camaraderie, and a common endeavor. Like the business suit for men, military dress or scrubs for medical personnel. Schools often institute them to prevent financial distinctions or off-campus affiliations.
Just as important, they reflect who we are and what we want to present to the world. Fashion is a walking canvas. Art expressed by our beliefs, perceptions and backgrounds that can culminate in a powerhouse display when we leave the house.
Given the opportunity it’s an amazing way to say to the world,
“Here I am.”
But don’t forget to be comfortable as well. Constantly fidgeting and adjusting your clothes distracts from the overall presentation.
Too tight.
Too loose.
Too low cut.
Too short.
Too long.
Too many additions diminish the polished effect you’re hoping to attain.
So do lots of facial piercings, tattoos and poor grooming.
Remember it’s set and setting. They are great with friends and family but may be less so with some employers or a night at the theatre.
Clothes and accessories can also exacerbate pain. Something a quarter of the U.S. deals with every day. Ensuring our outfits enhance but don’t worsen pain is also a priority. But don’t forget about shoes. They, in and of themselves, can make or break our pain levels as well as add that final punctuation.
There’s no question we create, work, interact and feel better when we invest in ourselves and believe we look great.
Others notice as well.
And the more you experiment with styles, fabrics, colors the more you’ll know which choices are best for you.
Just as we decorate our homes and offices, how and what we put on our bodies reflects who we are everywhere we go.
It’s a never ending, constantly evolving process that may change with employment, differing environments, age, and fashions. But the bottom line always remains true.
Beyond mere aesthetics, the way we dress profoundly impacts our mindset, behavior and how others perceive us.
What we choose to wear speaks volumes about us in the blink of an eye.
Make it count.
https://www.psypost.org/study-reveals-just-quickly-form-first-impression