👩🏿🦰It’s unfair, but image matters. Knowing how to dress doesn’t make you better than others. Yet, people judge based on looks. Humans are animals, judging each other without thinking. Court dates and meeting the parents demand careful choices. Negotiating pay or solving problems also requires thought. Here are nine style tips to help you succeed. These 9 tips give you an edge. At the least, they prevent unfair disadvantages.
🛍To gain respect, start with your appearance. Dress professionally and ensure clothes fit well. Good posture shows confidence and self-assurance. Speak clearly at a moderate pace. Maintain eye contact to connect with people. Be punctual for meetings and appointments. Show you’re prepared and organized. Actively listen when others speak. Offer smart and thoughtful ideas. These steps can boost how others view you.
📌Here is 9 tips (too simple) can help you project an image of competence!
1. Wear dress shoes with a leather or subtle rubber sole. (Not hybrid/sneaker soles)
🔝Choose dress shoes with leather or low-profile rubber soles. Avoid hybrid sneaker soles. I once saw a lawyer in jury selection wearing hybrid dress shoes. They had white sneaker soles. He probably felt comfy. He was a great lawyer and good with the judge.
❤️However, his shoes hurt his serious image.
2. Favor a classic, non tech-y or puffy coat
🗻For colder places, a wool or wool blend topcoat works well. If it’s warmer, try a water-resistant mac or overcoat. Puffer jackets are useful. Yet, they have a distinct look.
3. Be proficient at ironing a shirt
🛍An event is coming, so looking presentable is key. Grab your iron and board. Avoid a slept-in look. Keep collars crisp and neat. Remove packing folds before wearing the shirt. You don’t need expert skills. However, knowing basic ironing is essential.
4. Know when to cover your tattoos
🃏A pinup tattoo of your wife killing a scorpion might be your favorite thing. However, others may not get it, and without background it might seem weird. Even with the story behind it, some people still won’t like it. Your true feelings might not matter to them.
5. Wear clothes that are neither baggy nor tight
🩰Clothes should allow easy movement. Avoid garments so tight they limit motion. Also, avoid clothes so loose they hinder you. Fashion changes, so clothing shapes shift over time. Our bodies also change. I learned this the hard way. I bought new pants when I realized my old ones got stuck on my calves when standing. Too much taper is not good!
6. Wear a simple watch. (Not a smart watch or clunky sports watch.)
⌚️Wearing a smart watch or large sports watch is fine. Yet, a simple, classic watch offers an advantage. It’s great to have when you want a certain look.
7. Wear simple, proportional sunglasses (not oversized)
👁🗨Select wire-framed aviators or classic acetate wayfarers. Avoid oversized or chunky.
Choose matte finishes over mirrored lenses or shiny frames. Simplicity is key. Never wear camera-equipped “smart” glasses.
8. Know how to tie a good tie knot
🌆Tying a tie takes practice. It is not as simple as some believe. The four-in-hand is a classic choice for many. The half-Windsor is another popular option. No matter the knot, skill is key. Ensure your knot stays put. Avoid a sloppy or loose look as you leave.
9. Turn off your phone. (And minimalize your social media presence in general)
📱Smartphones are built to make you use them a lot. Social media sites reward actions that are often not good. Power down your phone when entering an important meeting. Double check your social media history before that meeting, too.
