Make A Statement Without Saying a Word
Think about how often you watch or look at someone and make a judgement about them based on how they appear. The truth is, people are doing the same to you. Wow, isn’t that a thought! There is new research that shows that you only have 7 seconds to make a first impression. This means you must show up looking your best and how you want to be perceived.
Here are the Top Three Elements of Making a Great First Impression:
1. Fit – Wearing clothing that fits you properly is key. This means your pants should not sag in your tush, buttons should not pull, skirts should not be too short or too long and jacket sleeves and hems need to hit you at the right place. Nothing makes you look less credible than clothing that is too big or too small, or too long or too short. I recommend buying clothing that fits your largest area and then having a tailor alter to fit any area that is too big.
2. Color – You want to wear colors that are your most flattering and in harmony with your hair, skin and eyes. This means the colors blend in with your natural coloring. Wearing the wrong colors can make you look older and lifeless. Your skin tone can actually look gray if you are wearing colors that aren’t your best. Try wearing your eye color as that will always be one of your best. Teal is a universal color so everyone will have some shade that looks great on them. Also keep in mind that people love black because they feel it’s figure flattering, however it is too harsh of a color for many to wear around the face. If you have lighter hair and complexion think about wearing a softer brown, gray or a blue as neutral instead.
3. Personal Brand – You are your own personal brand. This is how others see, feel and experience you. It’s how you show up in the world and how you will be remembered. You are your own walking billboard. So it’s important that you take some time and think about how you may be seen by others. Often we don’t know what our brand is, or what we want it to be; or we think people perceive us one way when in reality we are being seen very differently. I recommend spending some time thinking about words that express how you want to be seen. For example: credible, conservative, approachable, elegant, sporty, powerful, fun or dramatic just to name a few. Once you have words that create your style story you can start to dress in a way that projects that story and create a personal brand that is unique to you. If you can think about these three elements when you are purchasing new clothing you will be well on your way to making an amazing first impression! |