10 Fashion Choices That Improve First Impressions & 10 That Hurt Them
Does Your Style Convey What You Want It To?
You might've learned not to judge a book by its cover, but this isn't how the world works. First impressions are formed in seconds, before words are uttered, and the way you style yourself makes a huge impact. The right choices can signal confidence while the wrong ones can undermine your entire personality. Here are 10 ways your helping convey the right impression and 10 ways your hurting it.
1. A Crisp White Shirt
A white button-down, or even a very well-kept white T-shirt is a versatile staple that makes you look instantly polished. It reflects light, adding radiance.
2. Quality Footwear
When putting together an outfit, footwear is often overlooked. However, quality shoes can be striking and make a huge difference to your overall look.
3. Neutral Base
Outfits built around a neutral base of black, avy, grey, or cream read as polished and intentional. Cohesion speaks louder than colors that shout.
Serafima Lazarenko on Unsplash
4. A Nice Watch
In the era of smart watches, a classic timepiece really stands out. It makes you look instantly elegant, refined, and a little old fashioned (in a good way).
5. Understated Jewelry
Jewelry that's simple and understated looks classy. Jewelry is the perfect way to express yourself, but it's easy to go overboard, which can have the complete opposite effect, so keep it simple and choose timeless classics.
6. A Signature Element
A consistent style detail makes you memorable without trying too hard. Just make sure not to go overboard and stick to something tasteful.
7. A Tasteful Pop of Color
While a neutral base is recommended, introducing a single strong-solored item is a great way to convey confidence and show your personailty. It can be something as simple as a pocket square, a scarf, or a handbag.
The Lazy Artist Gallery on Pexels
8. High Quality Fabrics
Investing in fabrics like cotton, wool, linen, and leather tend to drape more nicely and age better. Even at lower price points, they give a higher-quality first impression.
9. Tailored Pieces
Nothing elevates your appearance quite like a good fit. Tailored or well-proportioned clothing that hugs your body in all the right ways will signal confidence better than expensive brands.
10. Clothes That Match The Setting
One of the most important things to consider when choosing an outfit is appropriateness. It shows you have the social intelligence to understand where you are and you care.
Now that we've covered how to dress to make the best first impression possible, let's go over how you may be ruining it.
1. Dirty or Worn Out Shoes
Yes, people do look at your feet. Don't think you can get away with wearing scruffy old sneakers. Your shoes don't have to be expensive, but they should match your outfit, be clean, and well taken care of.
2. Clothing That's Too Tight
Clothes that fit too tightly, even if they're really nice, are going to look a little tasteless. It signals poor attention and carelessness and just isn't flattering.
3. Displaying Large Logos
Displaying brands isn't style; it's brand loyalty. It looks flashy, like your trying too hard, and like you're trying to flaunt your cash which isn't a good look.
4. Wrinkled Clothing
Before you walk out your door thinking you look great, ask yourself, when was the last time you ironed your outfit? If you can't remember, it probably means it's way too wrinkly. Time to break out the ironing board!
5. Loud Accessories
We know maximalism is in, but be careful. While simple, understated jewelry looks tasteful, loud pieces can be too gaudy. They're memorable, often in the wrong way.
6. Clashing Colors
Be careful when pairing colors. It's easy to accidentally clash. A good rule of thumb is to play with a few flashes of color on top of a neutral base instead of having color everywhere.
7. Outdated Pieces
While vintage is in, you don't want to look outdated. It can look like you're disconnected and can make you look older. Outdated pieces are also often worn out, making you look unkempt.
8. Dressing Too Casually For The Setting
When you go to an event of any kind, it's better too look slightly too formal than too casual for the setting. Showing up to a black tie event in jeans might make you feel insecure.
9. Being Poorly Groomed
Grooming is one of the number one things to be mindful of when you're trying to make a positive first impression. Looking clean and like you actually look after yourself will immediately command the right kind of attention.
10. Choosing Uncomfortable Clothing
If you choose clothes that are too rigid, scratachy, or uncomfortable in any way, it will only reduce your confidence. If you have to constantly adjust your outfit, it looks like you're self-conscious or insecure.
