It is worthy of note that people make judgement based on their first impression of you within seconds of interaction and through your dressing, even without interaction. Dressing for success isn’t just a buzz phrase, it’s a formula for prosperity. How you dress can present a welcoming invitation to others, or it can turn people away. First impressions are always important. How people initially see you can influence your entire interaction with them. By dressing powerfully, you can make the most of every opportunity and set the stage for your greatest achievements. Sometimes, people with great potentials are overlooked because of the way they are dressed. Dressing for success means dressing impeccably whenever you step out the door. You never know who you will meet or the opportunities that might present itself. It is important to look good always. Looking good does not mean breaking the bank, it simply means wearing clothes that are neat, clean, simple, classy, fit, well combined with the right colours and decent.
According to research, people who dress better have more confidence and are usually perceived as leaders than those not well dressed. Multiple studies have shown that dressing well increases your performance and heightens others’ impression of you. A change of wardrobe can help you get the job you want, the deals you want, the recognition you want, and even the mate you want. It is that powerful.
Esther could not go to see the King without putting on royal robes. She had to look like royalty to gain the attention of the King. Esther 5:1
Dress for your destination. Think about your business goals and where you want to be. If you’re working to take your business to the next level, dress for that next level. See yourself and your enterprise achieving your goals, and go into each day prepared. Envision yourself in that place you want to be, and propel yourself there with everything you have, including your appearance. To be successful, you have to dress for success.
Here are the benefits of dressing for Success..
1) First impression counts
Although, there is a saying that a book should not be judged by its cover, however the reverse is the case for clothing. People can’t help but make impressions about you based on how you are dressed. The visual aesthetic we present to others through our appearance and apparel is extremely important. It is the reason why people tend to dress well while going to close a deal, present a proposal or attend a job interview. It is the same thing with Joseph in Genesis 41:14. It was his first time meeting Pharaoh. He had to change his clothes and shave before appearing before Pharoah. You need to make a good first impression even without saying a word. You also never know who you might see along the way or who will see you. A strong first impression leaves a lasting impression.
2) Promotes self respect
A person who is sharply dressed radiates self-worth. If you take the time and energy to dressing for success, it shows that you respect yourself enough to put in the needed effort to attract people who are likely to be interested in what you have to offer. People will see you in your neat, modest and fitted clothes and start to think that you are worthy of their time and company. When you dress like a winner, it radiates professionalism and respectability. Your image boosts your credibility and makes you more accessible.
3) Promotes self-improvement
Putting effort into how you dress have a positive effect on your overall lifestyle, how you carry yourself, the kind of people you attract, how people start treating you. Through this, your confidence grows. This inspires you to improve in other areas of your life.
4) Gives you a competitive edge
Dressing well gives you an edge. It makes you noticeable and stand out from the crowd. Not only does dressing professionally establish credibility, it also helps your peers and leaders envision you in a role with greater responsibility.
5) Attracts the right kind of people
How you dress also influence the kind of people you attract. If you dress in see-through and immodest apparel, the kind of people attracted to you differs from when you dress in modest and decent attires.
Important Fashion Pointers to dressing for success.
1) Complement dressing with positive personality.
There is no point dressing for success but your personality stinks. Clothes make the person, but the person powers the clothes.
How you dress is important, but the best clothes in the world can’t overcome a sour disposition, a difficult personality or someone with a negative outlook. Perk up your look with a good attitude and a cheerful face. The most powerful part of your appearance comes from within, and the people around you can feel it. It is not just about the clothes. Even after Esther dressed up to see the king, she spoke with wisdom. With all the royal apparel on Queen Vashti, she was displaced. Esther 1:10-22, 2:4.
2) Understand dress code types..
There are different dress code types that suit different occasions and atmosphere.
i) Business Formal
If you hold a high position at work or you are regularly meeting with high executives, then this is the dress code for you. It is also known as the boardroom attire.
For men, business formal means wearing tailored one-, two, or three-piece suits. You should stick to neutral colors such as gray, black, or navy. Your accessories and ties should be modest in color and design. In terms of footwear, you should avoid loafers and instead stick to close-toed Oxfords. For women, a well-cut skirt suit or pantsuit in a neutral color is a good choice. If you wear heels, make sure they’re closed-toe. If wearing a skirt, pair them with tights of a neutral color. Also, make sure that your skirt is not way above your knee.
ii) Business Professional
This is a step down from business formal. Business Professional still allows a little bit more flexibility than business formal.
Men should stick to wearing one or two-button suits. You can also opt for pressed, light-colored dress pants paired with a sports jacket. Business professional allows for a little more fun in the tie department- don’t be afraid to wear some patterns and colors. For women, business professional means you don’t have to wear a pantsuit or skirt suit. Instead, you can pair your bottoms with a top or jacket in a neutral color. With business professional, you can also add in some fun jewelry, just as long as it’s not too distracting.
iii) Business Casual
This allows more flexibility and you can add in your own personality as well. It is a perfect blend of the business and casual look.
For men, this means you can wear colored, button-up shirts with collars. Patterns on shirts and ties are fine, just as long as they are conservative. You can also opt for a pullover sweater over a button-up shirt. You can pair your top with pressed khakis or black dress pants. For women, business casual means you can wear dress skirts or dress pants with any sort of dressy shirt, just as long as it’s not too brightly-colored or revealing.
Larger jewelry is acceptable, as are scarves. For shoes, you can wear heels, loafers, or flats- just make sure they’re closed-toe.
iv) Casual
A casual dress code offers the most flexibility. For casual, you do not look formal. You can wear any clothes in this instance as long as they are neat, fit for the occasion, decent and fitting. You should still make sure that your nails and hair are neatly groomed. Additionally, make sure your shoes are clean (even if they’re just sneakers) and stick to closed-toe shoes.
3) Be well groomed
Asides putting on the right dress, dressing for success requires being well groomed. Hair and nails must look neat, well styled and cut. Wear a cologne but it shouldn’t be too strong. Your clothes must be well pressed and neat.
4) Pay attention to details
One of the best ways to show that you are paying attention to details is through your accessories. Accessorizing your outfit can enhance your overall appearance and add a little personality. When accessorizing you should still play it safe and be smart about the details you are adding. There is no limit to how much you can accessorize your outfit, but remember that simple is good. For example, sometimes all you need to complete the look is a watch and a belt to match your shoes, adding in cuff links or a handkerchief can really help you look more presentable. You can wear jewelry but it must not be one that is distracting.
5) Use the right colour combination
It is important to have clothes in neutral colours…the black, white, grey as they can be combined with any other colour. For men, colour of belt and shoe must match, light shirt with a dark coloured tie or dark shirt with a light coloured tie. Women can always play with colours but should not combine more than three colours at a go.
6) Invest in shoes
Whether they are flats, heels, loafers, Oxford etc..shoes complete the look. Pair an awesome pair of shoes with less expensive apparel and the look is instantly elevated. Same goes for handbag for women.
Shoes should be clean and polished.
There you have it, as much as you dress for success, make sure you have the right attitude to attract success as well.
Source
Azbigmedia
