Three seconds. That is the amount of time it takes for people you meet to draw their conclusions about you. After the initial meeting their experiences with you are often filtered through the prism of what they thought about you when you first met.
If they think you are amazing-then everything you do after will reinforce the idea that you truly are amazing…even if you’re not! (Didn’t mean to burst your bubble.)
If people think you look like this …
PhotoCredit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Well-you get the idea!
Before you ever open your mouth people will judge you by how you look. So what can you do to present your best you in the clothing department, gentlemen, and not look like Bozo the Clown?
1) Wear a Suit
Guys, we look great in suits. We do! Own it, people! So I’d encourage you to rock the suit at work. Here are some things to consider:
Fabric: Look for suits made of 100% wool or a wool-blend. Wool has a timeless apperance and wears well over time. As you build your wardrobe you can add items that are made of other materials (I have a tan suit from I would also avoid rayon, gabardine, and 100% polyester suits. They won’t wear as well, last as long or look as good as something made of wool or a wool blend.
Button Style: It’s hard to go wrong with a classic single breated 2-button suit. The look is timeless and will weather changes in fashion and taste. Also, the last button on your coat should always be left unbuttoned!
Pant Style: Flat front or pleated? If you want a sleeker more streamlined look, I’d opt for flat front pants. If you need more room or would like more comfort, then pleated may be the way to go.
2) Know Your Correct Size and Buy That Size
Suits: Suit coats have two measurements-chest size and length. A tag marked 42R has a chest size of 42 inches and is a “regular” length. Other length measurements you’ll see are “S” for short and “T” for tall.
Shirts: Dress shirts usually have two sizes as well-neck size and sleeve length. A shirt with a 16-34 size means it has a 16 inch neck and a 34 inch sleeve. Have someone measure your neck and sleeves so that you get the perfect fit.
If you have a slimmer build look for an “athletic” cut dress shirt, even if you’re not athletic! All this means is that the bottom of the shirt is narrower than the shoulders. It’s great if you don’t want to look like you’re wearing a parachute.
3) Have Your Clothes Tailored to Your Body
Even if you’ve purchased the correct size you may still need to make some adjustments so that it fits you perfectly. A lesser quality suit that is properly tailored to your body will look better than an expensive suit that doesn’t fit as well. Spend a couple of bucks and have a tailor fit your suit and dress shirts to your body! It makes a huge difference-and doesn’t cost a ton.
4) Skip the Michael Jackson Sock Effect
The “King of Pop” could do whatever he wanted in the clothing department and we all thought it looked great! Everyone else who rocks the white sock with dress pants look just looks like Steve Urkel.
In general your socks should match the color of your pants and not the color of your shoes! If you’re wearing light khaki pants and dark brown shoes, your socks should be light khaki and not dark brown.
The exception to the socks matching the pants rule is when you’re making a fashion statement with your socks. Even former President George H.W.Bush has been sporting fashion socks! Doing this is a fun way to add a splash of color and individuality to your outfit.
5) Invest in You!
If you have to give up Starbucks for a few weeks to build or “bump up” your wardrobe, it’s worth it! If you have to hunt for ten extra minutes on Amazon.com to find some great shoes (I found Cole Haan shoes for $45!), or go to the outlet mall to find a great deal, then do it!
You are worth it … and your career is worth it too!
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(A modified version of this post originally appeared on www.RelationshipDifference.com and www.MultifamilyInsiders.com)
