Common sense dictates it already, but research also shows: being well dressed influences your professional success in all sorts of ways. Let me please give examples .
Are you aware of clothing? Or do you put on an outfit for work that is especially practical and comfortable? Because yes, I hear you say: “Isn’t it about my qualities and what I can do? Isn’t success in clothing? Isn’t clothing a matter of taste? “
Your qualities are of course important. Being good in your profession is a precondition for being successful. And of course taste and personal preferences play a role in your clothing choice. But also know that with clothing and color you express how you want to look and what you want to radiate.
Clothing tells a story and is therefore an important and powerful means of communication in the business context. In this article I will discuss five reasons why it is important to pay attention to your appearance.
1. The visual image helps to make a good first impression
In many situations, but certainly in the business working environment, making a good first impression is important. Much has been written about the first impression and how it comes about. An often cited study is that of the American scientist Albert Mehrabian. According to the professor of psychology, communication takes place for the most part through body language (visual, 55 percent) and voice (vocal, 38 percent), and only 7 percent through what someone says (verbally).
In other words: the visual image and the tone of your voice have more impact on how you are perceived than what you say. Your external presentation, your packaging, is therefore an important part for the first impression. Make use of this, because clothing and accessories are things that you can influence yourself.
The first impression is also very important for the impressions that follow. If the first impression is positive, other positive traits are automatically attributed to a person. For that reason it is important to reflect on how you come across to others and how to deal with this consciously. Clothing is one of the tools that you can use for this.
2. Well dressed enhances your credibility
You may have already experienced that you are approached differently if you are dressed in a nice business dress than if you are wearing jeans with worn-out sneakers. There is connection , various research results on this connection between well-dressed and being taken seriously are included. For example, it has become apparent that managers are more likely to take advice from consultants who are dressed in expensive suits. An expensive suit is a symbol of higher social status and seniority.
Of course, this does not mean that you will only be seen or heard in luxury, exclusive clothing, but that it is important to dress well and representative (for your position). Paying attention to your outward presentation is always appreciated. If you want to convince someone or believe in you, it helps if you dress appropriately and appropriately. A stylish package sells your content.
3. Well dressed increases your expert status
With clothing you provide information about your status. People perceive you based on what they see, hear and experience. Who are you, what do you want to radiate and what do you show this in your outer presentation? Are you the expert in your field? Are you the management assistant for whom quality and accuracy are of paramount importance? Show this in your appearance and choose clothing that matches this image and your ambition.
4. Attractiveness influences the amount of your salary
That there is a connection between the level of salary and attractiveness, is known to many people. ‘Attractive’ people have higher salaries than ‘less attractive’ people who do the same work (source: Roos Vonk, De first impression ). What is found ‘attractive’ is related to the external characteristics of a person, such as facial characteristics, height, weight and shape of the posture. You have little or no influence on this.
On clothing and external care, however. That this may be relevant, according to an American study conducted by sociologists Jaclyn Wong and Andrew Penner. These researchers emphasize the importance of good external presentation and care, especially for women. Their research showed that it is especially worthwhile for women to invest in appearance. For example, women who pay more attention to their external presentation earn more money, regardless of how attractive they are. This is called the ‘attractiveness bonus’. So take advantage of this. Clothes make the woman, but also her salary.
5. Well dressed increases your confidence
The importance of clothing is of course not only in how you are perceived and how you can influence others with this. Clothing also has an effect on how you feel. Think, for example, of your wedding day when you were dressed in that beautiful dress or the moments when you dress specifically for an important conversation or presentation at work.
When you know that you are well dressed, you feel more confident. This influences your behavior, your performance and thus your (business) success. For example, research has shown that people work more carefully and with more attention when wearing a doctor’s coat. How you look at clothing, the associations you have with it, influence your behavior.
For the new year I want to inspire you to work on your outer presentation. Dressing yourself stylishly and appropriately helps you in your career and in your chances of success. So show your expert status in your professional appearance. This way you get a better view and you are optimally visible.
The Caribbean Blog Authority is wishing you a bling bling 2020.
