Time for a Fashion Makeover?
Well, dear friends, welcome to March and another month closer to spring! As Anne Bradstreet so knowingly wrote, “If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant.” So, let us hope for a wonderfully glorious spring!
Last month I wrote about dressing for success for men. So, this month, I thought I’d share thoughts on why women should also dress for success. Perception still becomes people’s reality so the better you can be perceived, the better you will be received. And if you want to advance your career, make more sales, get invited to the upcoming galas, or meet the man of your dreams maybe it’s time to “up your game.”
Dressing for success matters because it:
- Boosts Your Confidence. When you feel good about what you wear it makes you feel good about yourself. Dressing smartly can improve your mood because it triggers a releases dopamine in your brain, a chemical neurotransmitter. This transmitter is associated with pleasure and reward. “Dopamine dressing” (no, not a salad dressing) can truly boost your mood!
- Helps You Impress. Since 93% of communication is nonverbal, what you wear and how it makes you feel can help you make great first impressions before you even say a word.
- Establishes Credibility. Professional dress impresses others because it sends an unspoken message that everything you do, including dressing appropriately for your work, is accomplished with top tier excellence. By contrast, an unkempt, sloppy appearance will have a directly opposite effect.
Nothing helps in conveying content like sharing great context. Here’s what these famous women have imparted to the world on the importance of women dressing for success:
“What you wear is how you present yourself to the world, especially today, when human contacts are so quick. Fashion is an instant language.”
Miuccia Prada,
“In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.”
Coco Chanel
“Fashion is what you buy, style is what you do with it.”
Nicky Hilton
“Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.”
Rachel Zoe
“Fashion is a tool…to compete in life outside the home. People like you better, without knowing why, because people always react well to a person they like the looks of.”
Mary Quant, British fashion designer
Dress for the Occasion
Different events require dressing differently:
Corporate: Dress in neutral colors in structured dresses or blouses with skirts or slacks.
Non-Corporate: Venues outside the corporate world allow more flexibility and creative dress. Let your personality shine through with trendy pieces, bold colors, and trending patterns.
Dress Casual: This is a relaxed mix of the first two. Dress with panache but in a relaxed way. Try wearing a blazer with tailored jeans or stylish, comfortable outfits. Mix in cowboy boots or chic flats. Just have fun.
So, with the year still young, use this article to spur a change of pace. Consider a style makeover today!
