Make a Lasting Impression

Recently I read an article and survey by a top recruiter who put an emphasis on first and lasting impressions.  Some of the stats are a bit shocking, but I’ve always heard between 30-65% of what people think of us is based on appearance.  Confidence is essential, and looking great plays into that as well.

94% positive impressions came from appearance, confidence, posture, tone, handshake and eye contact.  Only 6% of what impressed was actually verbal response content!

While networking, arguing a case in the courtroom, developing new customers, hiring employees or just out to have a good time – why not to dress to impress?  You never know who will run into!

A few quick tips:

For a meeting/ interview, etc., know the style of dress of the person/people you are meeting with and don’t under dress.  Ex: if you are meeting with a VP in a tech firm you may assume they are casual and wear khakis to the meeting, then you arrive and they are wearing a sport coat.  NOT a great way to start off!  Wear a jacket, well fitting shirt, polished belt and shoes.  The right tie can certainly give you the edge; the wrong tie can kill the deal.  If he is in khakis and a polo, he will just respect your good taste to dress up and not down.

When dressing to networking , casual parties the most important thing is that your clothes FIT you!!  TOO many men are walking around in shrouds of shirts with so much excess fabric it’s hard to tell there is a body under there!  Get a good tailor- or a stylist who can help you get some good looking, well fitting shirts in a variety of solids, stripes and checks.  Coming into the fall, pull your look together with a v neck sweater or vest – a sport coat is always a great addition.

Stand OUT and be noticed!  I highly recommend wearing a sport jacket every chance you get!  In casual San Diego this will elevate you and set you apart from the Tommy Bahama shirts!  We have some new soft corduroy jackets and trousers that make fabulous additions to your fall wardrobe.  Herringbone and other lightweight wool jackets look terrific with jeans and a check shirt – solids too if checks scare you!

FIT is king, as are quality fabrics and keeping it simple with a little flair and your own sense of style. Have fun with color.  If you would like some help with personal tips, give me a call 858.349.5533 or visit www.suiturself.co and thanks for reading!

The Genie in YOUR Closet,
Robin
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As Founder and Executive Director of Suit UrSelf, Robin grew up near the garment district in NY where she first discovered her passion for color and design.  She has been living in San Diego for over 25 years raising her family in the Penasquitos Canyon area.

Robin also founded Pacific Business Promotions, where she worked with many local and national companies including Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Downey Savings and Hendrick Motorsports, to create corporate apparel programs as well as working with non profits such as American Cancer Society and American Red Cross to promote and fundraise with them thru the use of media, promotional marketing and brand awareness.

Spending much of her career in the financial, business and adverting arenas, Robin knows first hand how wardrobe choices and personal style make a significant impact in how clients and colleagues perceive you and more importantly, how you project and feel about yourself in both business and in your personal life.