Probably not the most popular opinion, and it depends on who you ask, but what you wear and how you carry yourself on a daily basis make a world of difference. You don’t want to be known as the smelly one or the greasy hair guy in your workplace.
It might seem superficial to some, but your appearance matters pretty much in any context where you deal with people and aim to make progress. Particularly in the professional and business setting. So what is this kind of power dressing, and how can you unconsciously impact the way strangers treat you?
Let’s spill the tea.
What is Power Dressing?
If you google the term, you will find out that power dressing is more than just wearing a suit or a dress. It’s about the strategic selection of clothing and accessories that exude confidence, authority, and competence.
For me, Yves Saint Laurent perfectly embodies the idea of exuding confidence through clothing.
The concept dates back to the 1970s and 1980s when the corporate world saw a surge in women wearing tailored suits with padded shoulders, aiming to level the playing field with their male counterparts. Icons like Margaret Thatcher and modern influencers like Michelle Obama and Steve Jobs have used their wardrobe choices to make powerful statements, and so can you.
The Psychological Impact
I hate the question/comment, which I sometimes hear (very typical for the modest Finnish culture btw): ”why are you dressed so nicely” or,’ ”it doesn’t matter what you are wearing”. I mean, sure, there are bigger issues but those are not most likely correlating related with your OOTD.
Dressing well isn’t about others; it’s all about you.
Ever heard of “enclothed cognition“? It’s a fancy term that means what you wear affects your psychological state. Apparently, and personally, I confirm that wearing formal attire can enhance abstract thinking and give you a mental edge. Think about it: when you dress sharply, you feel sharper. This boost in confidence can translate into better performance in professional settings.
It’s not just a myth that changing from yoga pants to smart casual attire while flying, for example, could increase your chances of being upgraded to business class..
The Perception of Others
What all of this boils down to are the first impressions.
They are made in seconds, and your appearance plays a huge role. When you look put-together, people assume you are competent, reliable, and serious about your goals. In professional settings, this can mean the difference between landing a job, securing a deal, or making a valuable connection. Power dressing signals to others that you mean business, and it really can open doors that might otherwise remain closed.
Or, if you don’t care about your appearance, you better have a Mark Zuckerberg type of an idea that will sell no matter who is selling it.
Components of Power Dressing
However, what often confuses many is the distinction between thoughtful dressing and luxury items, which are not the same thing.
Power dressing isn’t just about expensive clothes; it’s about the right clothes, and basically there are 5 aspects you want to think about next time you are doing some shopping:
- Fit: Your clothes should fit you well. Avoid baggy or overly tight attire, as they often don’t look flattering.
- Quality: Invest in pieces that are well-made and durable.
- Color: Classic colors like navy, black, and white are powerful. You can actually use colors strategically to convey different messages (e.g., red for confidence).
- Style: Develop a style that reflects your personal brand. Whether you prefer a sleek modern look or a classic approach, consistency is key. Knowing what you have in your closet and the vibe you’re going for is essential. Consider starting with a capsule wardrobe to streamline your choices.
- Grooming: The final touch (or maybe the first thing to consider) that makes the difference is about grooming. To have clean hair, nails, and face just gives a whole different message.
Ultimately, of course, it really depends on your environment of influence and what is the kind of norm on dressing but even then, keeping the basic 5 aspects in mind doesn’t hurt.
Avoid the Mistakes
- Overdressing vs. Underdressing: Striking the right balance is crucial. Know the expected dress code and don’t deviate too far from it.
- Fashion Faux Pas: Avoid overly flashy or distracting accessories. The focus should be on you and your message, not your outfit.
- Balance: Incorporate your personal style while maintaining professional appropriateness.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of power dressing is about more than just the clothes. It’s about understanding your audience, communicating your message effectively, and inspiring action through your presence. It’s not dressing up for others, it’s showing up for yourself and support the character and mindset that you want to deliver and develop.
