First impressions are essential in all walks of life. From meeting new friends to beginning new business relations, the image you project has a significant impact on others’ perception of you and the business or organization you may represent.
Your choice of clothing and your overall appearance are two important factors that influence how the world perceives you. By dressing well and following these simple men’s image do’s and don’ts, you’ll appear more confident and successful after giving off an ideal first impression.
Do: Dress for Success
Although it may sound cliché, it’s still true: dressing well is pivotal in a first encounter. When we meet a new person, we look for cues to learn more about him or her, and every minor detail matters. Going the extra mile and not overlooking seemingly minor details will drastically change what people think of you.
Following these men’s style and grooming rules will help you make an excellent first impression:
⦁ Keep your clothes in good repair. It seems rudimentary, but wearing clothes that are clean, pressed, and free of rips or holes will elevate your appearance instantly.
⦁ Hygiene is key. Again, it seems rudimentary, but it’s important!
⦁ Pay attention to your hair. Comb or style your hair thoughtfully, and keep your facial hair well-groomed if you’re not going clean shaven.
⦁ Match your belt to your shoes. This rule can relax a bit as you become a sartorial black belt (pardon the pun), but for starters, wear black shoes with black belts, brown shoes with brown belts in a similar shade, etc.
⦁ Wear polished, unscuffed shoes. The best suit in the world loses its luster when paired with ratty footwear.
⦁ Wear well-fitted clothing. Pro tip: custom clothing fits better.
⦁ Wear (just enough) cologne. If someone can smell you from afar, you’re wearing too much.
Your appearance and attire say a lot about your habits and values. If you take the time to press your clothing, comb your hair, polish your shoes, etc. you will presumably go the extra mile for your friends, family, and clients.
Don’t: Overlook the Simple Things
In the same way that paying attention to even minor details gives a strong first impression, ignoring any aspect can detract from your image. You may be sporting a beautiful designer suit, but if your shoes are scuffed and your hair is messy, people will not think as highly of you.
Keep these details in mind when dressing for the day to avoid making the wrong first impression.
⦁ Avoid bulky, ill-fitting attire.
⦁ Wear sneakers or athletic shoes sparingly.
⦁ Never wear dirty or wrinkled clothing.
A person may not consciously notice your matching belt and shoes or that you pressed your clothes in the morning, but they will notice when you wear a stained shirt or a baggy coat. As the saying goes, “When you do things well, people won’t notice you’ve done anything at all.”
First Impression Takeaways
To make a strong first impression, your appearance speaks volumes. Taking the time to make sure your outfit is clean, pressed, and matching can demonstrate your values and heighten another’s perception of you. Conversely, neglecting certain details like combing your hair or matching your accessories to your outfit can signal that you prepare hastily and take less pride in your work.
As image consultants, we at Henry A. Davidsen invite you to take the time to get fitted for a bespoke suit, which is the best-fitting custom men’s suit you can buy in Philadelphia. By building a suit to your personal measurements, our tailors can design a perfectly fitting suit to help you give off the best first impression.
To explore some of the finest men’s suits in Philadelphia and discuss your image, visit our design studio in Rittenhouse Square today.
