Did you know that we only have a quarter of a second to make a first impression? Your business opportunities weigh heavily on making certain that you are communicating confidence and respectability through your image. Interviewers, investors, and others in decision-making capacities may take subpar hygiene or unkempt clothing as a lack of attention to detail. You may miss out on a promotion at work, or the chance to land your dream job all because you were not thinking about how you look. At Henry A. Davidsen, the men’s suits specialists in Philadelphia, we believe the smallest details make a significant impact in the business world. Here are a few tips on how to dress for success.
Your Image Speaks For You
“It is not what you say, it’s how you say it“. This mantra illustrates the concept that most of our communication is non-verbal. How we present ourselves matters. It communicates to others the esteem with which we hold ourselves and the company we keep. The key message we want to communicate with our attire is “I am prepared and appropriate”.
Stained, wrinkled, or ill-fitting clothing should be avoided at all costs. Throwing on an old, stained button-down or wrinkled blazer can give off “careless” vibes. ALWAYS dress to impress. Get your clothes dry cleaned, toss stained items, and get suits custom-tailored to perfectly fit your body. Or better yet explore custom clothing to ensure a proper fit. At Henry A. Davidsen, we’re devoted to helping you achieve a look that will set you apart from your competition. You’ll walk away with a style that makes a great first impression, and most importantly, an image that projects confidence.
Details Matter
Sometimes the smallest part of our ensemble speaks the loudest.
- Dirty Nails – This may seem like a trivial detail, but as you go in for a handshake, your interviewer will be taken back if you have dirt under untrimmed, cuticle-ridden nails. Our nail care is an indicator that we care about small details.
- Scuffed Up Shoes – Unpolished shoes will take all the wind out of any carefully cultivated ensemble sails. People are quick to notice the condition of your shoes, so keep your footwear shined and clean. Replace the laces if they’re worn or stained. They say you can tell everything you need to know about a man by the state of his shoes and we tend to agree.
- Unkempt Facial Hair – Mustaches and full, thick beards have made a comeback in recent years. If you want to keep facial hair, keep it neat, clean, and even. Get a professional trim from a barber before a job interview or big presentation. The most important part is to make sure the facial hair looks intentional instead of unkempt stubble that sends the message you neglected to prepare.
Choose Appropriate Colors
We can own the most expensive clothing on the market and still look like a fool, just one with a large expense account. It is imperative to dress for whatever occasion you are headed to. Perhaps a light-colored linen suit is too casual for the boardroom, but a charcoal suit will look far too stuffy at the office retreat. Context is always key when getting dressed for a big event. If you are interested in learning more about color coordination check out our blog series on the subject.
Conclusion
Contact us today about our custom suits in Philadelphia or to schedule an image consulting appointment! Call 215-310-0219 or email info@henrydavidsen.com when you are ready to get started.
