However you chose to dress, style your hair, or do your makeup (or not)—it all says something about you. While we all know that we should never judge a person by the way they look, the reality is that we do. The late Jim Rohn, a renowned motivational speaker and my personal hero once said, “God looks on the inside and people look on the outside.” With this in mind understand that when people ask me if it really matters if they look nice, dress well, or do their hair the answer is a resounding, “YES!”
Sound a little harsh? Here are four solid reasons why you should care about your appearance:
1. People Judge
First impressions are vital. You have less than 20 seconds to make a good first impression to everyone you ever meet. Looking your best doesn’t mean that you have to buy expensive clothes, be a pro at makeup or even know how to do fancy hairstyles. It means that you take the time to show who you are on the inside with just one look. Give people every reason to expect that you are a winner by dressing the part.
2. It Increases Confidence
Have you ever had a really bad day? It probably wasn’t a day that you were looking like a million bucks, let alone having a great hair day (Am I right?). We can set ourselves up to have an amazing day just by feeling that we look beautiful or put-together. When we know that we look nice, we no longer fear the dreaded “run-in” and wouldn’t be ashamed to see an old boss, friend, or ex-lover. Trust me, by starting to always dress in a way that makes you feel good will even show in your walk.
3. You can Rock ANY Style
You don’t have to change your style to look like you just came straight from the runway. Whatever style you like best (bohemia, classic, cutesy, dramatic, bold, beach, etc.) can be worn to its best for you, your body type, and the success you are pursuing. This doesn’t mean you have to be a fashionista either. Know the best fit and cut of the fabric with whatever you choose to wear. Then be sure to wear age appropriate items (I’m looking at you ripped jeans). Save those yoga pants for the gym and housework.
4. Dress for Your Raise
Those who get promotions are the ones who already look the part of their future self. Always dress up if you aren’t sure. If you are constantly trying to change and improve your fashion (like I always end up doing) then keep visual cut outs and pictures of the style you are trying to achieve.
In conclusion always ask yourself, “Is what I am wearing a good representation of me?” Now, this doesn’t mean you can’t wear a t-shirt because you should wear a very nice, clean, and attractively fit one. And those yoga pants I mentioned, wear them all day every day at home.
Never, never, never forget that you are advertising who you are by what you wear.
Xoxo,
Abbi J