A lot of guys daydream about the wardrobe they’ll have after they’re successful, but that way of thinking is kind of like putting the cart before the horse. The clothes you wear can be the very thing that leads to success, or at least it can give you a good head start. Here’s why you should prioritize dressing well right now, even if (or especially if) you’re just starting to climb your personal career ladder.
People will make assumptions. Like it or not, image matters in the business world. If you look like you take yourself seriously and you pay attention to detail, others will take that at face value. The same is true if you’re clearly not making an effort. This distinction becomes especially important when opportunities come around – if you always look your best, that’s going to help you have the image you need to start getting ahead. Even if your office doesn’t have a dress code, dressing to impress is still something that makes a real impact.
First impressions can happen without warning. You just never know who you might meet today, tomorrow, or next week, and the person who could give you your big break might be right around the proverbial corner. When you do meet them, what do you want their first impression of you to be? Looking your best every day means that you never have to worry about getting caught out unprepared.
Dressing the part can give you a psychological boost. There’s nothing like the confidence that comes from knowing you look great, so imagine what would happen to your mental state over time if you looked great every day of the week. Never underestimate the power of looking in the mirror and seeing a winner looking back at you every time. It can definitely change both your attitude and your actions.
Dressing well can also help keep you focused. If you ever worked retail or a fast-food job back in the day, you probably remember the feeling that comes with putting on your uniform. Your brain instantly switches into Work Mode, and then you’re ready to go. As you make your way up through the ranks, the “uniform” may change and you may have the privilege of creating your own uniform, but the effect of dressing for work is still the same. It gets you into the zone and tells your brain that now is the time for action.
Although a good wardrobe is an investment, it doesn’t have to break the bank. With the right advice, you can start putting together a few quality pieces that will help you create a winning look on any budget.
Kory Helfman
Dallas Haberdasher
Ken’s Man’s Shop