As we inch gradually towards the close of 2017, we are all going through the pressure of unfulfilled resolutions of this year along with working out the fresh ones for the new year. With every new year comes new hopes, new resolves, firmer determination, fresh targets and definitely greater positivity in every sphere be it personal, professional or social. With this backdrop in mind, I think this is a perfect time to make a big resolve about DRESSING UP WELL not just in the coming year but also in the years to follow, so much so that it becomes a part of your lifestyle. This is one lifestyle change that can do wonders to your life even in the worst of moments. Top 3 reasons why it is so:
PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECT ON YOU
What you wear effects you psychologically. It can profoundly alter your mood and your self-image.So, when you’re getting dressed for work/ any outing, take a few seconds to consider the psychological impact of what you’re wearing, how it fits with where you’re going, and who you’re with. The clothes you wear can affect your mental and physical performance. And the visual illusion created by cut and fabric dramatically changes the appearance of your body. Your clothes are such an easy and inexpensive way of adding to your confidence, style & mental well-being. Your approach to any situation will be governed subconsciously by your style of dressing. For example, wearing a bright color will keep you happy, driven and less tired almost the entire day.
PEOPLE’S VISION OF YOU
Your dressing style also influences how others respond to you. How you dress up has a big impact on how people view you. It’s not about dressing one specific way or with overtly expensive stuff. It’s about considering your audience and using that to your advantage.For example, let us look at it from an office dynamics point of view….Now if you want to appear persuasive and authoritative at a top-notch corporate office of a bank, you probably shouldn’t wear a tuxedo because you’ll just get laughed at. Similarly a denim with a jacket and scarf may work well in a creative place like an advertising office but not in a hospital or a legal firm. The idea here is to dress up according to your audience.
SOCIAL EFFECT
Our clothes are our first signal/ impression to society. Remember that our thoughts and expression come later. Many authors have addressed the increasingly multicultural emphasis of our clothing & appearance on our social status and inter-personal relationships. Nowadays it is very common to analyze and typecast people depending upon their fashion choices in terms of gender, ethnicity, sexuality and class, offering a more inclusive vision of the social psychology of clothing. As the common adage goes: Look Sharp, Be Sharp–because the clothes you wear makes people change the way they hear what you say! It is very common that preconceived notions and stereotypes build up people’s assumptions of other people. Getting judgmental of others’ characters is the most normal outcome of our social conditioning over the years.
Clothes have not always been as influential a ‘tell’ of our personalities as they are today. Whether you want to get a better job, get lucky with your lady-love or start a worldwide movement, the way you dress and present yourself will play a major role. You don’t need expensive or branded clothing to make a mark! All that you need is clean, well-ironed, properly fitted clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident. I think it is high-time that we all resolve to make this major lifestyle change that is a sure shot way of making a difference and the first step towards being successful.
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