WHY FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE SO IMPORTANT

Whether it's fair or not, a person's first judgment of other is based on clothing. The rest, including intellectual appreciation, comes only second. Clothing is the first clue absorbed by the eye before the brain judges its first impression. Clothing has become the most important judging factor of first impression.

When you first enter a room, an office, a bus or a business meeting, you only have one free moment, one great instant in which you receive the complete and undivided attention of those around you. In that instant, the people observing decide whether you are a threat or an attraction, whether you are of interest to them or not. In most cases, people make the vital decision about a stranger in less time than what it takes to blink an eyelash. If you mess-up that moment, you will have to work awfully hard for the next.

By changing any part of your appearance such as hairstyle, grooming, or clothing, you can change the total image others have of you. Appearance can be a powerful and useful tool in controlling the kind of message you send to others.

Clothes do Make the Man

Mark Twain’s famous adage “Clothes make the man” is as true today as it was when he wrote it. Whether it’s for work or for play, it is important to keep the following points in mind each day before you head out the door:

• First and foremost, no matter what you wear, your clothes should be neat and clean.
• Keep your shoes in good condition.
• Your hair should be neatly styled.
• Dress for the job you want. If you aspire to be a manager, dress like managers in your company do.
• Casual doesn't mean sloppy. Your clothing should still be neat and clean.
• You can't go wrong with khakis and a sport shirt or a nice sweater.
• If you are going to a meeting or making a presentation, professional attire may be in order.