Our image is a tool to position ourselves both professionally and personally. It speaks long before people get to know you. So, learning how to control your image is a great advantage. 

Did you know that only 7% of communication is verbal and we are evaluated by the image we project. Assumptions are made within 30 seconds of meeting us from our appearance. So much can be revealed; 

•Our abilities and successes

•Our social status
•Our wealth & education
•Our mood & character 

•Our Self Worth 

Always start with the goal in mind. 

•Who are you? 

•How do you want to be perceived? 

What are your likes and dislikes? Your clothing should represent your personality. You’ve certainly heard to “never judge a book by its cover”. This saying has always annoyed me. If you have a romantic personality, you will probably not be dressing with a leather moto jacket, jeans and chunky boots. Have I met people that have made wardrobe mistakes? Of course. But, I have seldom met anyone who’s style personality did not reflect their character and values. They are usually in alignment. 

Clothing covers 90% of your body so it is obvious that the way you dress will send messages about who you are and what you think of yourself. 

Our clothing is very revealing;

•A neat appearance may depict you as having a strong work ethic and organized 

•Baggy, oversized clothes may state that you are lacking discipline and not detail oriented. 

•Messy or not put together may indicate you have a cluttered life altogether 

•Inappropriately dressed or display of flesh in the wrong setting can show insecurity or lack of judgment. 

Would all these assumptions be true, perhaps not but it would be the image you would project. 

It appears that Mark Twain once said “Clothes make the man, Naked people have little or no influence on society”. I found this very cute and so true! 

There are elements that also impact the impression people have of you. For instance, tattoos, facial jewelry, body type, or facial hair. All these elements show your character and personality. 

The key ingredient to matching our outer image to our inner beauty is self-esteem. Your image is a result of your inner thoughts and the vision you have of yourself. If you don’t realize your value and don’t have the self-confidence, then your outfit will not be able to help you. Clothing is only an accessory! 

I love people-watching, after all, I am French, it is in my DNA. We love sitting at cafes and people watching! It is so sad to see people sloppily dressed. There is a direct relation between what people wear and how they feel or act. It clearly affects your self- perception. 

Studies have shown that people who wear formal clothing feel more authoritative, competent, trustworthy and powerful. 

Women wearing silky dresses or pretty lingerie feel feminine and sexy. 

By dressing casually, you may feel more friendly, easy going or approachable. It is your inner feeling that will impact your attitude + body language and how people will interact with you. 

According to studies conducted, it appears that people that look put together get better service in retail stores, or in the hospitality industry as a whole. 

We are attracted to like-minded people who look like us because we want to belong to a group, a community. We are “pack” animals. Image is also the way we select our partners in life, relationships or business. We have a need for acknowledgment and sharing. 

What image do you want to project? How will you use these tips to shape your image?

Would you like more tips? CLICK HERE to get THE 10 STYLING MISTAKES TO AVOID AT ALL COSTS.