Dress for Success Before You Ever Put on Clothes

Dress From Inside Out

Dress for success! Clothes make the man! Yes, these cultural sayings have merit and some amount of truth. Clothing is an important way to express to the world how we want to be perceived. Wearing appropriate clothing to work or a job interview helps employers see that you are serious about your career. However, clothing is not the only way we show the people around us what we want and who we are. Often, clothing comes second to what we project from the inside.

Attitude is the way we act, speak, and the signals we send out into the world. When someone is said to have a bad or negative attitude, usually it means that the person speaks and acts with in unfriendly, uncooperative, or apathetic manner. Conversely, those described as possessing a good or positive attitude seem to approach people in a friendly, non-judgmental, enthusiastic manner. People with good attitudes generally are given better opportunities because those hiring or working with them feel as if the have a cooperative partner rather than a confrontational or unenthusiastic liability.

Part of having a great attitude and a successful look is posture. Hunching over, slumping, or slouching is a sign of insecurity. Even if this is not the message you are trying to send, poor posture can give others the impression that you are trying to blend into the background or stay out of view. Powerful, confident people stand up tall and straight. Walking, standing and sitting with tall, straight posture is a sure sign of confidence and self assuredness. People are more apt to trust and agree with those who seem like they know what they are doing at all times.

Eye contact is hugely important in establishing a presence. When you look someone in the eyes you are telling them that you are not afraid of them. When people avoid eye contact, instead opting to look at the floor, or at others around them, the person you are speaking with thinks that you are either uncomfortable speaking with them or totally uninterested. Either scenario places you in a negative light.

Another way to assert confidence from within is the way in which you speak. As with eye contact, mumbling, speaking softly, or rushing through your thought process gives people the impression that you are unsure of what you are trying to communicate. Speaking with a strong, clear voice gives others the impression that you know what you are talking about. Also, using body language to communicate meaning makes people feel that they truly understand your message. Smiling, using hand gestures and facial cues while you speak makes people feel confident in what you are saying.

Lastly, avoid negative body language when trying to communicate with people. Negative body language usually signals hostility or confrontation. Even if you are not happy with a situation, crossing your arms across your chest, scowling, or tapping your foot will just turn people off, negating your message. Instead, use the same positive techniques to communicate your message. Your words will have more effect if you remain calm and direct.