Why Dressing to Impress Every Day will Take You Further
Have you ever been snubbed by the associate while shopping in a department store? Have you ever been kept waiting unnecessarily for a table at a restaurant? If you answered “Yes” to either of these questions, you may be surprised to learn that it may have something to do with the image you project.
Change your Image if you want to be treated like a V.I.P. Believe it or not, the problem may be that you don’t look important. In today’s “business casual” world, we often look more like we’re ready for a weekend getaway than for a workday. Think about it—would you keep a distinguished-looking business professional waiting? Would you treat him or her in a disrespectful fashion? Chances are you wouldn’t because the person looks important. We treat important people respectfully, even preferentially.
I find that I always get superb service when I’m “dressed,” but am easily ignored when I dress for comfort. Here’s a vivid example: on a recent overseas flight, I asked the flight attendant for a glass of champagne. She advised me that it was not available in tourist class. Then, she looked at me again and immediately reconsidered. She said, “Wait just a minute. I’ll get you some from first class.” She then proceeded to bring me not one, but two, glasses of champagne! I can only assume she thought I looked important enough to have my request fulfilled!
As an Image Consultant of over 30 years, my clients report that changing their image results in dramatic, “overnight” differences in the way they are treated at the grocery store, the drugstore and the hardware store — not just at the office. They find that they are suddenly given deferential treatment and increased respect. In a sense, they are “noticed” instead of being treated like “everyone else.”
Tory Johnson
Comments (6)
I had this conversation earlier today. I quit my job to do two things - go back to school and refocus my career goals. I asked some friends what color suit they thought I should look for to add to my wardrobe, since I'm working on stepping up my clothes as a whole. Someone said "why would you bother? If you go back to school you won't need those things."
I stepped back mentally and thought it over. Wouldn't I make a better impression on my professors if I'm not dressed as though I rolled out of bed and showed up? Wouldn't I make a better impression on a potential network contact if I'm wearing something put together instead of old jeans and tennis shoes? (Not that there is anything wrong with jeans and tennis shoes, but I feel better about myself when I feel put together.)
— Posted by Kelly O | April 16, 2008 4:50 PM | Comment Permalink
Your post makes so much sense.
It didn't take me too many years of my working life to realize that dressing right at work gets you noticed - for the right reasons, of course. Its true that people give their attention to someone who is well put-together than someone who looks like she couldn't care less. While it sounds idealistic to say that one should be judged by substance not style, it doesn't hurt to present your substance in style. As one of your other commentators said, I like to dress professionally while maintaining comfort and a little (really little) funk. Of late, I have found that 'funk' bit adds a little edge and, so long as one doesn't go overboard, it actually helps. Lately, I have worn a nose ring to work. To some it might seem incongrous with a pant-suit, but its a classy piece and not overpowering. I have found it definitely makes people sit up and maintain eye-contact when I am saying something.
— Posted by MM | April 3, 2008 5:05 AM | Comment Permalink
THANK YOU for this post! I absolutely had not even thought of this, and I am sure there are millions of women who haven't either. I think I may give myself permission to go shopping...because you said so. :)
— Posted by Sarah Bray | April 1, 2008 1:07 AM | Comment Permalink
I get the same flak from my mom. I am in a sort of transition phase. At 25 I am finally graduating college with an English degree and am going to graduate school next year for Creative Writing in the U.K. I would like to dress more professionally, especially because the British dress differently than I do. But I would like to dress more professionally while maintaining comfort and a little funk and being friendly to the environment and staying away from sweatshops. I haven't figured out how to do that yet. (Especially under a budget.)
— Posted by libby walkup | March 30, 2008 10:41 AM | Comment Permalink
You definitely hit a home run in this blog discussion. In college, I was the t-shirt, jeans and sweat suits wearing person. Even now I feel the most comfortable in those items of clothing. I have been told you look so much better when you dress up and my own mother tells me this. I would often take offense to those comments and think “Am I considered unattractive when I dress down?” You are definitely treated better when your image is well put together. It is very unfortunate that you are dismissed if at first glance you are not visually appeasing. I guess its true perception rules the world.
— Posted by A.M. Morgan | March 28, 2008 2:15 PM | Comment Permalink
I have a degree in fashion Merchandising/ Advertising, however, I've never been exposed to the Image Consulting business...I have a natural gift in putting clothing together, and always get compliments on a daily basis...Any suggestions on how to begin as an image consultant here in Georgia? Most people in the south go for COMFORT....Instead of caring how they are perceived by others. I dress to impress everyday, for myself, as well as so that others will see that I care about my own image.
— Posted by Sherrie AKA New Author | March 28, 2008 12:44 PM | Comment Permalink