When you think about creating a new look for yourself, what would you want to change? And why change it? Knowing both answers will help you come up with an action plan so you can be successful at reinventing your personal image.
It’s amazing how clothes make such a difference in the way you communicate information about yourself. Consider a few examples:
If you want to convey trust and credibility, wearing a collared, long sleeved shirt, a garment that accents your shoulder line and has lapels will have others paying attention to you.What’s more, when you’re dressed like this, you can’t help but walk a bit taller, sit up straighter, and take yourself a more seriously.
Envision being dressed to address a group of people, and making a strong impression is just as important to you as what you plan to say.Think about having everything on except for that jacket item.Without it, you’re at a loss of a certain level of professionalism.Put it on, and you immediately show and command respect.Job interviews require this mutual show of respect.
Sometimes it may be part of your role to show that you’re supportive of others.This is a perfect opportunity to wear clothes in a softer, smooth fabric, with a bit of drape.By keeping your outfit lighter in color and low-contrast to your personal coloring, you communicate a comforting message even when you have difficult news to deliver.
Women are often in the role of caregivers and show this gentle quality by wearing clothes just as I’ve described.But men do the same thing by wearing ties in softer colors when they want to convey reassuring messages.No matter what role you play, whether parent or company president, there’s always a time to convey to the people you care about that you do care about them.
Even at work it may be important to let co-workers and the boss know that you’re fun to be around.It’s amazing how wearing small-to-medium sized patterns and several colors in one outfit are visual signs that you’re an active person.Active people are team players and are fun to be around.
When you know you’re going to be working on a project with others, it’s great to subtly introduce these motifs into your wardrobe that day.What’s totally fascinating is how doing this can give even the independent worker an attitude adjustment.
When you understand what you want to change about your personal image, and why, and learn the messages of fabrics, colors, patterns, and line and design, you’ll develop your personal style and transform your image.
Designing and managing your image is the secret science of your success.
Joseph Rosenfeld helps professional men, women, and corporate workgroups create effective visual brands. Visit JosephRosenfeld.com for details.
