The Power of Clothing

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “Clothes make the woman.” Ask yourself, Can clothing really have that much of an impact on our lives? I’m here to tell you that not only can clothing affect the way we think and feel, but it can also change the way we see ourselves.

The way we dress affects our confidence.
Have you ever had a day where you just couldn’t seem to get it together? You know, one of those days where you feel like you’re wearing a sign that says “Please don’t talk to me!” We’ve all been there. But did you know that the clothes you choose to wear each day  can actually have a direct impact on your confidence level? It’s true! When you look good, you feel good. And when you feel good, you’re more likely to exude confidence and become magnetic.

Think about it this way: If you’re going into a meeting with clients or potential collaborators, would you rather be wearing your favorite power suit or your old jeans and a tee? The answer is obvious. Clothing has the power to make us feel capable and competent, two very important qualities for us as entrepreneurs.

The way we dress affects our decision making.
In addition to affecting our confidence, the clothes we wear can also influence our decision making. Studies have shown that people who dress in formal attire are more likely to make logical decisions, while people who dress in casual attire are more likely to go with their gut instinct. Let me elaborate.

If you’re heading into a situation where you need to be thoughtful and level-headed (like a sales situation), it’s best probably best to dress formally or better yet powerfully.. On the other hand, if you’re working on a creative project where outside-the-box thinking is key, dress in something more relaxed so you’ll be more likely to express yourself and maybe take some risks..

The way we dress affects how others perceive us.
It’s no secret that first impressions are important. And one of the biggest factors in making a positive first impression is how we present ourselves through our outward appearance. Have you ever met someone who was dressed impeccably and immediately thought, “Wow, they must have it all together!”? It happens all the time. Clothing has a way of conveying our story and giving people clues about who we really are..

Of course, it’s important to remember that clothing is just one part of the equation when it comes to making a great first  impression. But it is an important part—one that should not be underestimated.

As entrepreneurs, we often wear many hats—CEO, CFO, CMO, etc. And while each role comes with its own set of responsibilities, one thing remains constant: we are always representing our businesses. Whether we’re attending a meeting or giving a presentation, we are always representing our brand and ourselves. That’s why it’s so important to be aware of the power of clothing and how it can affect the way we think, feel, and behave. So next time you say “I’ll just throw something on” before a big meeting, give it some more thought and remember: clothes make the woman!

If you like some inspiration to help create new outfits in your existing closet grab my “30 day Closet Confidence Challenge” where I prompt you each day to try something new.

Join now!