Why should you define your personal style? We often overlook the importance of dressing neatly and presentably. I certainly didn’t. Before now, I would throw on whatever was clean, believing my work and personality should speak for themselves.
But over time, I noticed that I, too, made subconscious judgments about others based on their appearance. Think of your appearance like a means of non-verbal communication, and you’ll realize just how much you shouldn’t overlook it. This article explains why it is essential to dress neatly and presentably, along with tips for defining your personal style.
The Psychology of Dressing Well
Before we talk about everything you need to know to create your own style, let’s directly answer the reasons why you should care. Dressing well comes with an array of unfair advantages that you might be doing yourself a great disservice if you don’t use them.
Self-perception and identity
Your clothes can be a tool for self-affirmation. Studies show they can directly influence your psychological processes. Wearing great clothes is often associated with competence, which can increase your focus and confidence. Therefore, when you dress for the role you want, it could help you think about acting the part.
Expression
Clothes and fashion can also be a way to express yourself visually without saying a word. Yes, clothes are functional, but you can also appreciate the ability to wear something that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Social identity and belonging
Like it or not, humans have an innate need to belong to a group. When you adhere to a particular dress code, you’re signaling membership and acceptance. When you dress well, you convey who you are, what you like to do, where you live, where you attend school, where you work, where you go to have fun, and why you do what you do. Also, the ability to wear what’s specific and accepted in certain contexts proves you know how to act appropriately.
Impact your career and relationships.
What happens when you don’t put in the effort to dress appropriately for a date with another person? It signals to them that you don’t care so much about the relationship. This also happens in the same way in your career. When you dress significantly better, you show that you understand and respect the organizational culture. In social settings, it could also help attract like-minded people.
The halo effect and first Impressions
Whether you define your style or not, you are offering a perception to others. Socially, we assume that people who possess one positive quality also have others. So, people who dress well and neatly are more likely to be diligent, competent, and trustworthy.
Furthermore, always remember that you have 7 seconds to make a lasting impression on others. When you dress neatly, you’re taking advantage of those 7 seconds to show your professionalism and attention to detail even before you speak.
Control and preparedness
When you have job interviews, dressing well and neatly instantly signifies to your interviewer that you are more prepared. This also applies to every other aspect of your life. Plus, you can’t really control the world and how people perceive you. But you can control your appearance and, indirectly, exert agency over their perception of you. Make an effort to convey that image of reliability and competence, and others would be more likely to trust you with responsibility.
What Does it Mean to Dress Presentably?
When you wear clothes with intention, you are literally dressing for success. But what does it mean to be presentable? The reality is that it’s not about expensive labels.
Dressing neatly and presentable is about being intentional.
This, in turn, means that your clothes are context-appropriate, clean, ironed, and free of stains or damage. It also demands that your clothes are tailored to your body, not just your size.
Being neat and presentable is crucial for all professional appearances, from business casual outfits to formal corporate attire. You can even say that it’s essential for every aspect of your life.
Tips to Define Your Personal Style
So, how can you dress neatly and presentable? Easy: first, define your own style. Or in this case, you take the steps to develop a killer fashion sense. There are, of course, people with good fashion sense. But we aren’t all born with it.
Instead, you can learn, hone, and master the skill to cultivate a self-styling intuition that ensures you always look polished, confident, and authentically you.
Here are seven rules to help you discover your personal style and dress successfully, no matter the occasion.
Rule 1: Start with a style catalog.
You can use Pinterest or a simple phone folder to save images of outfits you love. And you shouldn’t overthink it. Just save. After a few weeks, look for patterns. You’ll find that you’re drawn to minimalist silhouettes, bold colors, bohemian textures, or tailored pieces. Fortunately, MakeOutfit also hosts a feed of perfectly coordinated clothes that you can take advantage of.
Rule 2: Master how clothes fit on your body.
Consider using the Kibbe scale to develop a good sense of how clothes fit you. Plus, you don’t always have to wear clothes straight out of the box. The tailor can help you tailor or adjust clothes to make them look more expensive on your silhouette. A tailor is also an ingenious element that can help you discover your style.
Rule 3: Build a “uniform” of go-to outfits.
Throughout our website, we champion a uniform wardrobe. It frees you from making bad decisions about your clothes. And it ensures you always have a foolproof wardrobe of outfits you can repeat. All you need to do is identify 3 to 5 outfits that make you feel incredible. It could be a combination of great-fitting jeans, a crisp white tee, and a blazer. Organize your wardrobe so that you have a designated section for those clothes in an accessible location.
Rule 4: Always add a third piece.
Two outfits mean wearing a top and a bottom. However, you can make your outfit more stylish by adding a third piece. This could be a blazer, a structured cardigan, a statement scarf, a bold necklace, a hat, or a stylish belt. The third piece should be interesting enough to offer layers, texture, and visuals.
Rule 5: Master grooming and maintenance
This isn’t a personal style guide, but it’s just as crucial to your entire outlook. You need to make the extra effort with your hair, clothes, and nails. These are all non-negotiable finishing touches to define your personal style.
Rule 6: Wear more foundational pieces.
As we just talked about uniforms, this explains it better. A key rule for enhancing your look is to invest in well-made, statement pieces. This is also the philosophy we discussed in the article about why rich people prefer quiet luxury. Make 80% of your wardrobe timeless, and you won’t be panicking every time a trend becomes dated. This means owning classic pieces, such as a white button-down, a trench coat, well-fitting denim, and a cashmere sweater. You can go crazy with the other 20% but always prioritize items that ultimately reflect your personality.
Rule 7: Remove as many clothes as you add.
Developing a killer fashion sense is also about getting rid of what you don’t need. When you buy a new item, consider letting go of an older one that you no longer wear. Alternatively, you should go through your closet every few months. If you haven’t worn something in over a year, or it doesn’t fit or spark joy anymore, it’s time to let go.
Defining your personal style also translates to your professional clothes.
You don’t have to let go of your personal style when you’re dressing for the office. However, adapting often requires much greater nuance. For instance, some work environments thrive on suits, while others are more casual, featuring t-shirts and shorts. Regardless, here are some additional strategies to ensure you fit in comfortably without compromising your style. Remember, it’s essential to look good every day rather than to look different every day.
Business casual outfits
Even in offices that require casual attire, you can still define your personal style. Think tailored trousers, a bright blouse or knitwear, and closed-toe shoes. A blazer is also always a suitable choice in this type of office environment.
Business Chic attire
If the business environment is more about being chic or classy, then you can take the extra step to be fashionable. This time, consider investing in luxurious fabrics, such as a silk wrap dress or elevated separates. They are especially perfect for client meetings or leadership roles.
Wrapping Up
The clothes you wear and the way you groom yourself will always influence how others perceive you. Therefore, it is essential to define your personal style and dress appropriately at all times.
That said, you don’t have to have a killer fashion sense to get started. With the tips we’ve shared, you can begin today to redefine your wardrobe. Each step you take is a move toward a confident, authentic, and consistently presentable style. Don’t forget that when you define your wardrobe with intention, you eliminate decision fatigue and ensure you look good even on your busiest days.