Written by: Raluca Marcu, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Clothing has captured the attention of psychologists for quite some time. As early as 1890, William James placed clothing as a key component of our material self, after our physical body, and before our immediate family and home. Clothes are so close to our body that both us and our community identify ourselves with them.
More recently, in her book "Mind What You Wear," fashion psychologist and professor Karen Pine from the University of Hertfordshire explores the profound cognitive, social, and emotional consequences of clothing choices. She reveals that what we wear influences how others see us and shapes how we see ourselves. "What we wear affects how we feel so much it can distort and determine our thoughts and judgments." This realization increases the significance of selecting our outfits with intention every morning, as they can shape our mindset and interactions throughout the day.
As someone who coaches people on their image and personal style, I often get asked about how to dress for success in a professional setting. People are curious about what their clothes say about them and how it affects their personality and professionalism. It's important to understand the impact of our clothing choices on our energy, productivity, and how others perceive us. These are all essential questions because how we dress can reveal much about who we are and what we value.
What does ‘dress for success’ even mean?
Dressing for success doesn't necessarily mean wearing a suit and tie every day or only conforming to specific societal norms and fashion rules. Instead, it's about expressing our own personal style in a way that is suitable and respectful for the role and the environment we're in.
Like any other significant time in human history, the pandemic led to the emergence of distinct periods: pre-pandemic, during the pandemic, and post-pandemic, which have influenced many aspects of our lives, including our fashion choices, particularly in professional settings. Looking back before 2020, it is likely effortless to picture the formal attire that was customary in business settings. However, during the pandemic, the adoption of remote work needed a shift towards more casual outfits. As we navigate the post-pandemic era, with the return to office spaces or the adoption of hybrid work models, I often hear from my clients that there is uncertainty about what is considered appropriate attire in professional settings. "It almost feels like nothing is right," with the fashion trends seeing an explosion of bright colors, bold prints, sheer fabrics, and daring cut-outs in recent times, which can further complicate matters. Our perceptions of what suits various occasions have changed significantly in the past year. At the same time, many industries and professions have embraced a more relaxed dress code. Business casual or smart casual has become the new norm, and even formal environments are witnessing a touch of individuality and flair in dressing that was less common before. Because of the pandemic social constraints, "our key personality traits may have dimmed so that we have become less extroverted and creative, not as agreeable and less conscientious," according to New York Times.
We should then aim to BE and BELONG by creating a balance between our personal style and professional appropriateness. Dressing this way makes us feel more confident. It signals to others that we value ourselves, our work, and the people we interact with.
So, how do we dress for success in today’s business world?
Dress for your role: I cannot stress enough how important it is that your overall appearance and clothing reflect your role's professionalism and authority. When you're in a leadership position, everything you do – including what you wear – can inspire, motivate (or not), and be seen as an example. So, choose clothes that maintain your credibility and convey a sense of power.
Consider the dress code: Know what's acceptable before you start dressing. If you are in a corporate environment, you will likely need to wear more formal attire. However, if you work in a more casual environment, you can dress more casually but still maintain a professional look.
But slightly break the norms if you want to be perceived as unique, competent, and powerful – and this is research-proved.
Invest in quality clothing: Investing in well-made, high-quality clothing can improve your appearance and indicate that you take your job seriously. This can, in turn, lead to others perceiving you as more competent.
Be comfortable: While looking professional is important, you should also be comfortable in your clothing. If you're constantly adjusting your outfit, it will distract you and make you appear less confident.
What clothes say about you
Your clothes can say a lot about your personality, confidence level, and attention to detail. Here are some examples of what your clothing might be saying about you:
Bold colors and patterns: If you're wearing bright colors or bold patterns, you will likely be seen as confident, outgoing, and creative.
Neutral colors: If you wear neutral colors like navy, gray, or beige, you'll likely be seen as reserved, serious, and conservative.
Well-fitted and tailored clothing: If your clothing is well-fitted, you will likely be seen as detail-oriented and organized.
Casual clothing: If you wear casual clothing like jeans and a t-shirt, you will likely be seen as laid-back and approachable.
How the colors you wear influence your energy and productivity
Colors can have a powerful impact on our mood and energy levels. For example, wearing red can make you feel more energized and passionate while wearing blue can promote calmness and productivity.
Here are some of the most common colors and their psychological effects on the wearer:
Red: Red is a powerful color associated with passion, energy, and confidence. It can also increase your heart rate and make you feel more alert.
Blue: Blue is a color associated with trust, reliability, and productivity. It can help you feel more focused and productive.
Yellow: Yellow is a cheerful color associated with creativity and optimism. It can help you feel more energized and inspired.
Green: Green is a calming color associated with balance and harmony. It can help you feel more centered and relaxed.
Black: Black is a powerful color associated with sophistication, professionalism, and authority. It can help you feel more confident and in control.
When it comes to colors, there is some evidence to suggest that specific colors can also influence how people perceive your personality. Here's a quick rundown of what different colors can communicate to others:
Red: passion, energy, excitement
Blue: calmness, productivity, trustworthiness
Yellow: optimism, creativity, happiness
Green: balance, growth, harmony
Black: power, sophistication, elegance
When choosing what to wear to work, consider the colors that best suit your mood and energy level for the day. If you have an important presentation, include a bold color in your outfit, like a shade of red, to feel more confident and energized. On the other hand, if you need to focus on a project, wearing blue or green may help you feel calmer and more productive.
How to accessorize your outfit in a professional environment – two key rules
Accessorizing in a professional environment is all about finding the right balance. Accessories should complement the outfit and enhance your professional image, not distract from it.
Keep it simple: Choose one or two accessories that complement your outfit without being too flashy or distracting. For example, a simple necklace or bracelet can add a touch of elegance to your outfit without drawing too much attention.
Match your metals: If you wear jewelry, your outfit will look more harmonious if you match the metal colors. For example, if you're wearing a golden watch, opt for gold accessories instead of silver. Mixing metals can create a jarring effect and take away from the overall professional look.
Understanding the psychology of clothing and how it affects perception can empower us to leverage fashion as a tool for success in various business or professional settings. However, dressing for success should never mean sacrificing comfort or personal expression. Regardless of one's clothing choices, the most important thing is to feel comfortable and confident. At the end of the day, feeling good about ourselves is what matters most. And when we feel good, we can project that confidence and positivity around us.
Book your FREE session with me here, so we can develop a personal style that’s uniquely yours and helps you express who you are or the image you want to project.
Raluca Marcu, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Raluca Marcu is a Style Coach™ licensed and certified by the Style Coaching Institute® and an accredited member of the International Association of Style Coaches™ (IASC). With an extensive background in communications and branding, she brings together her personal styling skills with the self-image psychology, confidence coaching, body language and non-verbal communication skills in a unique combination to help people feel good inside-out. Raluca works with her clients beyond the image they see in the mirror to their internal self-image to boost their confidence and gain timeless style and life skills. Her mission: help women and men of all ages discover, enhance or express their authentic self with style.
