Imagine walking past a dealership with a sign that says, “Toyota Camry for sale,” and then walking in to inquire, but getting no attention from the salesperson. Then you catch your reflection in the mirror, and you immediately understand why; your appearance did not give the impression of a serious buyer. You are always seen before you are heard, and your physical appearance counts a lot.

Because just by your appearance, people will make an impression about you. This goes a long way to impact the interactions you have with others. This article will discuss a few tips on looking your best to make a solid first impression.

Dress well

Once you step out of your home, people will see you, and most of them will immediately have a perception of you just based on your looks. It is human nature; it will not change. The only thing you can do about it is to dress well. Always dress for the occasion and take your time to accessorize if you can. Accessories such as wristwatches, suspenders and belts, pocket squares, cufflinks, and others improve your look. They help you make a statement of confidence that will vastly improve your interactions.

Make grooming a habit

Grooming may sound a bit like an indulgence, but it is an important detail when it comes to appearance. Your hair and nails must always look clean and neat. These are two places that a lot of people pay attention to subconsciously. Even if your clothes are not of the best quality, but your hair is neatly shaved, your beard is well-trimmed, and your nails are clean, you will make an excellent first impression.

Know what suits you

Some people have the right clothes and accessories, but they still fail to make a good impression. This is because they do not know what suits them. You should know the types of clothes and colors that suit you. Also, the way your clothes fit you is critical. The right clothes that fit the right project not only boost confidence but also make you stand out. Always try to get a second opinion if you can to help you know what suits you.

Dress consistently

The key to making a lasting impression is dressing consistently. Dressing formally one day and dressing informally the next can send wrong signals and confuse people. You do not know who is watching, and so to maintain an impression, dress consistently. Having said that, it is still necessary to consider the context when dressing. Whenever you can dress up, especially when your job is client-oriented, you need to appear professional. Like bank tellers, shop attendants, baristas, and others, they need to appear in a particular manner.

Because it is based on appearance and non-verbal cues, impressions are all about perception. According to studies by the American Psychological Association, it takes only 39 milliseconds for a person to make a first impression about another. People can “determine” your perceived level of confidence, beliefs, power, competence, friendliness, level of intelligence, and others with just a cursory glance. These assumptions, no matter how false they may be, are based on your appearance.

Thanks for reading and y’all stay dandy.

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