Monday, December 8, 2008

What Does Your Apparel Proclaim?

"The apparel oft proclaims the man."
-Shakespeare, Hamlet

You've probably heard it said that clothes make the man. And yet I much prefer the quote above.
We all know there is much more to a person than outward appearance. We are taught from a young age not to "judge a book by its cover". Even though dressing nicely has a way of improving our mood and our self-confidence, it cannot make up for a lack of character or an over-abundance of bad manners.

And yet our clothing does reflect a choice that we've made, at some level. The colors, the styles, the fabrics...they are all chosen. So there is much truth to the idea that you can learn a lot about someone from the way they present themselves to the world. You are seeing their choices, and the message that their choices send.

Too often, though, the message is not what you were intending to say! And yet, once those first few seconds of an initial encounter have passed it will take much effort on your part to change that first impression. That's just the way our brains are wired.

So, take a lesson from The Bard, and be conscious of what your apparel proclaims!

See you next time...same blog time...same blog channel....

(Please visit my website Jennifer Skinner Online for more information on wardrobe planning.)

11 comments:

Midlife Dating Expert, Singles Workshop Conference Speaker said...

Hi Jennifer,

INDEED! as an Online Dating Coach where I am often providing dating coach advise to both single men and single women seeking to find love at the online dating sites via the internet personals, their image and how and WHAT they are projecting is very important.

To sum it up quickly, for women I suggest we aim for a classy sexy look, and by all means DO be sexy.

In particular, I am in love with the VS Very Sexy bra with the gel inserts.

Every woman should have one.

Cleavage creating. AMAZING! trust me.

All the best,

April Braswell

Online Dating Coach, Romantic Relationship Coach, Romance Coaching

Online Dating Sites Review, Internet Dating Sites Guide

David J Parnell said...

This is a great post. I don't always dress to impress (I am a t-shirt and jeans guy). I really should pay more attention.

David J. Parnell | Communication Expert
The Communication Expert Blog

Robert Kaufer said...

I am also a t shirt and jeans guy and I am hoping to get to the point where how I dress doesn't matter.

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Anonymous said...

Jennifer,

Indeed, clothing "proclaims" the person. If we look at all of the choices a person makes regarding everything associated him/herself (clothes, friends, books, etc.), that collection of choices will accurately show how that person thinks. In this way, our outward world reflects our inner world (our minds).

Darryl Pace

Philip Graves said...

What we where gives important information about us and, like you, I'm fairly sure a lot of people don't realise quite what their clothing is saying about them!

Philip Graves
http:\\www.philipgraves.net

Lena Milukh said...

Yes, people do judge a person from their clothing first and only later words either confirm or dispel the image.
It would be interesting to know what kind of cloth make certain impression.
Improving Communication in Business and Personal Life

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JohnWShoemaker said...

Hmmm.

I dress in all sorts of "styles". Loud...soft...usually well tailored showing as well mannered. But,never, ever sloppy...

Great Stuff!

Intuitive John

Unknown said...

Very good quote. Thanks for the fashion insights.

Scott Bell

The Road Warrior

John Ho - Melbourne, Australia said...

Jenn,

Clothing marks a man. It does not make a man.

I still remember how Napolean Hill get the attention of a wealthy man who helped him publish his book.

Top shelf tailored suit was part of the strategy. Can't understand those who do not want to dress well.

John Ho
Understanding Personalities for Better Influence & Persuasion

RobFromGa said...

I guess I'm tight...

Seize the Day,
Rob
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The Everyday Minimalist said...

ABSOLUTELY!

I think dressing in any style you choose, can really affect your mood

When I wear red, I feel vibrant and powerful, and in a suit, I am more confident than in sweatpants (albeit a tad less comfortable)

This is a great post.

I would also suggest to NOT dress too sexy for situations. Sometimes a little hint of something is so much more than blatant showoffery.