Blog
Why first impressions count
How many times have you glanced into a mirror, teased your hair, or checked your teeth before walking into a meeting or an interview, or even a first date?
The world we live in today may be more diverse and inclusive than ever before, but that doesn’t mean we don’t still care about what we look like – with more of us than ever spending our hard earned money on products and services which are designed to enhance our appearance and give us an edge over the competition (or to make our date look twice as we walk away – yes, lady in red, we see you!)
What this speaks to is a very human part of us which craves approval. Wearing red on a first date is one of those trends which is supposedly an old wives’ tale, and yet much of the scientific evidence is there to back it up – the color red is more likely to garner extra attention, and a man is scientifically likely to spend more money on a lady wearing red. Likewise, making eye contact during an interview not only exudes confidence but also immediately sits you on a communicative level with the person interviewing you; and the posture you present during meetings can make others speak up to you or it can encourage them to speak down to you.
What first impression are you trying to make?
This is arguably the most important thing to focus on when it comes to dressing to make a first impression. If you’re heading into an interview, you will want to keep your look professional and simple, with small hints of personality which help you to stand out – for example a vibrant and well-fitting blazer, or classy jewellery which completes your look. Meanwhile for a first date, you should find ways of enhancing your favourite features – not just to look great, but to make yourself feel confident. The more you shine the spotlight on your good points, the better you will feel – and the more effective your communication will be.
And then we come to those areas of our appearance which are so often overlooked but which really can mean the difference between a good first impression and one which fades almost as soon as you leave the room. These specific areas include hair styling, shoes, and things like your hands and nails – all things that others notice, and which can subtly but resolutely affect their first impression of the kind of individual that you are.
As you come to read more of our blogs and engage in some of our enlightening course content, you will quickly learn that here at Purple Feather Tree we support individuality almost as much as we support a great wardrobe. We are here to help you find the best looks which suit you – and that means knowing what you are trying to achieve with every outfit you put on.
When it comes to first impressions, the first question to ask yourself is ‘what am I trying to say’?
Are you trying to stand out and make yourself memorable?
Are you trying to entice the man or woman of your dreams?
Are you trying to secure a promotion or earn yourself a place on your dream course?
Do you simply want to manifest success and happiness in your life?
All of this is completely possible, and we’re here to help you achieve it.