The Sunday News
I OFTEN remind myself every other day, before I leave home for work to always dress the way I want to be addressed. We live in a world, where books are judged by their covers and that’s the reality. So how do we step up to the plate and let our appearance match the content of our words? Well, it’s quite simple, dress accordingly. For example if you work in an office environment, you ought to dress formally — suit, tie and formal shoes, I am sure you all know the drill.
I had a little chat with one businessman — Tendai Charuka. He told me he sought to adorn himself with a new wardrobe, consisting of designer wear, particularly suits.
This was of course a colleague of mine and I had complimented him on the way he was dressed.
As seen in the picture, he was clad in a formal but casual manner, as according to his position — a director.
He said he bought the suit while on a business trip in Botswana and hoped to convene with a designer who would of course tailor suits and other apparel for him.
Dressing up the way you want to be addressed is really not an easy task given the type of careers we all find ourselves in.
I, however, often tell people that expensive doesn’t spell classy, comfort is the main and most important feature to whatever you purchase.
When I talk about comfort I don’t necessarily refer to jeans when going for an interview, I mean wearing something that makes you confident.
Of course not all of us have the financial muscle to flex in the clothing shops but there are many ways to work around it.
If you value yourself and your image, take good care of that image. One author penned the phrase: “So much depends on your reputation, guard it with your life.”
It basically means, your image, whether you like it or not creates a certain opinion about you, that opinion stands between you getting the type of respect you want or not.
If you do read novels or any publication, you will realise that publishers are good at creating an image of a book that screams “READ ME”, while sometimes the content may not be as attractive as the cover, but that’s a story for another day.
So why not dress the way that says, “Hey I am a man worthy of listening to.”
Wear something that not only markets yourself but one that symbolises your potential and worth.
I know and I am sure we have all seen the way soldiers dress when attending parades or formal events.
An army general will dress to match his accolades and merits. You are a General of your own life; suit up because you are going to war.
People must always bear in mind that the first impression always paints a picture of who you are and that image can last a lifetime.
YOUR CLOTHING SPEAKS LONG BEFORE YOU DO.
What that means is that whether you say a word or not, what you are wearing has already spoken for you.
Your clothing could be talking softly or very loudly. Clothing can communicate your position in a company.
It can communicate how much you need the other person’s business in a sales situation. It can communicate what your attention to detail is, or your lack of attention.
Also when you look good and you feel good and your clothes communicate the exact message that you want to convey, the result is harmonious.
Your wardrobe communicates trust, wisdom and your status.
It reveals how conservative you are, or how much of a risk taker you are. Whether you are making first impressions, building relationships, or enjoying the relationships you have already built, your clothing is always communicating.
So what is your wardrobe saying about you?
Are your clothes communicating that you are done and tired of business and the problems of life or are they conveying how serious you are about what you do and that you enjoy whatever you do?
The crazy part of it all is that your clothing sends this message long before you even say a word.
To round it all up it’s not about brands or styles, it’s about how it fits, how it feels and what it makes you feel.
If you work in an environment that demands respect from subordinates then better notch your wardrobe up a few levels.
If you work in a casual environment then add a few more stylish clothing items, the rest is for you to explore and enjoy.
Till next week, let’s keep styling. For feedback please sms or whatsapp ONLY 0772337433.
