Did you know that it’s actually possible to feel very confident, and energetic and attract the right kind of people if one is dressed well? I understand and relate to the thought we have most of the time when we feel that confidence is about the mind more than any external factor but over the past few years of working with women, being an entrepreneur and creative myself, I've come to learn that there are a great many benefits of making the effort to dress well.
When the pandemic hit and most of us started working from home. It was such a relief to not have to dress up and attend work and meetings in shorts and PJs. I know that feeling really well. That was a blessing for most people. However, things started getting back to normal and this comfort started becoming a huge problem for those who started getting comfortable with their comfort wear.
Believe it or not, I’ve heard many people complain about feeling super lethargic about work. The more we discussed the more we realized that attire played a key role in energy levels. When I had a discussion with them about literally trying to make an effort in how they dress, even if at home, they started feeling a shift in their energy. Many others recorded that they missed the routine of picking out clothes for their work every morning. Said that this routine was a way to help them prepare for their long days. Something they missed when the pandemic hit.
Would it also surprise you to know that most people when they worked from home experienced lethargy in such a way that they got into the habit of not bathing and constantly roaming around in their night clothes? When asked, they said, “no one is going to see me anyway”
I’m definitely not talking about going over the top, but it doesn’t hurt to make an effort to look presentable for the sake of one’s energy.
I work with entrepreneurs, and I hear them complain about their staff looking so unpresentable during meetings online that it tends to get very demotivating at times. It honestly didn’t occur to me but when I started to reflect, I did realize that I faced this issue with my clients too. I’ve had clients attend sessions with me in their night suits and nightgowns! It goes without saying that when you are still in your night clothes, you are less likely to make a productive change in your life. Productive is the operative word here.
When you are out there, people look at you. They take a guess at your personality by the way you carry yourself and the way you dress makes a huge impact on that. You either leave an impression that is good or that can be damaging.
You are a brand and the way you dress is an extension of that brand.
So as strange as it may seem, I want to share different benefits of dressing up –
It boosts your confidence
It helps you stay more energetic
It’s a form of self-care and self-love
It encourages creativity
It helps you stay more disciplined and consistent
It helps you achieve a feeling of accomplishment
It can make you happy
It can help make a great first Impression
You attract more happy and positive energy
You learn to give yourself respect and importance
The way you dress can reflect how you feel
It helps build better social connections
Colours and the right accessories can also help people stay more attentive to what you say
You appear more trustworthy
It shows you are interested in your audience (the people you are meeting or in the company of)
It’s a great way to upgrade the standards you’ve set for yourself
Your mindset will shift from ‘anything is okay’ to ‘better quality’
I can keep going on and on but I think you’ve got enough to start with.
Please remember, quality is not about being expensive, it’s about how you carry yourself.
As a brand, what exactly are you trying to tell people?
What is the impression you want to leave with them?
I remember obsessively googling how to dress like Meghan Markle, at one point. I was inspired by the way she looked and the aura that she always left in my mind. That energy inspired me to take the effort.
Don’t worry if it doesn’t naturally happen. It takes a lot of trial and error to be comfortable with your branding and the kind of clothes you feel represent you best. So, try and don’t feel shy to experiment a little. Take the help of a friend who knows you and fashion. Follow influencers and designers you feel you connect with. Follow women who dress the way you might love to. Learn by taking inspiration from them.
It’s never too late to make these changes in your life. But don’t allow ignorance to ruin your chance at building an image that might just change the way you feel about yourself and allow the world to look at you the way you want them to.
Especially as a business owner, and entrepreneur, you are the face of your values, principles, your personality and it’s so important to start making these shifts as soon as you can. I’ve heard time and again that one should make these changes only for themselves and that might be right but you are also accountable for how the world sees you. It becomes your responsibility to then show up in a way that truly represents you. You can’t take the world for granted and expect them to do that work for you. If you’d like to be taken seriously, you need to make the necessary effort.
It's not at all being overconfident or weird or too bossy or anything you’re afraid of being called when you make that effort. I used to feel that way too when I was in my teens, I didn’t care for vanity. But I do understand now, after years of working with women and guiding them toward building their image, I do understand how much we undervalue certain things in our lives.
I hope this article, inspires you to make an effort the next time you step out. Pause for a moment to think about how you might represent yourself and what impression you’d like to leave.
If this helps you in any way, I’d love to hear all about it. Please write to me at nikitavyas@outlook.in or dm me on Instagram.
Thanks for reading and supporting as always
All my love,
Nikita