Confidence: a feeling of self-assurance arising from one’s appreciation of one’s own abilities or qualities.
I’m sure you have heard the phrase “fake it till you make it”. Knowing how to visually support your confident appearance can actually go a lot further than even your words or actions – at least initially. It’s a valuable component to understand and be able to manage.
So, what does confidence look like? Here are the factors, in order of importance.
- Body Language: Confident posture, a firm handshake (back in the pre-covid days) and eye contact are the most important aspects of expressing confidence. Posture with shoulders back and head erect. Hands and arms held at rest and not twitching. Solid (but not creepy) eye contact. Walking into a room like you own it. The “Power Pose” is a pre-meeting hack to raise your confidence where you stand with your arms above you in a Superman-like “V” for 60 seconds has been proven to work! Don’t rush, walk with purpose. Feel free to pause a second or two before replying to a question. And don’t forget to smile – it makes you look approachable and confident. Because who smiles when they are terrified – right? 🙂
- Clothing that fits: No one will be looking at the tag inside your suit to see if you bought it at Macy’s or Neiman’s but they will see immediately if the fit is poor. The number 1 and 2 worst fit offenders are too-long sleeves on jackets (remember James Bond and his timeless 1/4″ of shirt cuff showing?) and too-long trouser legs, ending in a puddle of fabric around your feet. Here is a link to one of the documents I share with my image clients during a consultation: Men’s 25 point Suit Fit Analysis to be sure your suit (or your jacket and trousers) fit you properly.
- Color and Pattern: The play-it-safe colors are white, beige/tan, navy, and light blue. If that sounds like the contents of your closet save the occasional golf shirt you are not alone. You should know that men who wear more color, mix and match patterns, incorporate details such as a pocket square or a significant watch are subliminally saying “I am here!” It’s hard to dismiss a sharp-dressed man.
- High-Quality Leather goods: If you must, shave a couple of hundred dollars of the cost of your next suit, and put it toward really great shoes. Next, take a good look at your bag or case and your wallet and belt. Really, these items separate the men from the boys and are noticed.
- Crisp grooming: Fresh shave or beard trim, trimmed clean nails and a fuzz-free back of the neck all support your look. If you are more toward the primate spectrum of hairiness (!) don’t forget nose and ear trims.
For individual guidance on making your first impressions come across with the highest level of confidence click on the link below to schedule a complementary zoom call.
Ann Lindsay is Style of Success and Suited for Love
I work to make you look effortlessly confident.
Image Consulting — Personal Styling
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I bring confidence, organization, and efficiency to your life.
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