It’s 6:15. You have 10 minutes to get ready to meet your friend for dinner. Your first instinct might not be to throw on a dress when you can just as easily put on a t-shirt and shorts. While maintaining the image of perfection is not necessary, wearing clothes meant for just the gym has become common. Recently, I’ve made more of an effort to dress nicely and elegantly wherever I go.

WHAT YOU WEAR IMPACTS YOUR CONFIDENCE

There is no worse feeling than walking into a party and realizing that you wore the wrong thing and are severely underdressed. Even though it can be awkward to be the most dressed person in the room, isn’t that the better scenario than being the most underdressed? Dressing appropriately for the occasion not only shows that you have some self-awareness, it also shows that you have a level of self-respect and respect for others. When you put on a dress that you know you look pretty in, you walk more confidently and feel more at ease with yourself and others. Other people will respect you more and take you more seriously.

WHAT YOU WEAR IMPACTS HOW PEOPLE TREAT YOU

It’s uncanny how people notice your presence more if you put more effort into your appearance. I catch people smiling at me, making an effort to open the door for me, and complimenting what I’m wearing. How you dress is especially important when it comes to certain jobs. Even with the casual workwear that has become the norm post-Covid, an employer would be lying if how a prospective employee dresses for an interview doesn’t matter. Your first impression with others is often based on how you dress and how you treat them. If you can’t put some effort into how you present yourself to someone for the first time, whether it’s for an interview or a first date, what does that say about how you will dress later down the road when you have secured the job or secured the boyfriend?

WHAT YOU WEAR IMPACTS YOUR PRODUCTIVITY

I find that whenever I am dressed nicely and my hair looks good, I am more ready to seize the day, whether that’s tackling a project at work, meeting friends for lunch, or knocking out some errands. I have noticed that I am more likely to clean my room if I have a dress and cute sandals on than if I’ve been wearing athletic clothes all day. It’s as if the act of dressing up brightens my mood and motivates me to be more productive. When I feel confident and put together, I find that I am able to accomplish more throughout the day, whether it’s at work, at home, or in social settings. The boost in confidence reflects in my interactions with others, as well as my approach to tasks and challenges. This positive mindset seems to create a ripple effect, influencing my overall productivity.

I know it takes effort to put more into your appearance. However, I truly believe that it’s worth it to invest some time and attention into your appearance. Taking a few extra minutes each day to apply makeup, run a brush through your hair, and select an outfit that makes you feel confident can have a remarkable impact. Not only will you notice a difference in how you are perceived by others and how you perceive yourself, but you may also find that it positively influences your overall mood and productivity. By putting in this effort, you are not only enhancing your physical appearance but also improving how others perceive you and how you perceive yourself.