Everyone knows that having credibility gives us leverage in business. Often it takes a lot to gain credibility—one or more higher education degrees, years of excellent job performance or leadership in your professional association.
Some people believe “things” can make you appear more credible like driving a fancy car, membership in an exclusive club, wearing an expensive watch. But there’s one form of credibility that speaks louder than degrees or club memberships. It’s your visual credibility. How you present yourself through your clothing choices and grooming habits can be the key to making the right impression. It’s what makes your presence stand out and be noticed for all the right reasons. Do you look the part of the successful, credible person you are, or strive to be?
How you dress and how you groom yourself speaks volumes. It always has and it always will. When you stop paying attention to this fundamental principle, you’re likely to stay static in your professional growth or even lose ground.
Has it been a while since you’ve taken a close look or asked for feedback on how well you’re demonstrating the qualities you want to be known for?
Have you put on a few pounds and know your clothes are fitting you tightly but you’re not making the lifestyle changes that make you feel comfortable again?
Have you been too busy to fit in a shopping trip to revive your tired wardrobe?
Have you aged but you haven’t adjusted your wardrobe to be age appropriate?
Have you been on maternity leave and don’t want to shop for new clothes until you’ve lost the baby weight?
Everyone’s busy but that doesn’t give you any room for slacking. Don’t waste any more time. Do something constructive about getting your visual credibility up where it needs to be. The truth is, no matter how much you hope and wish visual image didn’t matter, it does.
Here are a few things to consider and fix:
How well do your clothes fit your current physique? Any strain or bagginess makes you look like you don’t attend to details. That’s a strike against your professionalism.
What condition are your shoes in? They should be looking brand new. Fix this by repairing or replacing the shabby ones.
What’s the condition of your fingernails? Do your hands look rough or dry? Your hands are always visible. Make them look impeccable and your image will match.
How’s the quality of your clothing? Do your clothes help you look important and respectable? If not, you may need to up the quality of your wardrobe pieces.
Do you take the time in the morning to put on your best face? Those five to 15 minutes that it takes to care for your face and put on makeup is a small investment of time compared to the large reward that comes from looking polished and present.
Before it’s too late, invest in yourself. Improve your image and watch your opportunities grow.
Tehillah is a New York City-based image consultant, closet editor, personal shopper and health coach. Call 929-265-2156 or email [email protected]. Connect with up2date on social media for more styling tips and other fun things—Instagram: @up2date_nyc, Facebook: up2datenyc. Sign up for her monthly newsletter at www.up2date.nyc/subscribe.
