The Power of a First Impression

Have you ever stopped and wondered what kind of first impression you make?   

It has been said that we are appraised by others with just a quick glance, maybe only three seconds. 

Once the first impression is made, it can be very difficult to reverse.

Opinions are formed about you based on many things. These include your appearance, your body language, your mannerisms, your demeanor, and how you are dressed.

Is your image consistent with who you really are? Does your image suggest that you are friendly, approachable, someone that others want to get to know better?  Or worse, does it say “back off” or “I don’t care”? 

Now, I’m not suggesting that we should all look like a supermodel or as if we just stepped off the pages of GQ. What I am saying is that we all live in a physical world and it is human nature to make appraisals of other people. 

Your appearance is the first clue people have about how you feel about yourself and the world around you. The important thing is to know how to create a strong and positive first impression.

We’ve all seen or met people who instantly catch our attention or intrigue us.  When we make a good first impression, people naturally want to connect with us.  This is true in any situation, whether it is in a business or social environment.    You will have the advantage, and you will be remembered in a positive way.

The first step in making a good first impression is with your appearance. When a person feels good about the way they look, they feel more confident and more open to new people and new experiences. They not only feel empowered, but more calm and more at ease. 

This kind of confidence can be achieved with a polished and unique style. This doesn’t have to mean losing your individual self. The fact that we all come in different shapes, sizes and personalities is what makes us all beautiful and makes the world such a wonderful and interesting place.

You can create a good first impression with your own unique style, confident in your own look. Begin by assessing and identifying your personality, lifestyle and goals. Once you’ve done that, you can modify your personal style to suit any situation and always come out on top.

The trick is in knowing which garments and styles accentuate your best features.  Think about your clothing purchases, and how they fit within your existing wardrobe. If you need help with this, try hiring a wardrobe stylist.

It's our job to know what would look good on you, where to find those things, and how to put together outfits to maximize your budget and closet space. 

Marion Campisi is a wardrobe stylist. Read more about her work by clicking here.