How To Dress for Success

How To Dress for Success

By Evan Xu

People often say don’t judge a book by its cover, but in this modern day and age, most people will judge you based on the first impression you make. A series of experiments by Princeton psychologists Janine Willis and Alexander Todorov reveal that all it takes is a tenth of a second to form an impression of a stranger. As a Real Estate Agent/Assistant Team Leader at Keller Williams Realty Landmark, making a strong first impression to sellers/buyers or recruits is the key to success. Here are few tips to start your Dress for Success Journey.

1)     More than ever, it’s about the fit.

a)     A good suit starts with the shoulders; it should hug your shoulders and not slouch off them. When buying a suit, try a size smaller. When the fit is right, there should be firmness when you pull over your suit jacket. If the shoulder doesn’t fit, don’t buy the jacket.

b)     The width of the sleeves should be slim, have a tailor cut excess fabrics.

c)     Show some cuffs! The suit sleeves should end just above the hinges of your wrists, so a quarter to half an inch of shirt cuff shows. It will make your arms seem longer.

d)     The body of the jacket should contour your body; it will make your shoulders stand out.

Look at the difference it makes just by having the right fit.

2)     Add a pocket square to bring attention to your chest, shoulders, and avoid attention on your belly.

3)     Your belt should be fairly thin and matches your shoes.

 4)     Opt for double vents in the back; they are more modern and fashionable. They also allow you to do the casual hand in pocket model pose effortlessly.

5)  Always go with the classic Windsor knot for your tie. Use the size of your head to determine whether you should go full or half Windsor.

6)  Make sure your socks are long enough that there’s no legs exposed leg when sitting down.

7)     Your tie should just reach the waistband of your trousers, or be slightly shorter.

8) And the last advice to Dress for Success from your Keller Williams Landmark Member is Always, Always, Always unbutton your suit jacket before you sit down, or risk ruining it!