Letting Your Clothes Make The Right First Impression
Friday July 25, 2008 at 06:02PM
The old saying is “don’t sweat the small stuff.” While good as advice for day-to-day life, it sadly does not apply to first impressions on a date. It is the little details that make all the difference in whether you are perceived as a slob, a snob, or an every day Bob. We all want to make the best first impression possible, but many times we rush out the door last minute, we overdress, or we put on a comfortable pair of shoes without cleaning them first. These little mistakes can make a lasting impression that is hard to overcome.
One of the most common mistakes is to ignore the little things about your outfit that can send the wrong signals. While this mistake is most often made by men, some women are just as guilty. Think about it: what does it say to a potential life-partner when your shirt is missing a button or the soles of your shoes are muddy? It can send the message that your date isn’t important enough to merit your best effort. Even worse, it can signal that you are barely keeping control of your life and may not be able to keep it together. Always check your outfits for missing buttons, frayed hems, stains (no matter how small), and general grime.
Another common mistake is improper or non-existent accessories. Don’t wear a cartoon watch with a suit, unless you know your date will appreciate it. Be certain that your shoes match your outfit in both color and style. Make sure that you wear a watch if you have any jewelry on your other hand, to balance your outfit. Little details like these make the difference between a decent outfit and a perfect outfit. Likewise, the perception of your outfit will greatly influence your dates opinion of you.
Be very careful not to overdress or to blatantly display expensive labels. Though appropriate in some social circles, in truly urbane society it will convey a lack of social skills and a yearning for attention. You do not wish to be labeled a poseur or, many times worse, a snob. Don’t show up in a full button-down suit to a burger joint. It feels out of place and can make your date feel uncomfortable or underdressed.
Sometimes having all the right clothes as a single income earner can be difficult, but you should never neglect your appearance. You don’t have to buy expensive clothes, but make sure you have a decent enough variety of tasteful items that can be combined together to form multiple outfits. Normal people do not shop at Armani, but many people still look like they do. With a critical eye and careful shopping, you can keep your wardrobe and accessories up to date and strike the perfect first impression on your next date.
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