Picture this. A person with money but is dressed shabbily walks into a posh hotel. Chances are he or she will be ignored and even scorned at first glance. He or she will suffer the treatment of scorned indifference until the contents of his or her silver money clips are established. On the other hand, if a well-dressed person walks into the same fancy hotel, he or she will be revered and graciously served pronto. That is, until they figure out that the same person has no silver money clips tucked inside the fancy coat.
As shallow as it may seem, clothing is instrumental in that all too crucial first encounter, regardless if it's a hotel, a date, or a board meeting. There is truth in the phrase ?power dressing?. Dress is indeed power.
Wear What You Are
It may seem like pointless vanity, but clothing can do wonders for everyone. Wearing what you do greatly contributes to success in your chosen field. It's a simple matter of taking it as far as your silver money clips can take you. For example, a librarian should dress the part of one ? simple, austere, and authoritative. A librarian will be all wrong in a Dolce and Gabbana track suit, not that his or her silver money clips can afford one.
A Wall Street investment banker is more than likely to be heard in a board meeting if he or she is wearing Armani, as opposed to an off-the-rack number from JC Penney's. A freelance writer in a trendy Prada summer dress will surely get the $2.50/word assignment at Vogue when pitted against another writer wearing orange polyester. The model boldly wearing couture in a party will probably be in the next Gucci fashion collection. Even the drunken hobo on the street will get more coins from passersby the shabbier he dresses.
Dress For Less
Indeed, there's truth in the words: "Clothes make the man (or woman)." Of course, you're not expected to invest in clothes that are beyond the means of your silver money clips. What you are expected to do, however, is invest in clothes that fit you and your profession to a T. Just because a certain style is popular doesn't mean it suits you. Create your own style and maintain it. Maintain the balance between style and comfort. There's nothing that ruins one's image more than ill-fitting and uncomfortable clothing.
You don't need to stretch your silver money clips to find good clothes. You just have to know where to look. Thrift shops and vintage clothing shops is a minefield of hard-to-find and unique pieces that will suit you. Stick to the basics but also invest on a stunning garment or two. Mix and match, and don't be afraid to use color. Use your imagination. You're well on your way to give Coco Chanel a run for her money.
