If you’re the kind of man who chooses his words carefully, then you’re the kind of man who should choose his clothes with care, too. After all, they can be just as important, if not more so, in establishing the right impression of you. Here, we’re going to look at what everyone tends to notice first in your ensemble, and what you should do if you want to ensure you’re making the right impression with it.
The watch
Whether it’s because they’re coming in for a handshake or because confident men tend to gesture and give strong body language, people tend to look at your hands, especially on dates. As such, a good watch is one of the few accessories that every man should own. Expense isn’t key to a good watch, detail, sturdiness, and classiness are. Go for classic analog pieces instead of digital where possible.
The jacket
If they catch sight of you from a little further away, then it’s your silhouette that people are going to notice before anything. A firm, masculine silhouette can help strike a confident image, and there’s nothing wrong with using the right clothing to help you achieve it. Find jackets and coats that help either emphasize or support a strong silhouette from afar. Never underestimate the power of a little structure. You don’t have to go full formal for every occasion, but a light and versatile choice like a sports jacket can do wonders for that first impression.
The shoes
When women, in particular, are asked what the first notice about a man, then a good pair of shoes is almost always one of the first answers. It’s not the case for everyone, but a lot of people tend to look from the bottom up and the shoes can tell so many things about you that other parts of the outfit might not. A pair of scuffed shoes that don’t entirely match the vibe of the outfit might make it look like you don’t have much attention for detail. There’s nothing wrong with casual options like a pair of Vans or smarter classics like Oxfords, but you want to make sure that they’re in good condition.
The cologne
A greeting is a multi-sensory affair. It’s not just about how you look, it’s about how you sound, how the other interacts with you and, yes, how you smell. Our sense of smell has a tremendously strong connection to the emotional and memory cores of the brain. As such, you can choose cologne in a way that can influence the first impression of you. Knowing how to wear cologne is just as important as being able to choose it, as well.
Of course, what the “right impression” is will largely depend on how you see yourself and want to manifest yourself to those around you. You might not agree with all of the choices above, but hopefully, it has at least stressed the importance of knowing what impression you make and how to control it.
