Personal Appearance: Dress and Accessories

The Dress Code: Being "One of Them" or Standing Out

Our dress sends a powerful message about how we want to be perceived and how we relate to a specific group or environment.

A key decision is whether we want to blend in ("be like one of them") or stand out.

Adapting your attire to the context, such as wearing a suit in a formal corporate setting or more casual attire in a creative environment, can help build trust and rapport, showing that you understand and respect the norms of the group.

Sometimes, however, choosing to stand out through dress can be a deliberate strategy to project leadership, uniqueness or authority.

The key is to be aware of the impression you want to make and choose your attire accordingly.

The message of color, fabric and layering.

Beyond the overall style, details such as color, fabric and layering of clothing also communicate subtle messages.

Generally, darker colors and heavier fabrics tend to be associated with seriousness, professionalism and formality.

Conversely, lighter colors and lighter fabrics tend to evoke approachability, personal closeness, friendliness and a more collaborative approach. The number of layers can also influence the perception of formality.

Being aware of these associations allows you to choose garments that reinforce the desired message for each interaction.

Accessories, brands and their influence on the perception of status

Accessories (watches, jewelry, handbags), the visibility of luxury brands and even other elements such as tattoos or the type of car you drive, contribute significantly to the perception of your status and professionalism.

Displaying visibly expensive or name-brand items can send a message of success, purchasing power and high status, which can be advantageous in certain contexts (e.g., to justify higher rates).

However, in other situations, it may generate distance or resentment (e.g., when negotiating with contractors).

There is no single rule; the key thing is to be aw