THE ART OF MASCULINITY: MAKING A LASTING IMPRESSION

Thin-slicing is a psychological term given to the phenomenon of people cultivating their opinion on something or someone within the first few seconds of an interaction. Scary thought? Not really, once you get to the reality of the situation and that there’s nothing you can do to change it. Here are a few scenarios all men find themselves in at some point in their lives – and what the modern man wears to remain confident and resolved while making the best possible first impression:

The First Date

You only have a few seconds to create a first impression in many settings which means on a first date, you need to
be fashionably on point to create the desired effect needed to secure date two.

Women are especially sensitive to the message given by a man’s fashion statement. For them, this is their opportunity to size you up as a potential mate and life partner. It is only natural that they seek qualities of power, respect, and refinement. Dress for the occasion. There’s no such thing as “casual” dress. Look your best whether sitting at a classy lounge or taking in a sporting event. Most of all, be sure to wear a confident smile as soon as you meet face-to-face.

Job Interviews

Your job interview is not that much different than a first date. Although the company should be sizing you up on specific job skills, more often than not you’re the initial impression of your candidacy will be based on your presence. Here’s how you can impress a recruiter in the first few seconds:

• Don’t show too little or too much ankle. Tall men should use cuffed ankle pants. Short men should avoid using cuffed ankle folds at all costs.
• Wear only conservative and solid colors. Your tie (ties are mandatory) should only have conservative patterns or just a single, plain color. The point is not to be too flashy or flamboyant.
• Dressing your finest indicates a lack of desperation. Indicate with your dress just how successful you already are and let the courting begin on the other side of the table.

Dressing for a Business Meeting

Dress options should be considered based on the type of meeting you are going to. If you are selling a product or pitching an idea, your mission is simple: look sharp, exude power. The same mentality you exude walking into a job interview should permeate from your mere presence walking into the board room. Sell yourself immediately so as to lure the buyer into selling you on why you should work with them.

When you are a buyer, you will want to exaggerate respect and appear slightly weaker. This type of dress code should be much more relaxed, simple, and clean. This doesn’t mean create the impression that you’re less than stellar. Rather, leave the tie at home, maybe loosen a button near the collar of your shirt as well. You have all the power as the seller is looking to provide a product or service that requires your money to complete the transaction. You’re winning the deal before you walk in, let your appearance show how relaxed you truly are.

Fashion is a statement of a man’s individual expression. What you wear (and when you wear it) can determine whether you close that next big deal or secure a second date with a partner you desire. Heed this advice and be sure to never forget that accessories always accentuate any look, adding another layer of confidence that will serve you well in any setting.