What Do Your Clothes Say About You?

Each time we step out the door, we send messages about ourselves via our clothing and appearance. Do you know what your fashion choices may be saying about you?

Does Your Wardrobe Look Like That of Your Parents?
The influence your family had over the way you dressed when you were a child was enormous, and many people don't realize that they are still choosing clothes based on their mother's offhand comments about colors and styles.

Is Your Style Younger Than You?
Our youth-driven society sends us daily messages that we should try to look as youngas possible. Does your wardrobe say, "I'm trying very hard to look youthful?" Or, are you an individualist that is working to celebrate who you are today?

Are You Just Trying to Fit In?
Especially if you're a businessperson, you may have been conditioned to believe that you must be invisible, that it is not appropriate to have a personal style. In reality, a well-defined image in the workplace sends a message of authority and confidence.

Are You Frozen With the Fear of Change?
The most common message people send with their clothing is that they are afraid to change. But you don't have to make sweeping dramatic changes to step into current times. Replacing just one item of out-of date clothing in your wardrobe with one in a new and current style can really wake your wardrobe up.

Do You Exude Confidence?
You don't have to have a closet filled with trendy designer clothes. However, your clothes should be clean, fit well, be in good condition and somewhat current. You want to convey that you are making an effort, otherwise, your message is that you don't care enough about yourself to present yourself in the best possible way.

Are You Consistent?
If you are sending very different messages every day via your appearance, people will begin to wonder who you really are. This is not to say that you shouldn't wear lots of different pieces of clothing, but some thread of your personality should be consistent with each "look."

What Do You Want to Say About Yourself?
The way you choose to dress sends messages that tend to categorize you in very definitive ways. Look through the following list to see if you think you match any of the descriptions:

• I'm creative.
• I'm hip.
• I'm sexy.
• I'm a fashion victim.
• I'm super trendy.
• I'm very classic.
• I'm sporty.
• I'm young.
• I'm trying to look young.
• I'm dramatic.
• I don't like my body.
• I love, love, love my body.
• I'm a mess and I don't care.
• I'm confused.
• I'm very neat and proper.
• I'm interesting.
• I'm eccentric.
• I'm special.
• I want your attention.

Now ask yourself if your wardrobe is projecting these same messages. Does your style match what you want to say about yourself? If not, know that by reviewing your wardrobe and by taking a good look at your hairstyle, makeup and grooming habits, you can let the real you shine through.