Every day we pass by hundreds of
people on the subway, in hallways, or on the streets, never saying a
word. Yet despite the lack of verbal communication, decisions are being
made as to the trustworthiness and intentions of those around you. Doubt this?
Try wearing a ski mask and trench coat while gesturing wildly with your arms.
In the 15 minutes you have before the police show up, take note that despite
not saying a single word your appearance has sent a message.
Yes, what I just said is unfair.
Right now you may be thinking “Judge me not by my clothing, but by the
integrity in which I live my life” — and I couldn’t agree more. But life isn’t
fair, human beings have and will continue to judge others based on the
information presented to them — and in most situations this is at first our
physical appearance. Dress like a thug and people treat you like one; dress
like a professional and you’ll have doors opened for you.
A
Man’s Wardrobe
There are many things that we can’t
control — the weather, the economy, the fact that college football needs a
playoff system. How we present ourselves to strangers and new acquaintances,
however, is not one of them. When you shake hands with a potential partner,
they form an instant impression of you which is not easily dislodged. First
impressions are powerful because until we begin to speak, they are the only
bits of information we have to make a snap decision as to whether we like or
trust someone. Countless communication studies have shown a man’s visual
appearance is initially more powerful than what he says; ignore your wardrobe
at your own risk.
Part 1: How to Build Your Wardrobe — Making the Commitment &
Understanding Your Needs
Before a man begins anything that will require substantial time and
resources, he has to be committed to the change. In this article we break men
up into defined groups based on their lifestyles and we then address their
specific needs. The goal is to give you a quick checklist of items you should
consider investing in depending on your career choice and personal requirements.
Part 2: How to Build Your Wardrobe — Clothing Specifics
In this article we address specific menswear questions such as the order in
which you should assemble your clothing, which suit colors and style should you
choose if you only own one suit, which shoe styles you will get the most wear
out of, and how you mix casual wear into the wardrobe. We’ll also talk about
where those on a very limited budget should invest the bulk of their money if
they are starting from scratch.
Part 3: How to Build Your Wardrobe — Accessories, Maintenance, &
Storage
In this final article we’ll cover the often neglected points of a man’s
wardrobe such as how to incorporate hats, watches, and other accessories along
with clothing storage and protection.
Part 1: How to Build Your Wardrobe – Making the Commitment &
Understanding Your Needs
1st – Learn and Then Commit to Improve Your Personal Presentation
First, before spending a dime, you
must commit to making the change. Do this by going through your current
clothing and setting aside everything that you 1) have not worn for two years,
2) is noticeably stained, and 3) fits so poorly not even a master tailor could
adjust it to fit. Package it all up and mark it for the Salvation Army or eBay.
Now over the next week verbally inform a few close friends and family member as
to what you are doing — perhaps even promise a new profile picture on Facebook
of you decked out in your new clothing. The goal here is to create a network of
supporters and audience; this puts pressure on you to fulfill your promise.
And do not forget to gain the support of your spouse or the person who will
be helping you to pay for all this. I find my clients’ wives are ecstatic and
fully supportive of their husband’s efforts to dress better. If you keep your
partner out of the decision, however, you could be met with unexpected
resistance.
Written by
Antonio
www.artofmanliness.com
