Dress For Success

They say first impressions are everything. A sentiment often reserved for everyone but ourselves. Only rarely does it inspire us intrinsically. Instead, it references the world around us, rather than the one reflected within. It orbits social suggestion, status, and success. As if our value is monetized in the eyes of the beholder. Where we hope for day-to-day individuals to deem us worthy, to deem us high enough quality to stand in the same room. Oftentimes, these interactions are staged by our own projections of superiority. Leave a good impression, is the runaway reminder for who we ought to be. Whether it’s going on a date, making new friends, or walking into an interview, it remains a price constantly perceived.

But what if we redirect our expression back to where we are the cashiers to our own quality. Naturally, its concept remains conveniently conditioned to have been forgotten. Where we have instead allowed the masses to manufacture our image into an idealistic preference. To fit into the exterior of other’s expectations, rather than the design of our own desires. What if instead, we “dress to impress” with our innate creativity at its core. A selfish sort of self-love- where the only approval we seek, is the one that smiles back in the mirror.

But where do we start, in restyling our identity back to its true form? Maybe through styling altogether. “What you wear is how you present yourself to the world … Fashion is instant language” (Prada). Through its medium we can express our authenticity, before we even speak, shake hands, or dare share a kiss. Here, we can communicate fluently amidst the foreignness of any situation. The right outfit can serve as proactive preparation in showing up, and showing out, if only we remember to lean in. With this, fashion becomes the pre-requisite to perceiving one’s presence, where the initial impression begins, before it has otherwise begun.

Funny enough, there is a science behind the matter. A term known as “enclothed cognition”, coined by researchers Hajo Adam, and Adam D. Galinsky. Its theory analyzes the association of clothes with psychological perception. This was explored through the predetermined features of a lab coat, highlighting attentiveness and carefulness. Subjects who performed tasks while wearing the coat displayed higher selective attention than those who did not. Subjects who were specifically sought to be wearing a doctor’s coat, versus a painter’s coat displayed equivalent outcomes. “The influence of clothes thus depends on wearing them, and their symbolic meaning” (Hajo, Galinsky). So, what does this mean for us?

Well, long story short, it means, the world is our wardrobe. Through playfulness we can honor our power of personalization. Whether it’s in choosing a suit or sweat set, your day can change based on the stylist choices you make. In so, bringing us back to the very beginning, back to the very bare skin of our frame - where nakedness yearns the opportunity to create. Here, self-expression starts from scratch. With intention, fashion can summon the versions of ourselves we so authentically seek, while navigating what that continuously means. “You can have anything you want in life, if you dress for it” (Head). The selectivity in entertaining a new clothing piece, translates the same way into who we so wish to be. Fashion can manifest us into new realities, through our craftsmanship society once silenced by the seams. I heard they say first impressions are everything. But, whose perception will take priority?

References:

Adam, H., & Galinsky, A. D. (2012). Enclothed cognition. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology
Harper’s Bazaar, February 3, 2022, 90 Famous Quotes from Fashion Icons - Famous Fashion Quotes from Designers, www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/designers/a1576/50-famous-fashion-quotes/

Strike Out,

Kynda Kailea Green

Miami

Kynda Green is a recent graduate from Lynn University, within the field of Communications and Media. She enjoys exploring her artistic expression through creative directing, writing, and film. Her passion pursuit includes her poetry page on Instagram, @kyndagreenpoetry, where she reflects on relatable experiences, such as love and loss. In addition to her self-published work, she spends time on nature walks, venturing new places, and taking photos with friends. She is excited for her first term at Strike Magazine, and the chance to create and connect with a like-minded community.

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