There are situations where you want to make a certain impression through your appearance, such as during a job interview, first date, or a formal dinner. Thankfully, there are ways you can make it easier!
Step
Method 1 of 3: During a Job Interview
Step 1. Study the company's dress code/customs
Knowing how to dress employees at the company you're applying to before a job interview will make you appear prepared and have done your research for the job. In addition, this will also make you seem to fit into the new work environment.
- You can ask the Human Resources department. They will tell you if there is a dress code, and if there is not, you can ask the habits of the employees who work there.
- One of the best things you can do is meet one of the company's employees. You will not only get an overview of the work environment or the dress habits of the employees, but also a special added value that will be considered when you undergo a job interview.
Step 2. Wear conservative style clothes
Of course, you want to show that you take this job interview seriously. Even though the company tends to accept casual styles like jeans and t-shirts, you still need to look more presentable. You don't need to wear a suit, but choose work clothes that are conservative in style.
- For example: if you are going to a job interview for an office job, you need to wear formal trousers or a skirt.
- If you're interviewing for a slightly different job, wear something more eye-catching than your regular work attire. For example: if you are a woman interviewing for a job at a cafe, wear an attractive skirt and top (such as a sweater); if you are a man you can wear sleek slim cut fabric pants and a button down sweater or shirt.
Step 3. Wear something that makes you feel confident
Boosting your self-confidence is very important during a job interview, because it will make you appear better in the interview. Of course, make sure that you keep a balance between feeling confident and appearing professional.
- Make sure that you won't need to make any adjustments or improvements to your outfit's appearance (e.g. tugging on your skirt so it doesn't look too short, straightening clothes that lift up when you sit down to reveal an inappropriate appearance, etc.).
- You really should try this outfit on before a job interview, to get used to and comfortable with it. If you wear it for the first time to the interview, you will feel both uncomfortable and uncomfortable.
Step 4. Make sure that your shoes match your outfit
Your interviewer may not notice the compatibility of your shoes with your outfit, but he or she will certainly notice if your shoes don't fit very well or are tattered. Make sure that your shoes are clean and polished, and that they match the clothes you are wearing.
- Shoes that are tattered or look dingy or dirty are things you really shouldn't wear. You also need to make sure that these shoes are comfortable enough, otherwise you will look uncomfortable during the interview.
- For women, some shoe choices that are suitable for job interviews are professional-looking flats (which are clean and don't have any shimmery look), or comfortable low-heeled shoes. Don't wear high-heeled shoes that make you rise above other people or the shoes you wear when you're having fun at a nightclub. This will make you appear less responsible.
- For men, loafers (flat shoes that look neat and semi-formal in style) or formal shoes are choices that should be taken as job interview shoes. Of course, always make sure that these shoes don't look shabby, are clean and match your outfit (for example, don't wear black shoes for a brown outfit, and vice versa).
Step 5. Make sure that you look presentable
If you look like you've just woken up or haven't showered in a week, you're giving the interviewer the impression that you don't care, even if you really aren't.
- Neatness shows you care about your work appearance, which will give the interviewer the impression that you will also care about your impression in the eyes of the company, if you are one of its employees.
- Make sure that your hair and make-up are appropriate for a work appearance. The best option for a job interview is always a simple look. Don't wear too much makeup (wear a "natural" look, unless you're applying for a job at a cosmetic store or something similar). As much as possible, make sure that your hair looks clean and unruffled.
Step 6. Prepare at least two sets of clothes
This is what many people often forget. Maybe you'll be called back for a second interview, and you certainly won't be wearing the exact same clothes you wore on the first interview. While some of the basics are the same, of course you want to show something different from the previous time.
For example, you might be able to wear an overalls skirt or black pants and the same formal shoes, but teamed with a different button-up shirt and tie
Method 2 of 3: On a Date
Step 1. Wear the right clothes for each event
Unfortunately, there is no “right for a first date, whatever the occasion” outfit. You need to weigh it based on what you're going to do on that first date. The clothes you wear to dinner at a good restaurant are certainly different from the clothes you wear for hiking and picnicking.
- For men, if the event is casual (coffee drinking or something like that), you can wear clean, loose-fitting jeans with a button-down shirt or sweater. If the event is more formal, you can wear black or dark gray formal fabric pants with a formal shirt. You can also add a tie or vest.
- For women, on a casual date you can wear the best jeans you have and a neat blouse, or a cute skirt and sweater. If the event is more formal, you can wear a neat black dress, with formal shoes and a little embellishment. You can also look around other, more formal places to observe the dress code, so you don't wear clothes that are less or too formal.
Step 2. Wear something that feels comfortable
No, this doesn't mean the tattered t-shirt and warm pants you usually wear at home. You are trying to build a positive impression on your date. This means you need to wear clothes that feel comfortable, because you don't want to look uncomfortable when you're with your date.
- Don't wear something you've never worn before, especially if it's the latest trend. You may be constantly trying to improve your appearance all night long, or silently enduring the agony of those new shoes.
- Wearing what you're used to is a good choice (although it has to be a more casual look, of course), so that your date doesn't expect that you'll continue to look as good-looking if the two of you continue the dating process in the future.
Step 3. Highlight your best traits
This may sound stupid, but it's actually very important. You want to make sure that your date sees the best in you. So, your outfit should hide certain parts and accentuate others. If necessary, ask a friend for help.
- Your best traits are probably your eyes, and this means you should wear something that makes them stand out and shine more. For example: if you have beautiful green eyes, wear a sweater of the same color to make your eyes stand out more.
- It's better to stick to one trait that stands out, than to try to highlight all of your traits. For example: You can wear a skirt that accentuates your beautiful legs with a sweater that covers the chest.
Step 4. Reinforce your everyday style
It's important that you don't completely change your appearance on a date, in order to make a certain impression. This will create expectations that are difficult to meet, which will ultimately leave your date disappointed and hurt yourself.
- For example: if you usually wear jeans and a t-shirt, you need to wear something that still matches this style. Choose a long-sleeved shirt, or a button-down shirt and sweater, and make sure your pants (including jeans) don't have holes in them and are the right size.
- Of course, this does not apply to formal events, because in general people do not wear formal clothes for everyday activities. Still, you need to maintain your usual style for formal occasions (for example, don't wear high-heeled shoes if you never do).
Step 5. Avoid things that are "abstinences" in dress
There are things you really shouldn't do when trying to make a good impression on your date. Avoiding these things will make a very positive impression on you.
- Khaki pants. Never wear this thing. Khakis are great for everyday wear, but they're not neat enough to be seen in front of your date.
- Flip-flops. This thing is too casual for a date, and won't make a good impression. You can wear stylish sandals, or if you're on a beach date, but you definitely need to get rid of flip-flops.
- Excessive fragrance will not give any positive impression, whether in the form of perfume, cologne, or body spray. A little splash or spray will suffice. You're not trying to suffocate your date with this fragrance.
Method 3 of 3: When Attending a Formal Event
Step 1. Know how formal the event is
There are several terms used to describe a formal event, and you need to know which category the event belongs to, in order to know the right style of dress. Ask the event organizer, because looking too formal usually won't give a positive impression.
- Formal and semiformal are two different things. For more formal occasions, you need to wear a long coat. As for semi-formal occasions, you can wear a plain dark suit.
- Events held at night are certainly different from events held in the afternoon. For example: if the event is semi-formal and takes place during the day, a pretty knee-length dress or a pale suit with a tie combination is a great choice.
Step 2. Familiarize yourself with the various terms
There are various formal and semi-formal events that you need to understand, so that you know the right style of dress to make the right impression. Evening drinking parties, wedding receptions, and birthday celebrations can be formal occasions!
- On formal occasions, men need to wear a full suit. This means including tie and cufflinks. But in some modern cities, there are formal occasions that allow men to wear a suit without a tie. For women, this formal event can be a bit confusing. You can wear a beautiful knee-length dress, a stylish suit, or an ankle-length evening gown.
- For men, a black tie should be combined with a black coat, black pants with a satin border on the outside, a white shirt, and black or gold cuffs and buttons. Again, for women, you can choose from among beautiful knee-length dresses, suits, or evening gowns.
- Drinking parties (as is common in the early evening) meant that men had to wear dark suits. Because this event is less formal, you have more creative space. (formal shirts and ties in other colors, etc.). For women, this means a beautiful knee-length dress (which doesn't look as formal as an ankle-length evening gown).
Step 3. Wear proper footwear
These footwear should match and strengthen the look of your outfit. Fortunately, unlike a job interview, this time you can wear shoes with a more attractive and fun look.
- High-heeled shoes are a great choice for this formal occasion, if you're used to wearing them. Glossy shoes are also a good option, as they look pleasing and provide added shine.
- On very formal occasions, men should wear formal shoes. Make sure that these shoes are not worn or dirty, and that they match your outfit.
Step 4. Take out your accessory collection
Accessories are designed to liven up and accentuate your looks. However, make sure that you don't drown your clothes because of the over-the-top accessories. There is a different point of balance for everyone and for every occasion, but the bottom line is that you should avoid wearing too many accessories.
- Small bags and jewelry can also be an interesting addition to your outfit. Make sure that the look matches the clothes you are wearing. For example: if you are wearing a red dress, you can wear gold jewelry and a gold purse, or black jewelry and a black small bag, etc.
- Makeup is also something that can strengthen the appearance. For formal events at night, you can choose a more dramatic makeup style than just smoky eyes or just a natural look.
- Cufflinks and tie clips are a great addition to a men's outfit. If you come with a friend or partner, try to wear cufflinks and tie clips in a color that matches the color of the friend's/partner's outfit.
Tips
- Make sure that your clothes are ironed and not wrinkled.
- Don't worry about other people's opinions, because the clothes you choose are the result of your own opinions!
- Whenever possible, order your clothes specifically from a tailor. It's actually not very expensive, and will actually make things look better on your appearance. After all, have you ever thought why celebrities can look so amazing like that? Because their clothes are specially ordered and sewn!
- You can try a new style, but don't do it on special occasions. Make sure that you know the right look before wearing it to make a good impression in front of others.
