The devil is in the details

"Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak"

Rachel Zoe

So what happens when through lack of interest, time or understanding your clothes say the wrong thing about you?  Or they speak for who you used to be but have not evolved with you, as you have been so busy improving your position in life that you didn't have the inclination to worry about your image, because how much difference can it make?

The way people dress gives the casual observer a benchmark and an idea of their level of success and social standing, as a result that person has already made numerous decisions before a conversation starts.  Very few people can naturally morph into a different social standing but if you give it a bit of thought you can ensure you are presenting the image you need to, to ensure that you have the opportunity to be heard.  My best piece of advice is that the devil is in the details, as whether they know it or not that is where the information that people take their cues from is, as the details tend to be unconscious (unless you have me in your corner).  I remember, when my friend was doing a pupillage and his boss said something along the lines of, "Nice suit, but I think you can do better than a Tie Rack tie."  It didn't fit with the image of a future Barrister that he was trying to present. So in the vain of fake it till you make it, image presentation is vital.  Once you've made it and everyone is clamouring for your advice and knowledge it becomes much less important, because people already know that you have something worth listening to.

The question becomes how do you present a carefully crafted, successful look before you are making the money necessary to pay for it?  Well the answer as always is that the devil is in the details, choose items that fit you and the image you are trying to present.  The difference between high end and high street gets narrower everyday, so you can produce any look at a fraction of the cost.  Don't fool yourself into thinking that plain will be enough camouflage, you need to add personal flair to make the look authentic.  I'm not running a course in Chancers 101, I can only get you through the door what you say when you get there is up to you.

When you are in situation out of your comfort zone, like an interview or meeting a new client.  Think about how you want those people to see you and work towards presenting that image.  Sometimes starting outside/in helps  to put you in the right head space.