Why The Best Of The Best Dress For Success

An open letter from Glenn Stearns, CEO of Kind Lending

You know what they say. Never judge a book by its cover.?

But can you imagine a bookstore where none of the books had covers? Shopping would be a nightmare! Publishers and marketing teams come together to work on a book’s cover because of one undisputed fact:

PEOPLE JUDGE BOOKS BY THEIR COVERS.

Covers are great! How else will you find the hot new page-turner your niece won’t stop talking about? Well designed covers grab the eye and convey everything the reader needs to know before they even get a chance to read the blurb on the back.?

Why, then, would we treat our appearance at work any differently?

Look Good Feel Good

This phrase was actually coined by Hall of Fame Cornerback, Deion Sanders. If it worked for him, then it’ll work for you.?

It’s important for everyone to have clothes that they feel comfortable, stylish, and confident in. If you’re still hesitant to fork over the extra cash, maybe this will sway you…

Researchers at Northwestern University decided to test the theory that what you wear makes an impact in the workplace. According to their study, lab coats were associated with attentiveness and carefulness. So, when they had their subjects wear a lab coat and complete tasks, the subjects were actually more attentive and careful than those performing the same tasks without the coats.?

I hope you can guess where I’m going with this. And I’m not just talking about lab coats. If I was, I’d show up to every board meeting dressed like a chemist.?

No, this theory has much broader implications. What it says to me is this: “If you want to be confident, dress in clothes you think a confident person would wear.”?

You’ve had your eye on that navy-blue paisley jacket for a while now. Might be time to stop admiring the merchandise and try it on for size.

Stand Out… Appropriately

Coco Chanel once said “Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.”

Coco hit the nail on the head in my opinion. No matter the field, dressing well can make you stand out from your peers and colleagues.?

Obviously, dress codes are in place for a reason, so if your work environment isn’t easily navigated while dressed to the nines, there’s no reason to break the mold. If you’re a heart surgeon, the last thing you need to worry about is losing your cufflinks in a patient.?

But if you’re riding a desk like the rest of us, don’t be afraid to dress a little snazzier than you usually do. A friend of mine put it perfectly. Dress for the position that’s one level above your own. This doesn’t necessarily work for CEOs, but hopefully it does for you.?

Take Pride In Your Appearance

I’m not here to pump up your ego, but everyone reading this has the potential (hidden or otherwise) to look sharp as a tack. So the next time you stride into the office, consider this:

Your outfit is your book cover.?

It’s the first thing people see when you walk into the room and for that reason, it’s going to play a big part in how they behave towards you.

I should know… Undercover Billionaire here.?

So buy a new blazer, treat your skin to some moisturizer, and if you’ve got enough cash in the piggy bank — get your shirts tailored.?

You’re already great on the inside. All that’s left is to make the outside match.

Stay spiffy, underdogs.?

Signing off,