I had a drink with a friend last night, and she told me about her work colleague who's been up for promotion 6 years in a row but never got it, even though she's totally capable.
So why is that? My friend thinks it’s her style – she looks outdated and doesn’t seem to care about her style.
But is it REALLY that important to look modern and look your best? Especially as a professional speaker? Surely intelligence and knowledge should come first?
This is something I’ve been pondering for a long time. So, I've done quite a bit of digging, and here's what I found.
The Psychology Behind Appearance
On a very basic level, judging people by appearance means putting them quickly into categories, like deciding whether an animal is a dog or a cat. In ancestral times, it was important to avoid people who looked angry and dominant, so quick stereotyping was of life-or-death importance, and humans developed the ability to gauge other people within seconds.
This is exactly what the audience does. They categorize you as soon as you've entered the stage.
Suzie de Rohan Willner, CEO of Toast. Image @ www.homesandenteriorsscotland.com
Suzie’s style, even though feels timeless, is very contemporary, from the cut and the frames, to the workman style suede jacket.
The Importance of Fashion for Speakers
Consider Suzie de Rohan Willner, CEO of Toast. Her style, even though it feels timeless, is very contemporary, from the cut and the frames to the workman-style suede jacket.
To summarize, it's deeply ingrained in our old brains, so even though our modern brain realizes we can survive alone, we are wired to pay attention to looks and put each other into categories. And what does an outdated wardrobe say about us? It might say that our ideas need to be updated too, and we might not be taken as seriously.
@ Toast
Advantages of Following Clothing Trends as a Speaker
It’s OK to follow trends because it’s human – we like to feel that we belong to a group and can identify with a certain culture. Clothes don’t just protect you from the cold, the way you dress is also a part of your identity and your story.
So, what does it mean to look modern? Does it mean being a fashion slave? You don’t have to blindly follow the latest clothing trends.
What to Wear for Public Speaking: Finding Your Balance
Here are the things you can do when making the first steps:
✅ Look for a famous person whose look you admire and pay attention to the shapes and brands they wear. Try to find celebrities who have similar body shapes to yours – this will help to only concentrate on the trends which work for you.
✅ Find a couple of friends whose style you like and who look modern; ask them what their favourite brands are.
✅ Head to those brands’ websites
✅ Make a Pinterest board and call it “Style Inspo”.
✅ If you see something with the shape you think might suit you pin it to your Pinterest board.
✅ After you’ve got about 20-30 pictures on there, see if some of the styles appear more often.
✅ Buy a few things from what you found and try them on – it’s easier to do in the comfort of your home. Play around with getting 2 sizes – sometimes both sizes might fit but will create a different vibe.
Embracing Fashion in Your Speaking Career
While knowledge and expertise are paramount, your appearance plays a significant role in how your message is received. By thoughtfully incorporating clothing trends into your professional wardrobe, you can enhance your credibility, boost your confidence, and make a lasting impression on your audience.
Remember, fashion for professional speakers isn't about becoming a slave to trends. It's about presenting the best version of yourself—one that aligns with your message and resonates with your audience.
Good luck! Let me know how you get on. If you need extra help get in touch here.
If you want to look great on stage as a professional speaker, grab the free resource here.