How Can Your Morning Attire Set You Up for Success

You may not be a morning person, but how we dress in the morning can significantly affect our mood, confidence, and the day ahead. It all depends on how we perceive ourselves and how others perceive us.

In a 2023 article published by The Guardian, Hannah Marriott highlights the diverse personal approaches people take to getting dressed (1). Marriott identifies four distinct types of dressers: the “Planner,” the “Stylist,” the “Comfort Seeker,” and the “Uniform Dresser.”

The Planner meticulously selects their outfits in advance, usually aiming for a polished and professional look. The Stylist, on the other hand, views dressing as a creative expression and chooses bold, fashionable clothing. 

The Comfort Seeker prioritizes comfort and functionality, picking outfits that comfortably fit throughout the day. Finally, the Uniform Dresser is consistent with simplified decision-making, often projecting a regular and unchanging image.

Believe it or not, the four dressing styles uncovered by Marriot directly tie into your professional success. In a 2023 feature for Forbes, Adi Gaskell explains that professional attire can enhance cognitive performance and negotiation skills (2). Gaskell found that formal business attire can lead to higher levels of abstract thinking, crucial for strategic decision-making at work.

Planners and Uniform Dressers, who typically opt for more formal and consistent attire, could potentially benefit from heightened cognitive function and improved professional interactions.

Further supporting Marriott’s notion, a 2023 article by Intelligent People discusses how dressing well can positively impact one’s career (3). It argues that professional attire can boost confidence, leading to better interactions and higher productivity. It is particularly relevant for Stylists who use their clothing as a form of self-expression to increase their presence in a professional setting.

Nadia Bilchik, public speaker, author, and trainer, emphasizes that “dressing for success” isn't just about your appearance (4). When you feel good about yourself, it can boost confidence and improve your performance. Comfort Seekers can harness it with a balanced, comfortable, professional look.

References

1. Marriott, Hannah. “How Do You Get Dressed in the Morning? Four Very Different Approaches to Putting on Clothes.” The Guardian, 2022. | https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/jun/14/how-do-you-get-dressed-in-the-morning-four-very-different-approaches-to-putting-on-clothes
2. Gaskell, Adi. “Do Clothes Matter to Our Success at Work?” Forbes, 2023. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/adigaskell/2023/02/16/do-clothes-matter-to-our-success-at-work/
3. “How Dressing for Success Can Positively Impact Your Career.” Intelligent People, 2023. | https://www.intelligentpeople.co.uk/candidate-advice/how-dressing-for-success-can-positively-impact-your-career/
4. Bilchik, Nadia. “Greater Impact: Dressing for Success.” Nadia Speaks, 2023. | https://nadiaspeaks.com/greater-impact-dressing-success/