Dress for Success

We all know that what we wear effects the way others perceive us (more on that later) but do we realize how much it effects ourselves and especially our work performance? More than just protecting us from the elements, clothes tell others and ourselves who we are.

A study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Society found that people who were dressed in the same lab coat performed at different levels depending on whether they were told it was a doctor's coat or a painter's coat. Due to the symbolic meaning we give garments, those in the "doctor's coat" were more careful and attentive.

A favorite movie line at our house from Crazy, Stupid Love is, "Be better than the GAP." The whole movie, really, is a great example of how what you wear and the care you put into yourself changes your own behavior. I hate to admit this but that line has historically been lobbed at me since I may or may not have been known to bring a clothing item or two home from the same place I get paper towels on occasion. And though I've done some of my best work (and even made this site) while wearing said clothing, the fact is, I also gained two pounds in them this week so there you go. And after working closely these last months with a stylish Parisian, I admit to being inspired to be better than the GAP. Today I put on leather and lipstick (James gasped, "Are you putting on panty hose?!") then left the house and took names.

Further proof of the symbolic meaning we give what we wear, doors opened a little more quickly and service was just a bit more attentive than when I'm in my Uggs. Or perhaps it was just me projecting my own suede clad confidence...