Look the part.
“Clothes maketh the Man (Woman or collective)” is the product of a curated selection of quotes over the centuries. Its genesis is believed to be an English proverb.
Regardless of the application the underlying philosophy has currency in the present economy, marketplace and community.
Dress codes, when applied, seem to be generally casual, informal with an emphasis of corporate logos and similar identification packages conspicuously displayed.
If the intent is to effect and influence societal perceptions, then orientation tends to personal branding. Senior executives are involved in the process. Tight fitting black trousers, tee-shirts and baseball caps seem to border on being a global uniform.
Conservative, authoritative, senior and professional trappings have been largely left in the fashion wardrobes.
Images are projected, perceived and formed before personal interactions and verbal presentations are delivered. Audiences are often “lost” long before the first word is spoken and the first PowerPoint graphic projected.
Noticeable in recent times is the fact that media news reporters, male and female, are applying higher, more professional dress codes. Males are exhibiting suits, coats and ties. Make-up standards are uniformly enhanced.
The probability of authenticity, authority and believability are improved when the topic and the topic-teller are well packaged.
Those standards are ageless. So too the messengers. It is an effective means to address and redress the insidious consequences of ageism.
At group gatherings the well dressed do tend to stand out. Attention is drawn and expectations developed from and by the dress codes of individuals.
Subtilty can be a virtue. Being accepted as first among equals can be achieved by positive dress codes.
Sometimes change, impact and resonance take a little conscious thought, expressions, exchanges, recognition, encouragement and endorsement.
PULL UP YOUR SOCKS
Professional, elite sports people are often distinguished by their personal presentation … from the boots up.
In earlier years, countless coaches of young, aspiring sports enthusiasts and participants exclaimed:
“ If on the day you fail, at least look the part”
To some it equates to pride.
Experienced professional conference speakers are aware that they typically have lost up to 20% of the audience and captured more than that figure before they have opened their mouths. Such is the nature and power of dress codes.
Those seeking, and who wish to hold the respect of an audience or audiences should respect those realities.
MAKE A STATEMENT
Societal trends reflect the tendency to comply and conform.
Tussled hair, three-day facial hair and shirts unbuttoned in the top three opportunities are accepted … but not exceptional.
Steven Jobs look-alike (or dress a-like) chief executives delivering public statements and addressing team gatherings are somewhat expected, particularly in the high-tech sector.
It is questionable whether such explicit and implicit declarations make the desired impacts. Contexts count. They complement content. Perhaps codes need to be dressed up.
Barry Urquhart
Conference Keynote Speaker
Marketing Focus
M: 041 983 5555
E: urquhart@marketingfocus.net.au