First Impressions

Mainelady

Shauna's post (and I love her style BTW) has me thinking about first impressions. When I saw Shauna's picture, my first thought was, "That person is happy." I didn't think about her style first. Those details I noticed second.
Questions:
Do you notice an outfit, a style, a mood/ feeling, or something else when you see someone for the first time?
What do you think your first impression says to others?
Is it important to you to give dirrer not first impressions, depending upon the environment you are in?

Today is our first Back to School Day for students. I hope my students see "love and kindness" when they come through the door. I hope their parents see " professional, confident and fun" when they meet me. Whoo how.........off to plan an out fit to help with that!

Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

8 years ago

General

11 replies

Latest reply was from Jaime

cindysmith

Veteran

I think I tend to notice the whole before I notice the details, kind of like you do. I'll note "professional" or "cheerful" or "eccentric " or "what a hot mess". Then I take in the details: colors, prints, cut, great shoes, etcetera.

I'm kind of a weirdo in that I often want my outfit to say "beware of dog" or something equally off-putting. I'm kind of socially awkward, and generally in a hurry because there is so much else I'd rather be doing than showing my face in public.

I was pleased with the reactions to the outfit I wore to my sister's wedding, since it was important to me that I just blended into the background. I'm so grateful I had this forum to turn to for help doing that! Now that I'm back home, I'm back to wearing things that say "get off my lawn" LOL

8 years ago

Glory

Veteran

So nicely stated! Wishing you the best first day of school!

8 years ago

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Wishing you a great first day of school, and a great year with the kids! You are so right about the importance of them seeing kindness when they look at their teacher--being stressed makes it hard to learn, which leads to more stress that can eventually become anxiety and depression. Just yesterday Facebook brought up a "memory" from the years when my kid thought he was bad and deserved to hurt (1st thru 3rd or 4th grades). No small part of that was from teachers' choices of when to intervene, so I love hearing you pay such attention to how your appearance starts a communication with the kids.

On your specific question, I don't think most people are consciously aware of what it is that gives them a certain impression of a person.

8 years ago

JAileen

Veteran

I'm a CASA and will be going to court next week. I will be dressing in a specific way. I want to look professional, serious, and credible. I prepared a report that was submitted to the court, but I'll also have an opportunity to speak to the judge. I want him to take what I say seriously.

I used to worry about what I wore when I visited my kids. I've had this particular case for several years, and came to know the kids pretty well, so I don't worry about it as much anymore. I always tried to look approachable.

8 years ago

Anonymous

So interesting!

It's so true fashiontern that it's hard to describe in pieces what we see in that snapshot moment of first impression.

Maybe it's about how you connect with the people present in that moment? Outfit included, but subjugated to cause?

Mainelady and Jaileen are both looking at themselves not only from the outside but also with the goal of supporting other people in challenging situations. I think the chances of choosing the right clothes to make a great first impression can be higher when you know and care about your audience and your concept of your role is very defined.

My outfit for my daughter's wedding was strictly to please her and it was the most well dressed I've ever felt.

8 years ago

binkle

Veteran

Do you notice an outfit, a style, a mood/ feeling, or something else when you see someone for the first time?

I think the impression, and the source of the impression, from each person is different, depending on the situation (job interview vs party for example). And especially, in most situations, I feel I want to make my best effort to meet the person more than halfway, no matter what they wear or look like. Though a grouchy mood is hard to work around!

What do you think your first impression says to others?

Well, I have pretty lousy self-esteem, appearance-wise, so I try not to dwell to much on what I look like to others. I make my best efforts regarding appropriate attire, grooming, bringing my best "game face" - you know: smile, boost my energy, forthrightness, extended hand for hand-shake, etc.
Really, though, I think I come off as some sort of odd looking goof-ball most of the time!!!

Is it important to you to give dirrer not first impressions, depending upon the environment you are in?

I think that's a typo for "different first impressions"?? If so, yes, I think a different first impression would matter, depending on the environment. If I'm going for a job interview, or meeting with the big boss at work, I need to look composed and self-controlled, organized, serious, open to discussion.

The main focus of my life for the past three years has been treatment and recovery for a serious health situation, so most of my face-to-face interactions have been with health care professionals. So for appointments, I try to look like I'm keeping it together, alert, taking the whole situation seriously, not flakey or freaking out.

8 years ago

Style Fan

Veteran

I notice the whole first and then the details. In my work as a health care professional I wanted to be comfortable and not over dressed. I also wanted to look professional because that was respectful to the patients.

8 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

That's an interesting question. There are a lot of things I note that I note - hair, clothes, expression, stance, the way they hold their head, the way they move, makeup or not. I can't say that I have ever dressed to make a FIRST impression specifically. I do dress to convey a myriad of things, which does differ in different situations. But this is more general.

I suppose my problem has been I'm apparently very good at misleading people. I am always unexpected, lol.

8 years ago

Anonymous

This is an interesting question. I dress differently for parent conferences than for the children. I also think that people take away an overall impression of someone they meet and not notice the details. Children do notice the details like your accessories and how you smell.
I notice first a person's energy and whether they have curiosity or seem bored. It is more a gleam in the eyes and ease of moving, than what they are wearing.

8 years ago

Mainelady

Veteran

Thank you for your responses. You each have provided me with insights and perspectives to think about. I really appreciate that.
Cindy smith, thank you for sharing your feelings about choosing clothing that allows you to move through your day, with little interference from others. It is wonderful that you were able to get helpful and advice from members of the forum, before your daughter's wedding. I hope you had a fun time!
Thank you
Glory and Fashiontern. We had a great first day!
Fashiontern, my heart breaks for your child and any child who suffer from the unkindness of others. BE KIND. NO EXCEPTIONS should be the golden rule.
JAileen and Isabel, I think you are right. Awareness of audience, as well as appropriateness for an event, or a setting can make a difference in our clothing choices.
Blinking, thank you for responding to each question and yes.....a very poor typo and even poorer proof reading on my part. I am cheering you on with your ongoing recovery. Keep dressing and pulling yourself together! I do believe that how we dress can make a difference in how we feel. If we dress with confidence, we feel more confident. Long term recovery is so very challenging. It is easy to fatigue. Be a warrior! You are worth it!
Style Fan, I agree: how we dress can also show respect for those we encounter. You gave another example of audience awareness.
Rachel ou, IMO, being unexpected is often a very good thing.
Joy, it sounds like you have a keen awareness of the person (being able to sense the energy they bring). Their clothing choices may, or may not reflect that.

8 years ago

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I definitely first get a general impression, and then if I find that person interesting I might give them another look and note the details.
But I do believe that general impression is made up of all sorts of details that are unconsciously noted.

8 years ago

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