Fashion Faux Pas

I was at a big event recently where I finally had the opportunity to meet in person with someone who I previously had only talked to via email and phone.  I’m tempted to put her in the category of an up-and-comer, but, with all she has going on, one might argue that she has (already) arrived.

It was an outdoor event, with not the best of weather conditions – windy and cool, instead of sunny and warm.

She showed up wearing a dress and (don’t call me a diva for knowing this term) wedges.  (Look it up guys – all girls’ shoes that aren’t flats are not simply referred to as ‘heels.’)  She acknowledged that it wasn’t going to be ideal, given what Mother Nature was serving up.  However, she impressed the heck out of me by saying words to the effect of, “Oh well, I’ll deal with it.  After all, you never know who might be here, seeing me for the first time.”

That does not sound to me like and up-and-comer.  That, to me, sounds like someone who knows the value of putting your best foot (or, wedge) forward.

When prospective clients ask about the many services of Now Hear This, on the list that I share is image consulting, which includes wardrobe (and sometimes even song) selection.  You’re first going to think of, “What, for a photoshoot?”  But, watch how this plays out in terms of it always being important to put some thought into what you’re going to wear.

There was someone else performing at this same event as the aforementioned artist.  Also a female, the ‘someone else’ wore pants, a hoodie, and a trucker hat.  Seated next to each other onstage, this was quite a contrast.

Some of you will argue that you do realize that what you wear is representative of your brand.  And thus, you’ll add, that’s the reason why you wear jeans and a black t-shirt and boots.  I get it.  But, when that’s not what your brand is, you send the wrong message by dressing counter to the image you are trying to portray.

Trust me; people will not go to your website or social media to see if you present yourself otherwise online.  You haven’t given them a reason to go there in the first place because you’ve started off on the wrong foot with them.

There will also be readers who will say, “My sound, my songs will hook ‘em.”  Well, that’s provided that they decide to give you a shot (listening to your music) despite how serious they might have taken you (meaning, not taken you) once they saw how you came dressed to the event.

Avoid the debates and always walk out the door wearing (or carrying to change into later) something that you wouldn’t be ashamed to have show up online (in something that’s not a critique).  You know the old saying; you only have one chance to make a good first impression.