“Dress for success” is a common saying among professionals. The idea is that if you show up in a sharp outfit, you’re more likely to see positive results.

But while your clothing choices are important, the impact comes from how you feel about yourself - and how you show up to others.

That’s why when you are dressed well and know you look good, you’re more likely to feel good, too.

Research says professional attire boosts business skills

There’s even research that suggests “dress for success” isn’t just a saying, but also very good advice. According to Scientific American, there are actually biological effects of wearing a nice outfit.

More and more research, including a 2015 study, point to this. That paper asked people to change into either formal or casual clothes before taking cognitive tests. Those who wore the formal wear attire showed an increase in abstract thinking, which assists with creativity and long-term strategizing, the study noted. That affect could be related to feeling more powerful.

A December 2014 study showed men who wore suits, as opposed to their everyday clothes or sweats, did better in negotiations. The study results showed the better-dressed men

Scientific American details several more studies that have concluded clothing can have a positive effect on performance.

Appearance, clothing choices matter

Another point included in the Scientific American article is that appearance matters. People will form judgments based on appearance.

It’s more a result of expectations than anything else, though. You would expect a surgeon to show up in scrubs rather than a tank top and basketball shorts, right?

The same holds true for a business person. They should at least be dressed business casual, or else you will likely form some sort of judgment about how seriously they take their position or work.

However, don’t take that as a suggestion to play it safe and conventional. Another study conducted in 2014 suggested that adding a little bit of flair or unpredictability to your outfit often has a positive impact on how people perceive a person. That study states a “slight deviation” from what’s expected in a wardrobe can actually suggest the wearer “is powerful enough to risk the social costs of such behaviors.”

Balancing comfort and professionalism can help productivity and self-esteem

In many offices these days, “business casual” attire requirements seem sometimes optional.

Many employers are OK with allowing their employees to show up in comfortable clothing, as long as it’s appropriate. That’s because comfort can help some people boost their productivity.

But, as with much in life, moderation is key. There’s a casual and business casual clothing balance to strike. Showing up to work in a hoodie, sweatpants and flip flops is probably taking the focus on comfort a little over the line.

Before you throw on a pair of shorts and sandals, consider what other people in the office wear and how much client or customer interaction you have from day to day. Dress appropriately for the situation. You want to make a good impression with those you interact with at work and come across as a professional.

People do judge books by their covers

Your clothing choices won’t just have an effect on you. They will have an effect on those surrounding you, as well.

While you should take pride in simply knowing you look good, dressing well is critical because first impressions matter. Appearance plays a major role in how we make our first impressions. That’s because people subconsciously form judgments - positive and negative - based on appearances.

You’ve heard the saying that “you can’t judge a book by its cover.” The staying cautions us against forming those judgments.

However, the problem with is that this is not entirely true. People judge books by their covers all the time.

If people never judged a book by its cover, then book publishers wouldn’t put so much effort into designing covers and book jackets. Publishers go through all the necessary work of creating eye-catching colors because appearance does matter and people do judge books by their covers.

The same applies to what you wear. If you are dressed to impress or dressed for success, then people are more likely to develop positive judgments about you. If you show up to a board meeting or even a country club in an old t-shirt and ripped jeans, then - even if you are the nicest guy in the world - people could very likely form negative judgments.

Do yourself a favor. Get a head start on the first impressions you create by dressing sharply when out and about and professionally in business settings.

Your clothing style makes a visual statement

Everybody has their own style. For those who aren’t sure what styles best suit them, Forbes contributor Carol Kinsey Goman suggests paying close attention to compliments on your clothing received from others. She recommends taking note on what colors and clothing styles people say look good on you.

Kinsey Goman makes the excellent point that how you dress makes “a strong visual statement” about how you see yourself - and what goals you have set for yourself. Are you looking to advance? Dress for the job you want. Do you need to relate to a client to close a sale? Find ways to fit in with them through how you dress.

The idea of a visual statement made through attire goes back to trying to make a great first impression. Kinsey Goman also makes note of how clothing affects others’ perceptions of the wearer.

Once you find that clothing preference that makes an impact both on how you feel about yourself - and how others see you -you’ll know you’ve found your style.

Let us help you find your style

At Hansen’s Clothing, we are proud to stock apparel from only the finest providers. Each of the brands we carry is known for their taste in style and the high quality of the fabrics they use.

Browse some of our featured products and new arrivals to discover the latest options to add to your wardrobe.