The all important (or not) first impression

[foxinthesnow]

(Not really sure where to post this)

I recently read a not very indepth article about first impressions and have been contemplating how various things (hair, clothes) shape our first impressions.

What impressions do you form based on others clothes, hair? Any memorable first impressions (good/bad?)

What do you think others might judge about you on first meeting? Have you ever felt that you gave a good/bad first impression?

Sorry about the odd topic.

 

[utopia]

no I think this is an interesting topic, definitely relevant to personal style.

I do think first impressions as far as what you are wearing can be important...though I think for everyone it is different. I know some people are who entirely unconcerned with clothes and style and grooming, and therefore I would imagine their first impressions are not so affected by what a person is wearing.

but for me, I do have to be honest and say that, subconciously, what someone is wearing could potentially draw me towards or away from them on first impression...not in all cases of course, but sometimes. I find that I am often subconsciously drawn to how well groomed a person is...also how well put-together their clothes are, the colours they are wearing, etc.

I think I've made some bad first impressions myself - i.e. meeting people as soon as I get off a 9 hour red-eye flight and looking like a mess (I think acid/sean will confirm this )...but generally I do try to avoid that.

 

[orlem]

I can't say I look down on ill-groomed people. The only people who disappoint me on first impression are those who have on designer jeans, Dior logo top, Burberry scarf, flatironed hair, Marc Jacobs bag, etc. all at once. I get all excited when I meet someone dressed really creatively.

 

[foxinthesnow]

To answer my own question... First impressions are unfair, but nonetheless I can not help but form one in most situations...

I am sure I form some negative impression of women with tacky nail or hair color... but along less obvious lines: I tend to think those who are wearing many layers are very shy, those burrowed in a coat or one oversized item of clothing are hiding something or, also, are shy...

I gathered a really awful first impression of a really lovely girl once because I had seen her in university dressed poorly. (Jeans, some awful Vera Bradley type tote- no ofense to those who like them- sneakers.. but all matched very badly) I won't even say what awful elitist snobby things went through my head but I'm thrilled to say that my conclusion was very far off.

I've met several imporant people in business whilst dressed or looking rather questionable... I almost met one while wearing an awful can't be bothered type of outfit and changed on the last minute and met the person unexpectedly. I couldn't be happier that I changed.....

 

[saturnine]

As much as you may tell yourself it is wrong to ever judge anyone, least of all by their appearance, I think sometimes we cannot help ourselves.

Personally I love clothes and style and take pride in my appearance, and while I think they all attribute to giving a good first impression, a lot of people don't see the significance.

So that being said, the only thing I really find inexcusable is poor personal hygiene and grooming.

Clean hair and teeth are always a good start.

 

[Becky_da_da_da]

Everyone will always unconciously judge someone. It may be good or bad, but we do.

None of us mean to do it I think, but at the end of the day, when you meet someone for the first time, you know nothing about them. Fashion is something feel strongly about and if their fashion appeals to you, then you will want to get to know them better.

After all, having just met someone, what they look like is all you have to go on for wether they are you kind of 'people' of not.