This is for people starting their own business or anyone who needs to present themselves or their company in different settings.

There’s one powerful phrase I discovered years ago, and it’s stuck with me ever since: “Dress how you want to be addressed!” So, whenever I have a meeting or an important occasion, I think about that line. Yes, there are days when we don’t feel like dressing up, but I always remind myself to think about my goals. Think about the vision I have for myself years from now—how would I look, how would I feel? And most importantly, how would I want others to see me?

Key Questions to Ask Yourself:

• What is the nature of the meeting?

• What impression do I want to leave of myself?

• What pieces make me feel more powerful when I wear them?

Black is definitely the color for confidence. A study conducted by a retailer surveyed their customers, asking which colors they associate with different emotions. Black came out on top for confidence, intelligence, and sexiness. Red was second for confidence, but it can also be linked to arrogance. So, if it’s a strictly business meeting, black is the way to go.

If you’re meeting people in a more casual setting, you can still wear black to maintain that confidence but maybe choose a warmer, more approachable style to keep things open and inviting.

For more fun or playful occasions, colors, florals, and prints are the way to go. Here’s a good rule of thumb: Put yourself in the shoes of the other person. For example, if I showed up to a business meeting in a lightweight floral dress with a sassy hairstyle and a flowery fragrance, I know no one would take me seriously. It would give off a playful, non-serious, lighthearted impression—no confidence, no trust.

For fragrances, I’d suggest grounding, earthy tones with maybe a hint of spice. Something that says power, warmth, and presence.

The Power of Meaningful Accessories

Sometimes, having a meaningful item or accessory for a meeting can boost your confidence. Professor Karen Pine’s research shows that clothing influences the way we think and behave. She had students take mental agility tests while wearing either a plain T-shirt, normal clothes, or a Superman-logo T-shirt. The average score was 64% for those in a plain T-shirt, but those wearing the Superman shirt scored 74%. The Superman group also felt physically stronger, more likable, and superior to others.

So, if you’d like, you could wear a Superman-logo shirt under your suit, or choose an accessory that symbolizes power, success, and accomplishment. For men, it might be a meaningful watch; for women, perhaps a special piece of jewelry or a trophy that reminds you of your achievements. Personally, I don’t wear much jewelry, but I do have a few meaningful pieces, like my great-grandmother’s ring, which I wear when I need a bit of uplift or support. And I also have a dragonfly necklace I bought in Bali, which symbolizes transformation for me. Over the years, the dragonfly itself has appeared to me in real life, serving as a sign or confirmation. These special items not only add personal meaning, but they also highlight your personality and unique style. So, don’t be afraid to add a little sparkle to your outfit—sometimes, a touch of “twinkle” is all you need to make a statement.

Quality Over Quantity

I also want to mention the importance of the quality of your clothes. It’s better to have at least one high-quality jacket in your wardrobe than to have lots of pieces that are worn out or ill-fitting. Quality matters, and it will show.

Here are some general examples of outfits that can help you feel more confident, trustworthy, and reliable in your meetings. These choices can have a significant impact on how others perceive you—and how you feel about yourself.

For men: https://rb.gy/swuzqv

For woman: https://rb.gy/bh5xy4 

I’d also love to hear about any personal items you carry with you that make you feel like Superman every day. Feel free to share what helps boost your confidence and makes you feel powerful!