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Power Dressing November 7, 2009

Posted by Ria Keen in life issues.
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A student arrived at my studio this morning looking particularly well groomed and beautifully turned out. I complimented him on his appearance, saying how smart he looked, and asked if he was going on to business meetings afterwards. “Oh no”, he responded, “I actually put on my suit to come to my singing lesson.”

During the lesson, we had occasion to discuss the way in which posture affects the voice – the way in which standing correctly affects how well the voice functions, and additionally affects how a person feels……. which in turn affects how the voice functions!

This got me to thinking about posture in everyday life, and about how we dress. I think it’s a great pity that people don’t ‘dress’ for occasions anymore. For example, people used to dress up to go to the theatre. These days, most folks rock up in jeans and t-shirts. Restaurants are not, on the whole, filled with people who have made a great effort, and seeing someone very well groomed walking down the average street is unusual.

As a society, we’ve become lazy about our appearance, and I’m not sure if this is reflective of slipping standards in manners, etiquette and dicipline, or if the slipping standards in dress are in part responsible for those things.

All I know is that I still appreciate a person who makes an effort to look good, because I believe that if you can be bothered to try with your appearance, then you can probably be bothered to make an effort in other areas of life.

Dressing with care and attention to detail makes you feel better about yourself, and makes others respond better to you. It takes a bit more time and effort but…… isn’t that the point? Bring back dressing up, say I.

Comments»

1. Anne Bradshaw - November 30, 2009

Absolutely! I spend quite a lot of my time assessing individuals whilst they are teaching, and also interviewing people for jobs. The first impresssions I get are really important, and if someone has taken some care about how they are presenting themselves makes an enormous difference. I remember interviewing one guy who had a dirty tie on, and it really made a huge impact! (negatively of course!)
Taking care about appearance also makes me feel better! Last night I did not have time to change out of my “uggs”, my old baggy track suit trousers and my old top (put on for dog walking earlier in the day) – I was only going to a technical rehearsal, but I felt so down and dowdy. For me, lipstick is the ultimate lift!

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