How Style Impacts Trustworthiness: 4 Tips for Optimizing Your Image to Build Trust
Quick impressions.
Our brains were built for them.
According to Psychology Today: “In our perception of people, and their perceptions of us, the hidden, subliminal mind takes limited data, and creates a picture that seems clear and real, but is actually built largely on unconscious inferences that are made by employing factors such as a person’s body language, voice, clothing, appearance, and social category.”
That’s why it matters what you wear—especially in situations that require building trust, like the professional or dating realms.
How we present ourselves impacts how we are perceived by others—but there’s more persuasive power behind our outfit choices than simply this.
Your wardrobe influences not only how other people perceive you, but also how you view your own character.
“A 1994 study out of North Illinois University found that people’s perception of their own responsibility, competence, honesty, reliability, and trustworthiness, among other qualities, was heightened when they took a little more care in the clothing they put on.”
It’s a domino effect: When you feel confident with your wardrobe choices, your own self-image is heightened; in turn, others perceive you as honest and trustworthy, too.
Optimize your appearance with these 4 tips for communicating the right messages and building trust with others.
1. It all starts with color.
✓ Healthy
✓ Friendly
✓ Energetic
… these are visual characteristics that increase your trustworthiness.
But if you’re caught wearing the wrong color palette, you risk communicating the wrong messages—drained of color and lacking energy. And no one wants to work with someone who looks like they could use a 12-hour nap.
The color palette that fits your unique complexion has the power to light up your face and form a lasting impression on others.
One of Valerio’s clients recently experienced this transformation.
After our color consultation, she told me, “Based on the result of my consultation I pulled the trigger and changed my hair color to fit inside of my color palette. I receive so many compliments, I look healthier, and I wear significantly less makeup.”
Finding your correct color palette begins with a color consultation. If you’re local to the Cincinnati, OH region, I invite you to book a color consultation.
2. Know YOUR unique style personality.
Following a trend just because it received a fashion blogger’s stamp of approval can be a quick slip into the wrong wardrobe messaging. We can all spot when someone isn’t comfortable in their attire.
That’s why it’s important for you to know YOUR unique style personality. When you know—and own—your custom style, your confidence is palpable.
Not only that, but you save money as you’re able to take a focused and targeted approach to shopping, removing costly mistakes from your shopping experience.
When you book a style consultation, you’ll discover which wardrobe choices highlight your strengths and communicate confidence.
Valerio’s Style Discovery Process relies on personality and style theory to define a signature style that’s unique to you. You’ll learn which patterns, textures, and cuts suit your shape and personality—helping you to build trust with others through intentional wardrobe choices.
Learn more about booking your style consultation if you’re local to the Cincinnati, OH region.
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3. Authority is essential.
During consultations, I always complete this exercise with my clients.
One at a time, I remove an authority item.
Lipstick: swiped off.
Jacket: removed.
Jewelry: gone.
My clients can quickly see how removing even just one item quickly deflates my look and makes me look less trustworthy.
After all, we trust people who LOOK like they know what they’re doing.
AUTHORITY ITEMS INCLUDE:
A vest or jacket—These are your “armor.”
A collared shirt, tie, necklace, or scarf—These items protect your jugular.
Accessories like pins, pocket squares, cufflinks, rings, earrings, belt, purse, work bag—These additional pieces command respect.
Finally, a watch is a must. Not only does a watch convey authority, but it also shows that you value other people’s time—an important component of building trust.
4. Incorporate 7 - 11 points of interest into every outfit.
I always recommend having between 7 - 11 points of interest as part of your outfit.
Less than 7 pieces creates a visually dull outfit, conveying boredom and disinterest.
More than 11 points will create visual confusion and distract others from YOU. After all, your wardrobe should serve as a tool to draw others to you so that your personality can shine through, not as a means of hiding from others.
Points of interest include your authority items like accessories. They also include every new color in your outfit, every new pattern, and any dramatic styles like a stripe down the side of your pants or a large pocket.
When finalizing your outfit in the mirror each day, count these points of interest and adjust accordingly if you are not within the 7 - 11 range.
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Follow Valerio Consulting on Instagram (@valerioconsulting) for more color & style advice for building trust through what you wear.
