“It is what it is!” I think this is a “New York” phrase; however, I have my California friends saying it, so who knows! After a unique summer to say the least, it is now the fall and time to get “Back to Business” and/or “Back to School.”
During this COVID-19 era, medium to large gatherings are frowned upon; however, if you are living your life, it is almost impossible to avoid small gatherings or 1-to-1 meetings altogether.
Fall is known for job interviews, school interviews, SAT testing, social events, and meeting the in-laws, just to name a few. It is important to look your best! People form their opinions of you based upon the way you look and speak. “It is what it is,” so why not look your best to maximize your opportunities?
Did you ever go into a car dealership and see the “frumpy guy” who has the baggy suit pants and jacket that don’t fit vs the sharply dressed salesperson? I have and I when I see the “unmade bed,” I doubt this guy can be a good salesperson, so I will always gravitate to the better-dressed person no matter how vain this may seem.
I will never forget being on vacation visiting friends in Budapest, Hungary many years ago. My friend, Zoltan, took us to his tailor friend. Zoltan said something loud and forceful in Hungarian (something like you had better give these guys the best fabric and best price or I will slap you around) and pointed to us. This fired me up, so I got measured and ordered my first 2 custom suits ever. I still have them today, cashmere made by Rene Lezard. The suit slid on like butter and I had a big smile on my face. I could not wait to fly home and sport my new suits. I noticed that people were making positive comments and I was getting more respect. I also realized, looking in my closet, that there was no way I could go back to “off the rack” clothes. My production went up because I knew I had to make more money to buy more custom suits and sports jackets.
Five years ago, I toured Southeast Asia visiting Myanmar (Burma), Cambodia and Thailand as well. Through a client, I was introduced to the owner of Blanc Bespoke Tailors in Bangkok, Thailand. They had pictures of their celebrity clients in the window like 6 foot 5 Dolph Lungren, who played boxer “Ivan Drago” in Rocky 4 and starred in “The Expendables” movies. I knew I was in the right place. I ordered 2 more suits and a cadre of shirts with ties with matching pocket squares which were shipped to me in New York. The owner told me he visits the USA twice a year and does “custom suit events,” so now (before Covid-19) I host several custom clothes events called “suit and Thai,” usually in the spring and fall.
MY TOP 5 TIPS TO DRESS FOR SUCCESS:
Heeding these tips should ensure that you will DRESS FOR SUCCESS!
Best of Luck and KEEP THE FAITH!