2. Image

The visual message plays an important role in building the image. It appeals to emotions and subconscious associations. Nowadays we are observing a constant increase of the role of image in social communication. The so called “visual path” is very important for creating our image. „Fine feathers make fine birds”

Woody Allen, a famous director once said “Eighty per cent of success is showing up”.

Image is a set of information about a person or an institution; it is the way we are perceived by others.

 

The   personal image is usually identified with the appearance, but we should remember that it is also:

– presence,

– – behaviour and manners,

– – qualifications and professionalism,

–   – successes and failures,

–   – lifestyle.

The image is everything that is visible; everything that can be seen by others, consciously or unconsciously.

The image is never static. Its understanding changes together with the opinions and preferences. It develops without our will and not always reflects reality. Some images stay in the people’s minds, regardless of the visible changes. Like any other act of communication, the image should be carefully planned.

 

Manipulating the image is caring about details. If you want to make a proper impression, it will not be enough to carefully choose your words. It is very important to pay attention to details, such as: outfit, accessories, or the workplace.

A coherent, balanced image, good taste and class are not only a guarantee of success in many aspects of life. They are also, or maybe most importantly, a great asset which allows you to boost your self-esteem. They are the basis of well-being, self-confidence in every life situation, regardless of age or silhouette.

Professional image.

A professional image emphasises our professional credibility, the authority, boosts our self-confidence and corresponds with effectiveness in business.

Through our appearance we express attitude not only towards ourselves, but towards others.

A well-developed, credible image can significantly improve our personal career path.

A professional business image is an element of the first impression. It often determines certain attitudes of the customer, therefore it should:

–        –  inspire trust,

–        –  imply proficiency and competence,

–        –  imply credibility, reliability and responsibility.

It means respect for the customer, emphasises the prestige and authority of the institution and also dictates a certain elegant behaviour which matches the outfit.

The professionalism of the image is emphasised by:

– outfit appropriate to the circumstances and our post,

– simple cut, moderation and a certain conservatism (We cannot identify fashion with elegance. For professional image fashion is important only to the extent of chic and style, they are always fashionable. As Coco Chanel used to say “Fashion fades, only style remains the same”.)

– elegance, which means quality fabrics and well-chosen accessories (Elegance is in the seemingly meaningless details, which are always relevant to the context. Elegance is timeless.)

– subdued colours,

– light make-up for women and for men: a smoothly shaved face, a simple and neat hairdo.

 

The public opinion polls conducted by many serious institutions (like OBOP or Pentor) show how great the influence of image is. Politicians and celebrities are a perfect example. A new profession emerged: an image specialist, for example Piotr Tymochowicz, Andrzej Lepper’s advisor on how to build a political image. Many professionals believe that such image specialist’s help allowed president Aleksander Kwaśniewski to win the election. Through weight loss, diet (popular cabbage soup diet) and dress code (famous blue shirts) the specialists created a modern, trustworthy politician, who won the electorate despite his leftist past.

Andrzej Lepper underwent the biggest change. Almost everything changed: his hairdo, tone of his voice and most importantly his clothes. From a simple peasant he became a statesman, a VIP confident of his position. The metamorphosis gave him an increase from 3 to 15 per cent in the presidential elections of 2005.

Remember:

the better image the quicker way to reach the goal.

Katarzyna Aleksandra Danowska

Katarzyna Aleksandra Danowska

Strategy and Creation Director

graduate of the University of Łódź, Law and Administration Department,

expert on business dress code in theory and practice,

recognizable fashion designer, awarded many titles including “Designer of the Year” or “Fashion Perfection”,

experienced in running business wear projects for recognizable clients and international corporations,

author of many articles and numerous trainings on business image,

Slow Fashion lover dedicated to ecology in fashion business.

Table of Contents
1. Admission

“ Appearance is  80% of success”   Woody Allen 

We would like to introduce  the visitors of this site  to definitions connected with dress code and image in business as well as their meaning in marketing. czytaj dalej

2. Image

The visual message plays an important role in building the image. It appeals to emotions and subconscious associations. Nowadays we are observing a constant increase of the role of image in social communication. The so called “visual path” is very important for creating our image. „Fine feathers make fine birds” czytaj dalej

3. First impression

We can say that the visual message is an important aspect of communication and helps to build relations. It is directed at 38% per cent of the recipients whose dominant communication channel is the visual channel. Hence the important role of the so called “good first impression”, the subjective reception of which is difficult to change. czytaj dalej

4. Dress code

Clothes were always an element of people’s appearance and played an important social role as a message clear for everybody. It was not only a protection from cold and something to cover nudity. It was mainly a way of expressing oneself and emphasising the position in social hierarchy. czytaj dalej