Your Clothes Speak For You…Send The Right Message!

Fashion Design, Textiles and Merchandising

First impressions are made within the first few seconds!

First Impression = – Words

Verbal communication

+– Behavior

Non-verbal communication (behavior & manners)

+ – Personal Appearance

Non-verbal communication (clothing & grooming)

Types of Communication

Verbal Communication– Tone, choice of words, sounds

Non-Verbal Communicationa. Behavior and Manners

b. Body Language

c. Clothing

d. Grooming

Non-Verbal Communication

a. Behavior and MannersPolite, appropriate, people want to be around you

b. Body Language Eye contact, facial expressions, posture

a. ClothingMost obvious, consider color, neatness, style for self and occasion

b. Grooming General appearance, neat & clean, hair, teeth, nails, breath, make-up

Two Types of Messages

Intended Message: – What you want others to receive

Actual Message:– What others actually receive

Examples of Messages Given Through Clothing

Personality– Outgoing/shy, talkative/quiet, confident/unsure

Emotions– Happy, sad

Self-concept– Positive = take pride in appearance– Negative = appearance not important

Values Beliefs Occupation Status

Why is non-verbal communication not always accurate in determining what type of person someone is?

Messages can be misinterpreted

Stereotypes– Unconsciously group people according to their

appearance

Appearance and clothing send a message –

make sure it is the message you want other to receive!