“Clothes maketh the man”, someone once said, and nothing is closer to the truth. It is the way we dress as much as the way we think that makes us individuals. We all understand the importance of dress and clothing stores, not even the most unconventional of us would dress in a pair of torn jeans or wear a ripped tee shirt to go for a job interview. The way we dress also has an effect on our success. But how exactly should we dress when we want to impress ourselves in a clothing store?

There are a few basic rules to follow that can help you make a positive statement by the way you dress in a clothing store. First of all, and the most obvious tip of all, is to make sure you are wearing clean clothes and that they are pressed. Nothing looks worse than dirty wrinkled clothing. There are people who are so particular about looking good at all times that they change their clothes even to walk to the corner store to pick up a pint of milk. You never know who you will bump into when you are out of the house, so maybe they are correct.

It is also goes without saying that one’s clothes should fit properly. Wearing clothes with a designer clothing store that are many sizes too large or too small is really dressing badly. True, many of the latest fashions have a ‘shapeless’ look about them. They may suit a teenager who is on his way to the skateboard park, but for a man or a woman looking to project a particular image, it's a poor choice. Choose clothing that makes you feel good and that fits well. If you are a woman, make sure your clothes cover everything that needs to be covered, and that your skirt doesn’t ride up when you sit down.

When you dress to impress, it’s your entire being that is on show. So besides the clothing, make sure your hair is clean and brushed or combed. Like your clothes, your hair can tell a lot about you. If it's unkempt or not clean, it delivers the message, “I just don’t have the time or the inclination to care for it.” Run a brush or comb through your hair and discount clothing store or pull it back to give you a more polished and serious look.

Smell too, can play a major role in how you portray yourself. When you are dressing to impress, choose a deodorant or a perfume that is subtle and not overwhelming. A strong smell can be both unpleasant and distracting in a cheap clothing store. You want to leave behind a lasting impression, not a strong smell. Choose a light perfume, aftershave or deodorant.

Dressing well can make the difference between success and failure in many aspects of life. Remember that first impressions are exactly that – you will never get a second chance at making a first impression!