FASHION & STYLE : Go professional

Let’s force it bold, the culture of dressing professionally is not yet common in Rwanda. Some people take suits and neckties to be a “rich man’s attire”. However, fashionistas argue that neckties and suits are an important accessory for work. Ties make the ideal statement to express what professionalism is all about. Having understood the gesture of fashion, it’s important to also know that ties are not defined merely by style or brand, but earn status for professionals. It’s also important not to ignore the fact that, people have and will continue to judge you by your appearance. The reality is that, we make decisions about people within the first seconds of meeting them—and then spend time trying to confirm our first impressions. This means that before you even open your mouth you have been sized up and profiled. “Appearance is irrelevant, only results matter,” Jean Paul Mitali said. “But we’re absolutely aware that neckties are an essential in a professional man’s wardrobe.” Mitali, however, urges people to always dress neatly, professionally, and appropriately. “The fact is you never know whom you are going to meet. It might be a potential client, a future employer,” he said. “Like it or not, they are going to form their initial impression of you based on how you look.” If you care about your appearance, look out for a few tips to guide you stand out from the crowd. How your personal appearance affects you One of the powers of clothing is that it can transform an individual’s state of mind. Dress like a professional corporate person, and you are more likely to act like a professional person. The transformative effect is powerful and instantly effective; what’s most amazing is that so few people use it. Dressing professionally improves self discipline In the same way, a person who dresses professionally learns the value of self discipline. A disciplined dresser can arrange his/her outfit to meet their needs at work. The power of patterns and colours Patterns and colours are very powerful. Some colours grab attention, some accentuate natural tones, and others affect our emotions. When choosing colours and patterns a person should first understand which ones work for them and which ones do not. Confidence Now I understand some people think wearing a suit provides someone with a certain level of stature. It gives them confidence. It helps them feel good about themselves. Well let me be the first to tell you that if you feel like you need a suit to gain that confidence, you will get problems. The minute you open your mouth, all those people who might think you have a great suit, forget about the suit and have to deal with the person wearing it. “I get dressed for comfort, and occasionally will put a bit more “effort” into my look and go with a tie or a blazer,” Alex Ntaganda said. Ends