5 Reasons Why You Need A Jacket

The Seinfeld jacket scene captures the essence of what I’m about to share with you.

Jerry speaks of his new jacket and how it has completely changed his life. That when he leaves the house with it on, it’s with a “whole different confidence.” He feels composed, rounded, and secure and that he can meet any social challenge.

Yes, this scene is ancient (early 90’s) but the sense of power and security still remains from one article of clothing: the jacket.

Here are 5 reasons why you need a jacket and how it can increase your chances of making more money:

1) Wearing a jacket conveys authority. Lapels speak to your audience, whether you’re presenting in front of a crowd, in front of your team, or to a potential client.

2) A jacket sets you apart from your team and gives the non-verbal cue that you mean business. Mind you, this is not a harsh message, just a clear one that you are the leader.

3) Long gone are the days that your jacket must match your pants or your skirt. Most of us work in an environment that supports a business casual dress code. Your jacket can serve multiple purposes from giving you the leader image in the office to “who’s that girl/guy with that awesome jacket?” in a social setting.

4)  A jacket sends the message to your superiors that you are in the market to get promoted and is confirmed in this recent Fast Company article.

You can earn the promotion by working hard and a jacket compliments your work. You can prove that you can perform AND look the part, leaving no question as to whether you’re worthy of moving up to the next level. If you are a business owner, that’s more the reason to own a jacket. As CEO of your organization, your best bet is to wear a jacket to existing and most especially prospective client meetings.

5) Research has shown that people who concern themselves with their image, make more money over their lifetime. Why? Your appearance speaks before you do, and, if you have everyone’s attention before you even say hello, that’s one more opportunity that you get to savor over your competition.

 A jacket will polish your image and show that you are a leader of you, your team, and your business.

If you’re purchasing your first jacket, look for one with clean lines and that fits across your shoulders and back; you should be able to move comfortably.

The sleeves should be no longer than the break of your wrist and if the sleeves are, have your jacket tailored. It’s a minor alteration that will give you a clean, professional look.

Try to find your initial jacket with a solid color or muted pattern, one that works with your existing wardrobe and, most importantly, with your skin tone. How do you know your best color? Think of a day when you received a ton of compliments on your appearance: what color were you wearing close to your face that day? Red? Navy? Tan? White?

Buy the jacket that when you look in the mirror, you see and feel the confidence that Seinfeld speaks of, and that will help you meet any social challenge.

 In love, fashion and maximum financial-stability,

fz