How to Dress to Get Respect

Pull off a style that's flattering yet not too casual or revealing to get respect.

Both men and women can dress in a way that earns respect from others. However, dressing to get respect may be more difficult for a woman. Many modern fashions are all about revealing skin, showing off curves and looking beautiful to the point of sacrificing comfort and dignity. If you are a woman who wants to dress to get respect, take the focus off your body and put the focus on who you are as a person and what you are capable of doing. If you are a man looking to dress for respect, focus on classy clothing and put-together styles.

Instructions

1. Choose modest clothing if you're a woman. Many popular pieces of attire are skimpy, tight and overly revealing. These take attention away from the woman herself, and put it on her body. Furthermore, this type of clothing may be distracting in public or at work. Choosing clothing that covers the right places, such as the chest and legs, is a way to dress that will earn respect from others.

2. Focus on colors if you're a woman. Choose colors that complement your skin tone, hair and eyes. Women with a cool skin tone tend to have pale ivory skin and dark, ash colored hair. Some colors that look best with these shades are blue, white and lavender. Women with a warm skin tone tend to have tan to dark skin and black hair or hair colors with more of a copper base. Some colors that look best with these shades are cream, gold and orange.

3. Choose clothing that fits your shape, if you're a man. Don't go for clothes that are too tight, but find attire that isn't overly baggy or hanging off your body. This looks sloppy and unprofessional. Get a tailored suit to look more sophisticated. Select complementary shoes and keep accessories simple to complete the outfit.

4. Choose colors that do not clash or stand out if you're a man. Wearing a black suit with brown shoes, for example, takes attention off of the man and puts it on his clothing. Yet wearing an outfit that is all one color looks tacky; the only exception to this is all-black attire. Choosing matching colors will make the outfit look put together and give the impression of sophistication.

References

• Glamour; Don't Know If Your Skin Is Warm or Cool? Here's a Quick Way to Tell; Beth Shapouri

Resources

• Caryn Franklin's How to Look Good