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More confidence in the workplace through the right outfit

Some people come across as confident and competent by saying just a few words, while others express uncertainty after a few minutes of speaking. This can be seen as a lack of self-confidence. So if you want to appear confident, improving your communication skills is a must – not a luxury. The more a person shows a lack of communication skills, the less confident he or she appears. But this takes time and practice. You can boost your confidence by taking a conversation techniques course, but it can also be a good idea to pay some attention to what you're wearing. Time management coach Björn Deusings shares his tips.

1. Wear the right colors

Choose the color of your clothing in advance, depending on the situation. In most cases, colors can relate to one's mood. Emotions are reflected in the color of the outfit. A red outfit can boost your confidence and make you stand out from the crowd. Dark and black clothes evoke a sense of power and authority. Find the right color that suits you and the situation perfectly.

2. Think about your body shape

Knowing your body shape is another important factor in dressing confidently. Clothes that flatter your unique shape can help you appear confident. Whether you are pear or apple shape, short or tall, fitting your clothes to your body shape makes all the difference.

3. Make use of your strengths

After you're comfortable with what looks good on your body shape, consider your other strengths. If you have a rounder figure, you may be more dominant in a dress than in a pantsuit, for example. If you're tall, vertical stripes will emphasize this, while horizontal stripes will do the opposite. Look at your characteristics, such as leg length versus torso length, or how broad your shoulders are, and take that into account with your body shape and colors. By choosing a flattering shape for your body, then choosing that outfit in a color that makes you look best, and then using your strengths, you'll have a well-coordinated outfit, whatever your style.

4. Know your personal style

Dressing in a way you feel comfortable is also important to consider if you want to dress confidently. Instead of trying to wear what's trendy or someone else's style, know what you like. By finding a signature style, you can personalize any outfit you wear so you can confidently show the world (or your boss) who you are.

5. Comfort is key

There's nothing worse than being caught in an outfit that makes you feel uncomfortable. When you're putting together your clothes in an effort to feel both strong and confident, always make sure you think about your comfort first. An easy way to do this is to introduce soft shapes and fabrics into your wardrobe that suit you best. It will help you focus on the most important tasks and boost your confidence. Wearing something that makes sitting still for a few hours a chore will put you in a very uncomfortable situation.