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You have 7 seconds to make a first impression. Some research suggests 1/10th of a second is all it takes for someone to determine not only if they find you attractive (by their standards, of course) but trustworthy. Whether you’re an entrepreneur wanting to book out your services, mingling on the singles scene, or putting more effort into growing deeper friendships, there are a million and one reasons and incentives for you to show up in a way that creates instant trust and rapport. Today, I’m sharing a handful of helpful tips to do exactly that.

1. Wear Your Eye Color

Psychologically speaking, wearing your eye color helps you appear more approachable, credible, and trustworthy. Think about it. Strategically placing your eye color in clothing or accessories (think tops, scarves, earrings, etc.) near your face immediately draws the attention right back to your pretty peepers. And we all know eye contact is everything when it comes to maintaining top-notch communication and building rapport with someone.

No matter what your eye color is, it’s the perfect one to wear for sales videos, client meetings, coffee chats, or anytime you want to up your trust factor. Your eye color will always look amazing on you, so don’t stress over your skin tone or personal coloring for this one! My only advice is to choose a color that is similarly or LESS vibrant (or saturated) than your eyes. Otherwise, your eyes might look dull in comparison. The goal here is to make them shine.

2. Try True Blue

The color blue represents reliability and security. In various research studies, blue has been consistently shown to increase feelings of trust as compared to other hues like red. So even if you’re not a blue-eyed beauty, this is a great go-to color option for portraying a credible vibe.

Opt for classic options that lend a comfortable and familiar feeling like denim, sky blue, and navy. And of course, always embrace the versions of blue that flatter you best. Consider complimenting your overall contrast levels, vibrancy, personality, and best color qualities, such as pastels, shaded, or muted hues. If you’re not sure which blues are best for you, my popular Personal Color Palette service might be just what you need!

3. Be Consistent

If you’re on online business owner, you’re likely aware that consistency is queen. There’s so much emphasis on showing up on the same platform(s), at a predictable frequency, with a clear and consistent message or offer, to a specific, ideal client in order to build trust and community. All of that’s true. But there’s a missing piece NO ONE is talking about.

How consistently are YOU showing up in your personal style and overall presentation? Are you rocking a powerful red lip and a perfect mani in your Instagram feed on Monday and then popping in spontaneously with bed head and day three sweats on stories by Thursday?

I’m not telling you to be inauthentic or even expertly curated. But please don’t overlook the importance of giving your audience a consistent visual story about WHO you are and what’s important to you. As a society, we’re faster to judge than ever before. I wish I could say it’s only what’s on the inside that counts. But if you want people to stick around, you need to give them a reason to look twice… and choose to trust you.

Luckily, I have a free quiz that can help you discover your signature style (and stick to it!). Click here to get started with my Free 5-Min Personal Style Quiz right now.

4. Attention To Details

I’m not in the camp of Certified Image Consultants who believe you need to wear serious “professional business attire” in order to look powerful and put together. But I do feel it’s important to look polished in your style, whatever that may be. If you want to communicate thoughtfulness and reliability day in and day out, take the extra step to double check the little details in your look.

Make sure your clothing is free of stains, holes (intentionally distressed denim aside 😉) and wrinkles, or other sloppy elements that can distract or create the illusion of disorganization and (gasp!) laziness. These simple elements can break trust or cause people to question your abilities a lot faster than you might think!

I highly recommend investing in a low-cost steamer or iron, lint roller, dryer sheets (to remove pesky static cling), a stain removing pen (great for on-the-go touch ups!), and a floor length mirror so you can check all angles of your outfit before jotting out the door. These small expenses will help you take your personal appearance and trust-factor to a whole new level.

5. Finishing Touches

To continue this theme, the right details go a long way. When it comes to accessories, try adding earrings or a necklace that echo the size and shape of your eyes (round, almond, etc.) to create a similar effect as wearing your eye color. I also love repeating similar patterns and textures throughout my clients’ and my own outfits to bring feelings of unity and familiarity to each ensemble. These finishing touches will not only help you maintain visual interest and keep people’s eyes on you even longer, but will kick your approachability and credibility up a notch as well.

Isn’t the psychology of color and style astounding?

If you love discovering simple tricks like these to streamline your personal style and show up with complete confidence, I want to invite you to join my complimentary VIP email community. I deliver exclusive emails straight to your inbox each and every Friday packed full of valuable ways to dial-in your signature style, understand your best colors and the psychology behind them, and determine your best fits, silhouettes, proportions, and all the big and small elements (like how to shop stylishly on a budget and more!) to help you finally achieve the goal of having a thoughtfully curated closet you love.

Ready to put your name and email on my VIP list? Simply scroll past the comments section below ━ feel free to leave a note with your thoughts on this article on your way! ━ and drop your info in the form at the bottom of this page. I’ll do a little happy dance before sending the first inspiring and educational email your way! See you in your inbox. 💌