How to Dress To Intimidate (2024)

Ever wish you could walk into a room, have people take one look at you, and take a step back?

To make them think twice about messing with you?

Because while the usual goal of business is to connect with others and deepen relationships, sometimes, you really just want to cut to the chase and show 'em who's boss. To forget Kumbaya and go straight for the jugular.

Clothing can do that for you.

So long as you choose wisely.

Cops. Judges. Clergy. The military.

There's a reason why we're on our best behavior around them, and it's not just because they can make our lives difficult if we aren't. Part of it is their occupation. But another part is their uniform.

It's been honed over centuries. Or in the case of the military, for millennia.

What, you thought they dressed that way “just because”?

Hardly!

They dress to intimidate.

While kings, emperors, maharajas, and other potentates dress to impress with luxurious fabrics and sparkling jewels, those who enforce the laws of God and man do so in clothes meant to scare you silly. A mean nun in full habit can set a room full of fourth graders on edge as effectively as an army marching into a village.

Posture, presence, and purpose.

Add in the uniform and people start getting nervous.

So what is this “uniform”?

• Straight lines
• Dark colors
• Firm fabrics

Let's look at each of these in detail.

Straight Lines

Lines refer to the lines of a garment, including the outside lines (silhouette), inside lines (construction elements like seams and darts), and detail lines (decorative pieces like trims and pocket flaps).

When the lines are straight, like in a business suit or judge's robes, they set a strong, formal tone and communicate authority. When they're curved, like in round-neck t-shirt or ruffled skirt, they set a soft tone and communicate gentleness.

Both types of lines are appropriate at different times in business, depending on what you're trying to communicate. But if you want to be seen as formal, serious, and no-nonsense, go for straight lines. Everyone will know you're not messing around.

Dark Colors

There's lots of research on color theory, but here's the bottom line: dark colors are more intimidating than light colors, and black's the most intimidating of all. Perhaps its the association with judges and the clergy, or that “bad guys” always wear black in the movies. Whatever the reason, only wear it when you want to intimidate – NEVER to interview for a job.

Here's what different colors denote:

• Black = power, authority, strength
• Navy = authority, trustworthiness, expertise
• Red = excitement, danger, strength
• Charcoal = rock solid, trustworthy, pillar of the community
• Gray = loyalty, dependability, good work ethic
• Brown and beige = rapport-building, approachable
• White = clarity, cleanliness, new beginnings

What combination of colors wins the most votes, lands the most jobs, and closes the most sales? Navy suit, white shirt, red tie. Trustworthiness + clarity + dash of excitement = the most reliable combination EVER. Notice how many world leaders wear it.

Firm Fabrics

Firm fabrics are those that are crisp and hold their shape, like wool, cotton, and silk. Yes, they're more expensive and require more care than say, a t-shirt and jeans, but they also make you look and feel more powerful.

How?

Studies show that people report feeling more powerful and competent wearing formal clothes and describe themselves as “cultivated” and “accurate” when dressed in formal attire. It's a psychological thing where they basically “take on” the characteristics of the fabric. When they traded in the firm fabrics for soft, casual clothes, they reported feeling more approachable and friendly and described themselves as “easy going” and “tolerant”.

See the difference?

The 50 Most Powerful People In Boston
Photo courtesy of Boston Magazine

It's not just how others see you, it's how you see yourself. In order to feel powerful, you need to dress powerfully.

So if you want to intimidate – like when you're negotiating a tough deal or looking to take control of a company – remember these three phrases when it comes to dressing the part:

Straight lines, dark colors, firm fabrics.

It's like a modern day suit of armor, and others will respond appropriately: by taking a step back and giving you a wide berth.

And who doesn't want that from time to time?

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What's your biggest image challenge? Business attire? Basic wardrobe? Special sizes? Get personalized recommendations on how to dress when you sign up for my ezine at FashionForRealWomen.com.