Here are the titbits of this past week.
On How Quickly We Judge Others
Once you become aware how quickly people judge you, you will never walk into a single room the same way again. Harvard Medical School found that people size up your competence, your likability and trustworthiness in less than a blink of an eye. Sylvia Ann Hewlett, expert on executive presence, called this the first filter. We do this naturally — not because appearance matters more than substance. Take it to your advantage and show up on purpose.
On The Famous Basic Instinct White Dress
The famous white dress in Basic Instinct was a masterclass in confidence. Ellen Mirojnick, the costume designer, designed it deliberately so that Sharon Stone could move and sit however she pleased while controlling a room full of detectives. Her clothes empowered her. In psychology, this is called enclothed cognition — the theory that what you wear influences how you think, feel and behave. All you need is that one “white dress” (a suit, a combination) that helps you feel like you can do anything.
On What To Wear When The Heat Is On
Don Johnson’s Miami Vice wardrobe is particularly interesting for summer — it actually changed how men dressed in the 80s and popularised the T-shirt under an Armani jacket. It was about having a uniform so recognisable it became a silhouette: a soft-shouldered linen jacket, worn loose, never buttoned tight. A simple T-shirt underneath, never a shirt. Light trousers, cut for movement and heat. Loafers, no socks, soles that slide rather than stomp. Man or woman, you can recreate this look.
On The Scent Of The Summer
A client mentioned how she received compliments in her office for wearing Chloé. Another for Byredo Blanche. Personally, I recommend Diptyque Philosykos for something green and fig-like, Hermès Hiris for something powdery and quietly elegant, and Creed Aventus if you want something bolder and chic.
On What You Are Really Good At
Diane von Furstenberg once said she was very good at intuition, coming up with solutions, and knowing what people want. But she also said she was not a good manager and never wrote a business plan. You just have to know what you are good at and go all in. Peter Drucker, the pioneer of management thinking, called this finding where your actions actually produce results — try feedback analysis. Every time you make a key decision, write down what you genuinely expect to happen, not what you hope for. Then, weeks or months later, compare. Where were you right? Where did you misjudge it? Do this enough times, and you’ll see a real pattern.
What has changed for you this past week?
For questions and coaching write to welcome@standoutjane.com.
One more thing — I’ve started a YouTube channel where I post videos on confidence, executive presence, and leadership. Find me there at @suzanagrieme.
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Bon Weekend.
Suzana Grieme | StandOutJane