Le Success For Dressing.

A b5media.com colleague of mine recently described her experience with the likes of a certain, self-important concierge–at a small, but chic, hotel in France. She and her friend seemed surpised and perplexed by this man’s disregard toward them, upon check-in.

Her companion explained that in France, if you do not dress well, you are considered to be unimportant. (The two had been dressed in jeans and t-shirts). I can see that–actually, it’s always been a policy of mine to dress up when traveling.

Several times when traveling from London to New York, my seat was upgraded to business class–and I’m convinced it was because I’d decided to wear a suit.

But as I gave this more thought, it occured to me, that this coolness on the part of others because of how you’re dressed is not necessarily a French thing. (I won’t even go near the subject of my colleague being a Puerto Rican/American.)

I decided to conduct a little test. Each day when I walk my dog, I throw on the universal suburban dog-mom outfit–Le worn out Gap clothes. For my research, I put on a crisp, white blouse, new jeans and a bit too much make-up. The morning took on a whole new feeling…I felt visible!

Typically, Trotter and I stroll through town pretty much undetected, but suddenly I began to get “how-ya-doins” from the mail gal, the cable guy, the mom with her kids…and just plain strangers (meaning old guys mowing their lawn)…what was going on here?

I thought I would broaden the test–just to see if there was something more to it than simply the kooky sight of a petite woman steering her 80 lb. Labrador around.

So, wearing this same outfit, off I went to do my errands, and: the butcher gave me an extra piece of chicken in my order; the liquor store guy gave me a free promotional item (lighter in the shape of a poker chip) and the printing guy carried my box of brochures, opened my car door and shook my hand.

I think the answer is this: I carried myself with a bit more confidence and self-assurace…I looked to have purpose and possibly some money.

My analysis? Dressing as if you look like you’ve got a clue will get doors opened for you. (And some free stuff).