As far as first impressions go, do you read much into what someone is wearing and use the stereotypes for the style that they are going for as to what type of person they are?

I do not. Be who you are. Wear whatever you feel like wearing. Do you really want to associate with people who judge you for the way dress?

For the most part I try not to take my first impression from the way someone is dressed, unless it is very obvious they are trying to make a statement with their clothing choice. Now, this is coming from a 40ish woman who has absolutely no sense of style and dresses for the most part in jeans and hoodies. I do however, notice whether someone is dressed appropriately for the occasion. A “suck this” shirt and flaming boots are not appropriate attire for most business meetings – but then again, when I worked full time it was in banking – not the music industry.

What’s the context of this meeting? Friends? Meetup group? Business?

JC, What do you want to sell about yourself? I personally would pick something plain and tasteful. Look like people should take a second look at you, because you’re an enigma. Do you want them to think you’re another boy-garage-band musician-wannabe, or a serious musician?

And you know I think you’re the later, but it’s always much easier to create a looser second impression, than a serious second impression.

@aprilsimnel : Its a possible business meeting, but mainly meeting new people (hopefully friends) as a networking source.

@AlfredaPrufrock : I want their first impression of me to be “hey, this guy looks like someone I want to work with”, but like I said I like to dress nice so I don’t want to go overboard and have someone think that Im trying too hard. THANKS! I like that second answer

Dress like yourself, if you were meeting your girlfriends mom at a picnic or event. Casual and stylish, yourself but nice enough to leave a good impression. Unless it’s in a formal setting. In which case, professionalism is necessary.

In total agreement with AlfredaPrufrock. Go to the “top end,” the nicest, of your casual style, and you can always bring it down later.

People choose their clothes to convey a message, so yes, I do read quite a bit into the choice of clothing. And then any interaction I have past the first impression either reinforces or contradicts that impression.