The adage that says “dress for the job you want, not the job you
have” might have had its roots in the perception that appearance affects performance.
Many studies have shown that your physical appearance, including but not
limited to the clothes you wear, can affect your physical and mental
well-being. While the IELTS course is not a job per se, doing well in the IELTS can very much feel
like performing well in the office.
A study in 2015, published in the Social Psychological and Personality Science shows that formal or business
attire increases abstract thinking and creativity. In 2014, in the Journal
of Experimental Psychology: General, subjects who dressed up were
more successful in deals and had higher levels of testosterone.
Whether dressing up for your everyday work or preparing for that
life-changing exam, here are three easy-to-remember (and to follow!) tips that
can ensure you’re dressed to “kill” the IELTS.
1.
Go for comfort.
Dressing up for the sake of
looking nice won’t do you any good if it ends up being too uncomfortable. For
ladies, imagine trying to concentrate on what you’re going to say for the
Speaking Test while your feet are aching from hours of wearing high heels? For
men, you might look sleek in your suit and tie, but wait till the sun is up,
and your commute to the IELTS test center in the tropical heat makes you
sweaty.
However, some clothes shout
comfort but aren’t appropriate for the IELTS. Sweat pants are great, but not
when you’re taking the IELTS. Also do not wear shorts, slippers, or sleeveless
shirts or sando, even if the city heat is tempting you. Remember. You’re taking
the IELTS not going to the beach.
Try slacks. Slacks are
comfortable and versatile and can go with anything. For women, you can go for
leggings and blouses while men can opt for collared shirts with buttons.
2.
Avoid distractions.
Accessorizing can make you feel
“you;” however, putting on too much can be a distraction, not only for you but
for other test-takers as well. A bracelet or a watch can be all that you need.
Jewelry will only be distracting. The same goes for your hair and makeup as
well. Just do enough to make you look and feel good.
Also, avoid clothes with
distracting colors or prints. It can’t be a good feeling to stand out in a
crowd because of your neon green jacket or be reprimanded for an inappropriate
print on your shirt.
3.
Project pride and power.
Given all the above, it is
essential to project a sense of pride and confidence in your outfit. You don’t
only need to look good, but more importantly, you need to FEEL GOOD. Wear your favorite shirt. Use your lucky socks. Make sure that when you take the IELTS,
you’re the best version of yourself.
At JRooz IELTS Review Center, we don’t just teach you techniques to ace
the different tests. We also invest in showing you what else you can do to
prepare. Subscribe to our blogs and learn more tips.
SOURCES
“AEE IELTS: How to Dress for Success in the IELTS
Exam.” All Ears English. Accessed on July 22, 2019. Accessed from: https://ielts.allearsenglish.com/aee-ielts-dress-success-ielts-exam/
Bergin, Mike. “Dress for Success on Test Day.” Chariot
Learning. Accessed on July 22, 2019. Accessed from: https://chariotlearning.com/dress-for-success-on-test-day/
Hulson, Matthew
and Tori Rodriquez. “Dress for Success: How Clothes Influence Our Performance.”
Scientific American. Accessed on July 22, 2019. Accessed from: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/dress-for-success-how-clothes-influence-our-performance/
