First impressions are crucial. One Harvard study shows that people form lasting impressions in just seven seconds. When initial interactions don’t go as planned, seven more greetings are required to create a new impression. Body language and verbal cues are meaningful factors, but appearances are pivotal. Researchers at the University of Kansas discovered that people can predict personality characteristics with 90 percent accuracy based on footwear alone. With that in mind, we’re offering you a guide to prepping your wardrobe for situations where positive first impressions are paramount. Choose in the right shoes and everything else will follow.

The First Date

When you think of first impressions, first dates tend to jump to mind. Let’s be real, these situations are exciting and scary at the same time. To keep your nerves in check and your confidence up, you’ll want to wear a pair of shoes that make you feel attractive. The Duke is the ideal boot for dressing conservatively while staying elegant.

For a typical night-time rendezvous, wear the Duke in black leather or dark olive suede. These colors are sleek and elegant, but stylish. An all black outfit to match is always a safe bet. But, sporting a dark-colored T-shirt with dark denim is an alternative that offers more dimension.

The Business Meeting

Business meetings are of special importance. Failing is not an option, and confidence is key. So, knowing you look great from the ground up is imperative. Much to the chagrin of the conventional dress shoe, boots and suits pair perfectly.

We see two paths to the perfect work outfit: the Wingtip and the President. The Wingtip is a detailed boot with flair, and the President is its equally stylish but mild-mannered cousin. Both are highly suitable for fast-paced lifestyles, so which pair you choose is just a matter of personal taste.

Meeting the Parents

Meeting your significant other’s family is always a bit anxiety-inducing. You’ll want to wear something casual but sophisticated, and stylish but timeless. The Scout pairs perfectly with the sweater-centric outfits typically preferred by parent-meeters. Get your Scouts in tan suede and sport them with a white or light blue button-down shirt tucked into blue pants. It’s that simple. Make this your staple conservative look for all warm-weather occasions.

Thursday makes boots for every occasion. All of our styles are versatile and can be worn with a range of outfits, from casual to formal. But don’t forget, a smile goes a long way!