André Wilson on First Impressions and Personal Style: A Game-Changer in Image Consulting

Style Interpreted

When you meet someone for the first time, what do they see? André Wilson, a seasoned image consultant, believes that first impressions are everything. It’s not just about the clothes you wear but how you present yourself to the world. André's expertise is more than just fashion—it’s about making a statement that resonates with who you are, and in today’s episode of "Style Interpreted," he shared insights that could change the way you approach your wardrobe.

Growing up on the South Side of Chicago, André learned early on the significance of looking your best. His family’s tradition of preparing for Sunday church by polishing shoes, pressing pants, and matching socks wasn’t just a routine; it was a formative experience. This early exposure to the importance of presentation laid the foundation for his future career, even if he didn’t realize it at the time.

High school marked a turning point for André. With his first job, he gained the independence to buy his own clothes, allowing him to experiment with style and express his personality. It was then that he began to understand the power of perception—how what you wear can influence how others see you, and more importantly, how you see yourself.

André’s journey into fashion wasn’t a straight path. He spent years in the corporate world, moving through finance and human resources, but nothing ever felt quite right. It wasn’t until 2016 that he decided to pursue his passion for fashion. Frustrated with his corporate life, he started a men’s style blog, sharing tips on what to wear and how to enhance a wardrobe. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and by 2018, André left the corporate world behind to focus on image consulting full-time.

For André, fashion is about more than just following trends. It’s about understanding who you are and how you want to be perceived. He often finds that clients are chasing after the latest styles without considering whether they align with their personality or goals. This misalignment, he says, is where frustration and confusion set in. “You have to be self-aware,” André advises. “Ask yourself: Who am I? What do I like? What makes me feel my best?”

But André’s work goes beyond clothing. He’s not just a stylist; he’s an image consultant who helps clients understand the emotional and psychological aspects of their style choices. When he works with clients, it’s about more than picking out the right outfit. It’s a process of asking the right questions, understanding their motivations, and helping them align their external appearance with their internal identity.

One of the most common misconceptions André encounters is the idea that how you look doesn’t matter if you’re intelligent or skilled. “It does matter how you look,” he asserts. “People make assessments about you all the time.” It’s not about wearing designer labels, but about pulling together an outfit that’s polished and professional. A well-fitted suit or the right color palette can make all the difference in how you’re perceived.

André’s philosophy extends beyond clothing. He believes that true style is reflected in every aspect of your life—how you walk, how you talk, and how you treat others. “You can look great, but if you’re rude or unkind, no one wants to be around you,” he explains. For André, style is about more than aesthetics; it’s about your approach to life.

André’s career has evolved from focusing solely on menswear to working with a diverse range of clients, including women who now make up 60% of his clientele. His work has also expanded into projects like Chicago Fashion Week, where he’s excited about the city’s growing role in the fashion industry. “Chicago is often seen as flyover country, but we do fashion here, too,” he says with pride.

As André looks to the future, his advice is simple yet profound: “The best is yet to come.” It’s a motto that keeps him motivated and looking ahead, no matter what challenges arise. For anyone looking to make a positive change in their life, whether through fashion or otherwise, André’s approach is a reminder that your best days are still ahead.