Attire, an influence on perceptions of counselors' characteristics

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the initial impressions formed by 86 clients of counselors based on the counselors' attire. Clients' perceptions of counselors' selected characteristics of caring, authenticity, competency, and trustworthiness were assessed. In addition, clients reported their willingness to see a counselor based on their initial impression of the counselors' attire. Analysis showed that most of the clients preferred a moderate style of dress (neither too formal nor too casual) for both male and female counselors. A strong positive association was found between the counselors' attire and the clients' perception of the four selected characteristics of counselors.