By Eileen Zhuge, @eileenzhuge | Winston Churchill High School, MD
“Dress for success” is advice we hear everywhere. But too often, success gets reduced to a simple checklist: blazer, slacks, closed-toe shoes. Dress codes exist for a reason, but they don’t tell the whole story. What often gets overlooked is how clothing makes us feel, and how that feeling can affect how we perform.
In a DECA competition, the first challenge starts way before you begin presenting. You’re given your prep time and scrambling to organize your ideas in just a few minutes as your heart races. In that moment, confidence is everything. While your presentation and content matter the most, how you feel in what you’re wearing can either support or distract you.
To better understand how clothing affects confidence in a competition setting, I spoke with Gabby Paul, a three-time Massachusetts DECA competitor, chapter officer, and DECA content creator.
Is there a detail (shoes, jewelry, hair, makeup) that makes a big difference in your role-plays?
“For me, makeup makes a big difference in my confidence. Knowing that I look good and that my outward appearance represents how I feel on the inside helps me feel more confident going into a role-play.”
Does confidence come more from following the rules or from feeling like yourself?
“I believe that confidence comes more from feeling like yourself. There’s a lot of power in expressing who you are through your style, and when you feel like yourself, you naturally feel more comfortable and confident.”
I also spoke with Melany Carmenaty-Martinez, a second-year NV DECA member who serves as the Vice President of Media in her chapter.
What small outfit detail gives you an unexpected boost of confidence during DECA competitions?
“Having a matching detail, like coordinating my blazer with my pants, makes me feel more put together. When you look put together, you feel so much more confident.”
If you had to get rid of one DECA outfit stereotype, which would you choose?
“People think DECA outfits have to be generic, but I love wearing colors like red, pink or blue and matching them with my outfit. It’s a fun way to be expressive and feel more comfortable when competing.”
Dressing for confidence in DECA doesn’t mean you have to ignore professionalism. It’s about choosing clothing that lets you move comfortably and speak confidently. Whether it’s colors that make you feel bold or an outfit you’ve practiced presenting in before, these choices help you focus on your ideas instead of your nerves.
