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The Perfect: First Impression

Being subtly chic wins every time.

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Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Welcome to "The Perfect," ELLE.com's weekly roundup where we lay out exactly what you'll need for the perfect outfit, shopping list, Saturday night, or whatever it may be. In a shopping landscape where the options are endless, consider it a complete snapshot of must-haves.

First impressions are impossible to re-do, and whether it's a job interview or an introductory dinner, the message you send via your style choices is a powerful one. The key is to pick pieces that are true to your personality, and if you are ever in doubt, go more subtle than shocking. From the perfect lipstick to a surefire way to get in a good headspace, our suggestions are below.

1

Lipstick

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Save bold hues or dramatic shading for a night out. Your best beauty move for initial introductions is classic and understated: A gorgeous nude lip fits the bill.

Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Un-Nude Liquid Lipstick, $9.49, maybelline.com

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2

Bag

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Avoid frivolous or flashy when stepping into a situation where you don't quite know your audience. A structured, well-made top-handle in a neutral leather is never wrong.

Senreve The Maestra, $895; shopbop.com

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3

Dress

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Pick the silhouette that feels most authentic to your personal style, then look for a dress with something special injected. Whether it's a pop of color or an interesting detail, it'll make an impact.

Tibi Silk Dress, $895; tibi.com

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4

Earrings

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Elegant, classic jewelry complements whatever you're wearing and adds a touch of sparkle without overpowering the look.

Dana Rebecca Diamond Huggies, $530; danarebeccadesigns.com

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5

Headphones

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Your attitude going into the situation matters, too. Adjust your levels of excitement, chill, or concentration by tuning into a personalized playlist pre-meet.

Bose SoundSport Wireless Headphones, $129; amazon.com

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