Hands, posture, eyebrows and accessories are among the details that shape a person's first impression, according to Natalya Semenova, art director of the fashion brand Michel Kataná. Semenova gave her comments to the Russian news outlet Lenta.ru, identifying five features of appearance that register with observers, often without them realizing it.
Semenova said people first notice hands and nails. She said bitten nails, hangnails or very dry skin can subconsciously suggest anxiety, tension or a lack of self-care, while well-kept hands create an impression of composure and self-attention. She added that this does not require an elaborate manicure, just basic upkeep.
Posture was the second detail Semenova pointed to, saying it affects not only how a person's figure is perceived but also how their clothes fit. She said a straight back and open shoulders are usually read as signs of confidence and inner composure, while slouching or a tense stance can create an impression of insecurity or strain.
Eyebrows and Facial Framing
Semenova said eyebrows play an equally important role in forming a first impression. She said they frame the face and directly affect how a person's emotions are read, adding that the shape or position of the eyebrows can make an expression appear more open, stern, tense or calm.
She also pointed to accessories, including jewelry, watches, belts, bags, shoes, scarves and shawls, saying these items easily draw attention because they differ from basic clothing in scale, material or color. According to Semenova, accessories often carry symbolic weight as well, allowing other people to form assumptions about a person's taste, professional environment, status or attention to detail.
Reading the Small Signals
Semenova summed up her comments by saying a first impression is not built from one striking element but from a series of small signals that people read almost automatically. She said it is precisely this attention to detail that most often makes a person's overall look feel cohesive, confident and memorable.
Michel Kataná is a fashion accessories brand, and Semenova serves as its art director, a role focused on shaping the visual identity of its collections and campaigns.
The comments follow earlier reporting from May 2023, when Russians named another item they said influences first impressions of a person.
