Is it really that simple? Be ourselves? First and foremost lets define what is ourselves. Take me for instance. I am indeed the epitome of kentalism (Hey, I am proud of it. At least I have a tittle. Do you?). So, does it mean that I have to be kental for my job interview or when presenting my work or worst still, going on my first date. Will things work out just fine? I don't think so. (although some chicks find kental charming)
We have heard it too often. Don't judge the book by it's cover. But we can't deny that the most colourful book with pictures (esp pictures of women) get the most attention. So what i think is that being yourself is just not enough. Externally (ie what you wear) and internally (ie how you behave) we have to change to adapt to the stituation.
Lets do some case study.
Externally:
If you were a "mat" going to the mosque for Solat Aidiladha for instance, it will be more appropriate for you to wear the traditional baju kurung and songkok even though you miss your tapered jeans already and worry that your spiky hair not be so spiky anymore.
If you were a geek going for prom. Well, u better get those big round glasses off and your flat hair standing if you even want to enter the ball room.
Internally:
If you were the joker of the class and, I dont know why, happened to like the quietest girl in school, please do not laugh loudly during your first date. You will just scare her off.
If you were the "speaking London" kinda person, you will just get kicked out if you happened to do community service at the Boys home. (ok i exaggerate alot but you get the point)
Ok. It is not that I am saying you should not be yourself at all. What I feel is that there are many sides to yourself. Like me, I do have my "cool" moments you know. Once in a while. Choose the side that is best for the stituation and shine it out a little more than the others. Therefore what i think is the better advise is suite yourself best to the stituation.