Tag Archives: image

Dress for Success, Etiquette, Men, Women

Ease Up on The Fragrance

Leave a comment

There was a time, in the not too distant past, when applying fragrance was considered part of getting dressed in the morning. We would apply it liberally, layer it, and touch it up through-out the day.

These days the rules have changed. Although fragrance can enhance our mood and the mood of those around us, for some it can cause allergic reactions, head-aches and nausea. If you love your fragrance, consider those around you when putting it on in the morning.  And just remember, a little goes a long way.

Business casual, Business Dress, Casual dress, Men, Wardrobe, Women

Not Sure What to Wear to Work?

Leave a comment

Notice what your boss and your clients typically wear. To impress your boss, dress at the same level or slightly more casual. If your boss wears a jacket, so should you. To impress your client, dress at the same level or a little more formal. If your clients always wear jeans, you might want to leave the jacket and the jeans at home. Dress for Success with a tailored bottom and a coordinating top.

Business casual, Business Dress, Colour, Men, Networking, Wardrobe, Women

How to Look Like a Team Player with Colour

Leave a comment
Medium muted colours and neutrals are more approachable than dark colours yet still appear serious. People will assume you are a dependable team player while still conveying credibility. Warm colours such as earth tones come across as friendly and approachable. These colours work well for networking. Cooler neutrals such as grey and muted blue come across as more serious and trustworthy than warmer colours. These are effective when worn with a monochromatic shirt and tie or a lighter shirt. Combine with a richer coloured tie or one in the same tone. For more on this topic see ‘Upwardly Mobile Clothing for Upwardly Mobile Men’
Business casual, Business Dress, Colour, Wardrobe, Women

Do Maxi Skirts Work for Work?

Leave a comment

This season we are again seeing the new longer ankle length hemline on skirts, called the ‘Maxi’. Many of my clients are asking whether this skirt or dress style is appropriate to wear to work.

This is an interesting question. As image consultants we tell our clients to cover their skin, when dressing for work. And this skirt style definitely covers skin. However, the other thing to consider when dressing for business is, whether your clothing is distracting. Unfortunately the ‘Maxi’s’ falls into the category of distracting, as well. And because of this, it isn’t suited to the work place.

Why, you ask? If the clothing draws attention to itself, it also draws attention to your personality. This can draw attention away from your purpose and what you are trying to convey.

Business Dress, Casual dress, Men, Wardrobe, Women

Horizontal Contrast Makes Your Neck Look Shorter

Leave a comment

It isn’t often that I have clients (women or men) complaining that their neck is too long. However, if this is a concern for you, there are ways to make your neck appear shorter:

Any time you have a horizontal line of contrast, the area near the line will appear wider. As soon as an area appears wider, it will automatically appear shorter. Horizontal lines of contrast can be created with necklines, collars and accessories. To make your neck appear shorter wear blouses, shirts and tops with crew necklines, turtlenecks or a closed collar. Accessories like chokers, and scarves tied around the neck will also create that horizontal line and create the illusion of a shorter looking neck.

Business casual, Business Dress, Casual dress, Colour, Men, Wardrobe, Women

Give Unwanted Clothing and Accessories a New Home

Leave a comment

One of the most difficult things about critiquing your closet is giving up clothing and accessories that are in a great style and in great shape. The problem is that if you don’t wear the garment or accessory because it doesn’t fit; doesn’t look good; doesn’t fit your lifestyle; or doesn’t fit your personality, it also doesn’t have a place in your closet or wardrobe either. It will just take up space that could be used for another garment that you will love and wear often. 

When you find those lonely unwanted pieces in your wardrobe, consider a wardrobe swapping party. Get your friends together and find the perfect match for your unwanted clothing and accessories. If you are unsure about it, it’s a great way to find a new home for your unwanted pieces and incorporate new items into your wardrobe and save money!

Colour, Men, Wardrobe, Women

Look Gorgeous in Red on Valentines Day

Leave a comment

As an image consultant clients ask me… what is a sure-fire way to look gorgeous? The challenge is that there are so many answers to this question. And there are so many little things that make a big difference. However, if I had to narrow it down to one thing, I would say “Wear colours that flatter you!”

This Valentines day, if you are in the mood for red, wear your best red. The easiest way to determine if crimson, ruby, scarlet, wine, russet or rose is your best red is to take the pinch test. Pinch your finger tip or earlobe to see what your natural blush colour or blood-tone is like. Then choose your red in the same colour family and if possible the same intensity. Choosing the right red will make your skin glow, your eyes sparkle and when you blush… you will look gorgeous!

Business Dress, Men, Networking, Wardrobe, Women

Your Personal Image Should Emphasize Your Corporate Brand

1 Comment

Many of my corporate clients ask why it matters what they wear to work. Here is one good reason: 

Most companies spend a lot of money developing and maintaining the company image, and as a representative of your company it’s up to you to reinforce this image by presenting yourself in a way that is consistent with the company brand. Let’s face it, when we meet someone for the first time, we instantly form an impression about that person and if their image matches what they’re trying to communicate, we’re more likely to trust them. Once the trust is established, it’s easier to build rapport and strong business relationships with that person and their company.

Business Dress, Men, Uncategorized, Wardrobe

How to Look Great in Pleated Trousers!

2 Comments

Yes plain front trousers are still modern and look great on most men. However there is nothing like well tailored pleated trousers to add the look of classic sophistication to a man’s wardrobe… even without a jacket. Unfortunately because many men have no idea how to wear them properly, they end up looking frumpy!

So how should they be worn? Try the following:

  • Wear them at the waist (near the navel) not the hip.
  • The crease runs down the front of the leg from the pleat
  • Pleated trousers should always be worn with the shirt tucked in
  • Wear pleated trousers with a cuff for added sophistication
  • They are hemmed at the heel in the back and long enough for a slight break in the front
  • Pleats and pocket should never pull
Look Younger, Make up, Women

One Way to Make Your Eyes Look Bigger

1 Comment

The other day a client asked me how to make her eyes look bigger without wearing a lot of make-up. I told her that a simple way to make her eyes look bigger is to curl her eye lashes. An Eye lash curler is an inexpensive tool that is sold at many cosmetic retailers.
eye lash curler

These are the steps that I take to get the best results:

  1. Open the curler
  2. Open your eyes wide and look into a mirror rather than at the curler while going through the following steps.
  3. Place the top bar of the curler on top of your upper lashes (look through the curler while doing this)
  4. Slowly squeeze the bottom bar up.
  5. Hold for about 20 seconds while holding your eyes open
  6. Open the curler and release the lashes

Once you have curled your lashes you can add even more impact with mascara