When mingling socially or for business the initial purpose is to meet people and carry on a conversation. However, sometimes meeting people can be difficult. A great way to attract attention is with great accessories. For men this could include a tie, braces or cufflinks. For women this could be a belt, bracelet, earrings, scarf, necklace or a broach. However, because the accessory also creates a focal point, the placement should be strategic. To focus attention on the conversation and keeping it there requires focal points close to your face. Use accessories such as a great tie or braces for men and scarves, necklaces and earrings for women to add interest and keep the focus on your face and the conversation.
Category Archives: Business Dress
How to Get the Most Benefit from Your Name Tag
I recently attended a networking function and I was surprised at how many people don’t know how to use a name tag effectively.
A name tag is a great way to help others remember who you are and what you do. However, the size and placement are important.
The name tag should be legible from a distance. When writing your name, use large, thick capital letters. This will make it easier to read.
The eye will be drawn to the name tag so the placement is important. Wear a jacket with a lapel. Many nametags have clips that are meant to be attached to a lapel in order to hang properly. When attached to a shirt or blouse they ruin the line of the garment and look sloppy.
The name tag is always placed on the right. The reason for this is because when shaking hands the eye will automatically be drawn up the arm to the name tag and then to the face. In a business gathering this should be the target for the focus of attention.
How to Keep Your Business Cards Handy
When networking, rummaging through your wallet or handbag and pulling out a business card that is wrinkled looks unprofessional. An easy way to keep your business cards accessible and appear professional is to keep them in one jacket pocket or in an attractive two pocket business card holder. Keep an empty pocket or pocket in your business card holder for the business cards you receive. This way the transaction will be smooth, it will keep the business cards organized and you will appear more professional.
How Much Cleavage is Too Much Cleavage?
As an image consultant, companies often hire me to speak to their employees about professional dress. One of the top areas of concern for companies is cleavage.
How much cleavage is too much cleavage?
Because we are all built differently it’s difficult to give exact measurements. However, the general rule for a professional look is that your neckline should be no lower than 2 finger widths above where your cleavage starts.
In a social setting with friends, choose the depth of your neckline based on your level of confidence, the impression you are trying to make and where you want attention focused.
The Wrong Underwear
You know, we have all seen it… the sagging or bumpy breasts, jiggling rear ends and the underwear straps that show. These are all examples of the wrong underwear. Although, the wrong undergarments will sabotage your image in any situation, it is even more of an issue at work. Why? If the desired focus is your product or service and you want to appear credible in your presentation of that product or service, then the focus should be on that product or service. The wrong underwear is not only distracting, it can make others uncomfortable. In other words, when at work, do you want people to be thinking about your underwear or what a great job you and your company can do for them? The right underwear will keep everything in place and help keep attention focused on what’s important at the time. Your silhouette will appear smoother and you will look slimmer.
Every occasion has it’s dressi…
Every occasion has it’s dressing requirements. Always dress appropriately.
Do Socks Really Matter?
In the Vancouver City Hall Protocol Manual for the 2010 Olympics one of the clothing details that were addressed was wearing the right socks. Although, this may seem very basic or even unnecessary to some, you would be surprised how many of us get it wrong. When choosing your socks consider the following:
- Coordinate your sock colour to the hem of your pants. For men, neutral tones work best.
- The thicker the sock the more casual the look. This style works best with casual clothing and casual shoes; the thinner the sock the more dressy the look. Always wear thinner socks when dressed in trousers or slacks and thin soled shoes.
- Avoid sport socks for work
- When worn with pants, socks should cover the shins. This way it is unlikely your shins will show when sitting with your legs crossed, unless your pants are too short. (a later blog post).
- Never wear socks with sandals.
Olympic Etiquette – Is Vancouver Going Overboard?
It is an exciting time to be living in Vancouver. With the Olympics less than two weeks away, there is a buzz of excitement in the air and a lot of controversy. Over this past week I had calls from Global TV news and CTV news asking my impression of a etiquette / protocol policy guide that the City of Vancouver, created for it’s staff members. The media wanted two questions answered. 1) Is a protocol policy manual a waste of tax payer’s money? 2) Does the policy manual go overboard with the amount of detail and some of the items it covers? Here is what I said on CTV.
Olympic Protocol – Are We Going Overboard? Kimberly Law’s Perspective
My only regret? I didn’t try harder to get tickets.
The Easy Way to Get the Correct Tie Length
The correct length for a tie changes over time as fashion changes. However, for a classic look, the tie should end at the middle of your belt buckle. For many men, getting it to the right length the first try can be a challenge, especially for those who are new to wearing ties or exploring different tie knots.
I recently learned about a new tool called Eazytie. It is a gadget that will make it easier to get your tie knot tied at the right length, saving you time and frustration in the morning.
Deodorant or Antiperspirant Marks on Clothing How to Get Rid of Them
I think it has happened to all of us at one time or another. Even the clear gel antiperspirants often leave white marks on our clothing. If you have found an antiperspirant that doesn’t leave a mark, I would love to hear about it.
The good thing although this can be frustrating, it is also easy to remove. Rub an old pair of panty hose over the area and the marks should vanish quickly.
Kimberly Law AICI, CIP
Association of Image Consultants International (AICI)
Founding Director of
Institute of Image Training & Testing International (IITTI)
Take Our Self-Assessment!
