Category Archives: Men

Business casual, Etiquette, Men, Women

Make the Most of Your Handshake

Leave a comment

I have written about handshakes in past blog posts. However, occasionally clients ask me questions about how to make the most of your handshake. Next time you shake hands consider the following:

  • When shaking hands in western society the hands should be parallel and hands should be clasped web to web. This isn’t the case with all cultures, so it is important to be understanding.
  • If you have small hands and want to make your hand seem more substantial when shaking hands, separate your index and middle fingers slightly with extending your hand for a handshake.
  • If you wear rings on your right hand when shaking hands, you may hurt the other person if you clasp their hand too tightly. This is the same when shaking hands with someone wearing a ring.
  • When seated, always stand to shake hands. This will bring both parties closer to the same level and both will feel more comfortable.
Dining Etiquette, Etiquette, Men, Networking, Wardrobe

Dining Traditions vs. Casual Lifestyle

Leave a comment
Although dining etiquette and many dining traditions may not seem crucial while eating in front of the TV, our table conduct is still considered important during social, business and formal occasions. Whether we like it or not, how we conduct ourselves at the dining table can and will likely influence others’ perception of us, impacting our business and social relationships. It is considered a sign of respect and can build or break down rapport… So why take chances? For more on dining get your copy of Formal Dining for Informal People.
Dining Etiquette, Etiquette, Men, Networking, Women

How to Be the Perfect Dinner Party Guest!

1 Comment

As an image and etiquette consultant, I am often asked to do corporate and group workshops, on the topics of dining etiquette and table manners.

A long time ago etiquette and table manners were established as a way of keeping the peace and domesticating our behaviour.  Over time, these rituals were handed down from generation to generation eventually becoming tradition.

However, as the guest, the most important way to conduct yourself at the dining table is not always the way it is described in the etiquette books. And in most cases, manners and politeness will always override the rules. When in doubt, ‘show respect to your host’ and ‘follow their lead’.  With this in mind, you will be the perfect dinner party guest.

Dining Etiquette, Etiquette, Men, Women

6 Top Dining Don’ts

Leave a comment
The Christmas Holiday season is also the festive season that will likely lead to opportunities for dining with others. That is unless in years past you made a bad impression… Here are some don’ts to consider.

  • Don’t chew with your mouth open
  • Don’t pick your teeth at the table. If something gets stuck in your teeth, excuse yourself and go to the restroom.
  • Don’t talk with food in your mouth.
  • Don’t reach across the table or across another person to get something. Ask the closest diner to pass it.
  • Don’t put your elbows on the table until the meal is finished and all the plates and cutlery are removed.
  • Don’t leave your hat on your head, while at the dining table.

For more on this topic see: What Not to Do at the Dining Table. Or to add a little formality to your dining experience see: eBook Formal Dining for Informal People.

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

Is there a Beauty Advantage for Men?

Leave a comment
I was recently interviewed by Douglas Todd, reporter for the Vancouver Sun. He was doing a story on how men are becoming more conscientious about their personal appearance at work and also in their personal lives. He asked if it is advantageous for a man to take care of himself and do what he can to look his best. For more, read the article.
Business casual, Business Dress, Colour, Dress for Success, Men, Wardrobe, Women

Is Black a Good Work Wardrobe Colour?

1 Comment

I love black! It is mysterious, chic and intriguing. And it is the perfect colour to wear any time you want to look dramatic, especially in a social setting.  But is it a good colour to wear to work? The answer is… it depends on what message you want to convey.

Black being the darkest colour is also the most authoritative colour. If you want to come across commanding and have others follow direction that you give without question, black is definitely your colour.  However, that might not always work in your favour. What about those occasions when you are trying to create rapport and you want interaction? Looking authoritative can be good, but in this situation it might be over-kill. Because black is such an authoritative colour, it can also be very intimating.

If you like black but still want interaction with others here are my suggestions:

  • When interacting with clients or subordinates break up the black. Instead of dressing in head to toe black, wear black dress pants and a coordinating jacket in a different colour or the other way around.
  • Keep the black suit for those times when you are interacting with others in top leadership positions.
  • If you want to come across authoritative but a little more approachable, try navy instead. In navy you will still maintain an appropriate level or authority and others will trust that you can do the job. However, because blue is the colour of trust, others will trust that they can open up and ask questions.
Business casual, Business Dress, Dress for Success, Etiquette, Men, Wardrobe, Women

Reinforce Your Company’s Image with Your Image

2 Comments

Most companies spend a lot of money each year developing and maintaining their company image. As a representative of your company it’s up to you to reinforce this image by presenting yourself in a way that’s consistent with the company brand. Let’s face it, when we meet someone for the first time, whether we like it or not, we instantly form an impression about them. If the impression matches what they are trying to communicate, we are more likely to trust them. Once trust is established, it’s easier to build rapport and strong business relationships.

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

Fabric & Style Can Make Clothing Look More Expensive

1 Comment

When clients ask me how to make their wardrobe dollars stretch I give them the following four suggestions:

  • Choose quality over quantity.
  • Buy quality fabrics and timeless styles – the best you can afford.
  • Choose all-season natural fabrics such as lightweight wools, fine cottons, and silks.
  • For a better fit, Make small alterations to the sleeves, hemline and the waistline.

Your clothing will look and feel more expensive and you will look like a million bucks!

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

Summer Can be Suit Season

Leave a comment

Even though it’s summer, it doesn’t mean it’s time to put away the business suits. Suits can look and feel comfortable in any season if the right suiting fabric is chosen. When the sun comes out, wear 100% wool suits in “tropical weight” or “four seasons weight”. It will give you the most wearability and the most comfort.

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.