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.
Category Archives: Men
Choosing a Restaurant – Who’s Choice?
When you invite a client for a business meeting at a restaurant your role becomes the host. As the host it is your job to lead the way and make the decisions, even if you are from out of town. Although it is polite to ask the guest if they have a preference on where to dine, never ask the guest to choose the restaurant. This may put him in an awkward position
Why Wear Colour Effectively?
Colour analysis is a scientific practice that has evolved over the past 100 years, and for good reason. Colour can affect your mood and the moods of others around you. It will influence your perceived size and body shape, as well as reveal your mood, personality and sense of fashion. Not only that, but It can also make you appear healthier and more attractive.
Colour analysis is a great way of determining which colours are right for you and will enhance your personal colouring. It is also a great way to coordinate a workable, versatile wardrobe that can be easily mixed and matched. As you become more aware of colour and relate it to your own colouring and appearance, you can make more appropriate choices that will save you time and money.
Change Your Body Shape with Horizontal Details
Horizontal details or lines in clothing shorten and widen the body because the eye follows the direction of the lines. Most horizontal lines are created by a contrast in colour or texture, as in prints, design details, accessories or tops and bottoms in contrasting colours or tones. Although their power to make you look heavier may tempt you to avoid them altogether, a wardrobe with no horizontal details would be very boring. Instead strategically use them to your advantage. To balance full hips use horizontal details like bateau necklines, yokes and other details on the upper part of the body. This will make your shoulders look wider and your hips will look slimmer.
How to Change Your Body Shape
When we refer to body shape or body type we are usually referring to the silhouette of the body formed by the structure of the hips, shoulders and waist. These three body parts form the shape of the body. There are many different ways that we can describe these body shapes. Some image professionals use geometrical labels. Some personal image experts use letters. And there are many other labels that describe body shapes and types. However, if you consider what they are saying it comes down to the following:
- The shoulders are wider than the hips
- The hips are wider than the shoulders
- The hips and shoulders are the same width and the waist is much smaller
- The hips and shoulders are the same width and the waist is not much smaller
- The hips and shoulders are the same and the waist is larger
Once you have determined your body shape it will make it much easier to decide if you want to dress to emphasize or to camouflage your body shape.
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.
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.
Never Let Them See You Sweat
Visible perspiration is not only embarrassing for you and those around you, it can leave clothing stained and discoloured.
Disposable garment shields work well for both men and women and are widely available. They stick onto the inside of your clothing, protect your clothing and are virtually invisible on the outside of your clothing.
Fashion Tape Quick Fix for Hems
Leaving the house and just noticed your hem coming down? As a certified professional image consultant my first suggestion would be to change into another outfit. However, in some circumstances this just isn’t possible. Instead of pulling out the safety pins or the duct tape…
Fashion Tape again, is the better solution. It will be less visible and do a better job then a homemade remedy.
Kimberly Law AICI, CIP
Association of Image Consultants International (AICI)
Founding Director of
Institute of Image Training & Testing International (IITTI)
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