Tag Archives: dressing

Business casual, Business Dress, Casual dress, Colour, Dress for Success, Make up, Make Up Tools, Professional business attire, Professional Business Image, Wardrobe, Women

How to Look Older and More Serious at Work

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I remember when I was in my 20’s and 30’s all I could think about was how to look older. It seemed that my friends and colleagues who looked older were taken more seriously… especially at work. If this is a challenge for you I would suggest the following:

Wear darker colours – Darker colours come across more mature and authoritative. By wearing them you might not look older but you will come across more experienced and will look like you know what you are talking about.

Wear make-up tastefully – For those of us women who look young, we tend to look even younger when we don’t wear make-up. Make-up will not only make you look older, but is the finishing touch in the wardrobe package. When worn tastefully, it draws attention to your face and will increase your look of authority.

Tame the mane – Big hair or long distracting hair will make you look less mature, less serious and less polished. To focus attention on your abilities rather than your hair, keep it neat and away from your face. This can be done by cutting or tying it back.

Don’t be a walking bill-board – Although we do want our clothing and accessories to appear up-to-date and current at work; we don’t want to be a walking bill-board for all of the latest in fashion styles and accessories. When choosing accessories for the workplace… less is better – less quantity; fewer details and smaller scale.

Business casual, Business Dress, Casual dress, Dress for Success, Men, Professional business attire, Professional Business Image, Wardrobe, Women

Is the Way You Dress for Work Up to Par?

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According a poll done on Workplace Attire by Reuters/Ipsos, dressing appropriately for work really can make the different between failure and success on the job. Here are a few of the statistics:

  • 66% of employees say senior managers should always be more dressed up then their employees.
  • 55% think someone prescribed attire is more productive.
  • 37% think casually dressed workers will never make it to a senior management position.

The interesting thing about these findings is that I hear this all the time from my corporate clients. Employers really do care how their employees represent their company and feel it does impact their productivity and chances for advancement.  They feel that appropriate dress is important and they know their clients feel the same way.

To learn more about this poll and findings: http://www.ipsos-na.com/download/pr.aspx?id=9809

Business casual, Business Dress, Colour, Dress for Success, Wardrobe, Women

Are You Into Orange?

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Orange is one of the popular fashion colours for Spring 2012. But most of us either love it or hate it. If you love orange or love the idea of orange in your wardrobe right now, you may be in an orange phase.

The ORANGE PHASE is a social phase. Bright orange is the colour of enthusiasm and energy. It is emotionally and physically stimulating for the wearer and those who see it.

When wearing orange, it is a time of informality and close times with friends and family. People in an orange phase are open to new ideas and generally are in a happy time.

orange

Because of the activity and forcefulness inherent with the colour, orange phase people can be overwhelming and often appear to take over in group situations.

Orange also represents a most vulnerable time: as the personality of the person is so open at this time, feelings are easily hurt. These people erect no emotional barriers. It is a non-threatening time, and people in this time are best friends with whomever they are with at the time.

If orange isn’t one of your most flattering clothing colour, add a little orange to your wardrobe in the form of an accessory. Bright orange doesn’t come around in fashion very often. So if you love orange, this is the time to wear it in your wardrobe… with confidence.

For more on the advantages of wearing bright colours see “Bright Colours Get Things Done”.

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

Fashion Cycles – But Do We?

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If you are heading for 50 like I am and think you have seen every style in fashion come and go… you probably have. Fashion does move in cycles and over time what may have been considered old and dated… just a few years ago, suddenly becomes new again. Yes, with a little tweeking on the part of the designer, fashion trends do come back again and again.

But before you dive into your closet and dig out all those gems you loved and charished way back when, consider the following:

  • Is it comfortable?
  • Is it still me?
  • Does it flatter my shape?
  • Is the colour flattering?
  • Does it coordinate with anything in my closet?

Fashion styles may move in cycles and come back into vogue again and again. However, as human beings, we evolve and change over time. Before putting on that outfit you wore faithfully in the 1970’s or 1980’s, think about who you are today. Even though the fashion style may be similar or the same as the good old days… it is likely you aren’t.

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

7 Reasons to Strategically Colour Your Wardrobe

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Last year for Valentine’s Day, I wrote a post called “Look Gorgeous in Red on Valentine’s Day”.

Wearing colours that suit you will instantly make you look healthier and more attractive. As an image consultant, determining the most flattering colour qualities for my client, is one of the first things I like to focus on when we work together. Why, you ask??

  1. Easier shopping for clothing and make-up
  2. Mistake proof clothing colour coordination colour wheel
  3. Faster dressing at home
  4. Easier packing when traveling

These are all great reasons. But the reasons my clients tell me they are happy they know their best colour qualities are:

  1. Avoid mistakes!
  2. Save money!
  3. Sparkle!
Business casual, Business Dress, Casual dress, Colour, Men, Wardrobe

Is there a Beauty Advantage for Men?

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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, Wardrobe, Women

Should You Wear Animal Print to Work?

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Been shopping lately? If so you may have noticed that animal print fabric is everywhere. Personally, I really like it. It’s fun and comes across mischievous and playful. And this season, whether you want to look like a fox, a cat, a tiger or any other animal, it’s out there. But is work the best time to come across this way?  OK, yes, it’s good to enjoy your time at work. However, the way you dress may be perceived as sending mixed messages. How do you look playful and come across serious at the same time? When dressing for the purpose of work this can be a challenge. My suggestions?

  • If possible, keep animal print for social occasions.
  • If you work in an environment that encourages a playful approach, but you still need to look like you are capable and are there to do your job, wear subtle versions of animal print. This can be done with low colour contrast, worn in small areas or by choosing non-descript versions.
Business casual, Business Dress, Colour, Dress for Success, Men, Wardrobe, Women

Is Black a Good Work Wardrobe Colour?

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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, Wardrobe, Women

Accessory Fad or Accessory Fashion?

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If you are on a limited budget always consider whether that accessory you are considering for your next purchase is a ‘fad’ or fashion’?

Fad items appear every season. They are fun and can instantly update a wardrobe… But ask yourself “How much does it cost?” In addition, “Can I afford to throw or store it away in just one year?”

A ‘fad’ is here today and gone tomorrow; even though fashions change over time, the change is much slower and more subtle. A ‘fashion’ can become a true investment.

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

Accessories Add Personality

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For some of us women finding clothing that fits well can be so challenging that we feel stuck with a very small selection to choose from each season. This can lead to major frustration, especially when your personality isn’t in-line with the current selection of available items.  However, with a little imagination and creativity, accessories can save the day. Accessories are the extras that can give you an individual style. By choosing the right accessories, you can create the look that says “you”.

When purchasing new accessories, always your figure challenges, your scale and your lifestyle in mind. By matching these qualities in your accessories with these qualities in you, your accessories can easily pull together your wardrobe and make you look great!