This season we are seeing an abundance of skirts in various shapes, lengths and fabrics. With so many choices, it can be difficult to select the right skirt for the right occasion. When choosing a skirt for work, classic is the key: The best skirt styles for work are pencil or A-line silhouettes. They range in length, from just above to just below the knee. Fabrics are light to medium weight. Colours and patterns are subtle.
Tag Archives: image consultant
How to Maximize your Look in the Maxi Length Skirt
The taller and slimmer you are, the easier it is to maximize your look with the maxi. If you are under 5’7” or desire to look slimmer, minimize the maxi affect, by keeping it simple and close to the body. The Pencil silhouette will be your greatest ally. Make sure the fabric drapes well over the body and the hemline is narrow. The shorter your hemline and the more fluid the fabric, the more shape options you will have that flatter your figure.
Shed Some Light on Your Best Features
One way to make your best features stand-out is by wearing lighter colours in that area. Light colours reflect light and draw attention to that area. This will accentuate the area and make it appear more prominent…especially when a darker piece of clothing is worn next to it.
Horizontal Contrast Makes Your Neck Look Shorter
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.
De-clutter Keepsakes from Your Closet
Many of you have probably heard that you should get rid of any clothing items that haven’t been worn for a year. And as a rule, I agree that cluttering your closet with clothing you will never wear, is a waste of space. However, what about the prom dress hanging in your closet; or the classic black dress pants that are just a little bit snug? I can see merit in keeping things under these circumstances:
If you have had a slight weight fluctuation and you KNOW you will wear the garment during the next appropriate season because it is a flattering style & colour and it fits into your lifestyle. Keep it!
If the garment holds sentimental value for you and you can’t bare to part with it. Keep it!
These clothing pieces deserve special attention. Remove them from your closet and store them separately. This will help to de-clutter your closet and finding something to wear in the morning much easier.
Look Gorgeous in Red on Valentines Day
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!
Your Personal Image Should Emphasize Your Corporate Brand
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.
Make the Most of Your Handshake
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.
How to Look Great in Pleated Trousers!
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
How to Hold Your Red Wine Glass
Wine is still as popular as ever and personally one of my favourite social beverages. However, knowing how to hold the wine glass properly has recently become a bit confusing. It used to be a rule that a red wine glass was held by the bowl of the glass. This was done because red wine is meant to be served at room temperature and the warmth of your hand would bring out the best in the wine. Lately though, we are seeing a shift to holding the glass by the stem.
So why is this? I have actually heard two reasons for this:
- Wine was invented before homes had central heating. Then, room temperature was much cooler than it is today. So because of this, today, when we hold the glass by the bowl, we were actually warming the wine too much, taking away from wine rather than bringing out its best.
- The second reason that I have heard, is that when we hold the wine glass by the bowl we leave our finger prints. The glass no longer looks pretty or clean.
So how should we hold our red wine glass? I tell my clients to hold the red wine glass by the stem unless the wine has been served too cold. This will make you appear modern and educated about wine. However, when drinking white wine always hold the glass by the stem.
