As an image consultant my clients often come to me to learn what clothing styles and colours suit them. This is something we determine through analysis of the client. And yes it is very important. However, since the true purpose of clothing is to protect and cover our bodies, what we do in our clothing also needs to be considered when helping my clients select the most suitable clothing. For those of you who stare into your closet and think, “I wish I had something to wear”, get a pen and paper and jot down the activities that you do most often; the purpose of these activities and the message or impression you would like to convey during this time. Think of descriptive words like: serious, credible, fun, active, stylish, sensual or any other words that come into your mind that will help set the tone for your clothing and accessory needs. Clothing and accessory styles that are functional for the activity and create the right message should make up at least 75% your wardrobe. Use this list to when shopping for clothing and accessories to help you make the most of your closet.
Tag Archives: Kimberly Law
How to Make Your Bust Look Smaller!
Yes, we women come in all shapes and sizes. I was recently on a plane to Raleigh, North Carolina and there was a woman sitting beside me. She was close to my age, petite like me and she even had short hair like I do. However, there was one really obvious difference… unlike me, she had a slim hourglass figure with a well proportioned bust (or so I thought). I have to admit, at that moment… I was really jealous. We started chatting for a while about our businesses and then she got up to go to the bathroom. As she got up, she looked down at her chest and said, “I wish I could cut these off.” Wow! Was I surprised! Then I thought about it more and realized, that even a fuller bust can have its problems. If you want your bust to look smaller, stay away from small round necklines, fitted turtlenecks and choose the following instead:
- Lightweight fabrics that don’t cling
- V necks and open collars
- Clean simple bodices without pockets, ruffles or detailing near the bust area
- Darker coloured tops, sweaters and blouses
- Single breasted jackets
- Collars that draw attention away from the bust area
- A supporting bra
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.
Eat Before Networking
I can’t tell you how many business mixers I have been to where I have seen people head straight for the buffet table or the servers holding the Hors D’oeuvres trays. To make a good impression at a business mixer or networking event I always recommend eating before you arrive. Although the buffet line-up can be a great place to strike up a conversation, spending all your time there will not make the best impression. Also, juggling food and drink can present challenges when meeting people, shaking hands or while trying to carry on a conversation.
Platform Shoes
A huge trend that is carrying on into fall for women is platform shoes. They are everywhere! The question is, are they appropriate for office wear? The answer… it depends on the company culture.
The general rule is the thinner the sole the more conservative and formal the shoe. For career wear, when in doubt, always choose the classic pump with a 1 1/2 – 3 inch heel and a thin sole. You can never go wrong with this style and will always make a great impression at work. However, if you like the platform styles and it fits with your company’s contemporary culture, I would suggest that the classic style pump in a neutral colour with a platform sole is your best choice. For a great example see my post: https://www.personalimpact.ca/2010/09/don’t-believe-…thing-you-read/
Don’t Believe Everything You Read
InStyle magazine is a publication that I really enjoy reading. It contains great tips for the average woman on current fashion and beauty. 
However, in the September issue of InStyle magazine I was a bit disappointed to see this advertisement produced by Dry Idea. It indicates that these clothing items are appropriate office attire for women. Although I love the little black dress and it would definitely be appropriate for social occasions, it might leave some thinking that this style is appropriate for the office as well. Anything strapless, low-cut, mini in length or sheer is not appropriate office dress. However, in the case of the strapless black dress, if it is camouflaged by covering up with the coral coloured sweater showing next to it, you might be able to get away with it. As long as you can’t tell it is strapless. Good personal judgement is advised.
The Navy Suit – a Hit in London
One of the things that really stood out for me on my trip to London was business clothing for men. The business suit was the key element for business dress compared to Vancouver where we are still seeing a lot of sport coats worn for business. The navy suit was everywhere; this in contrast to Vancouver where we are still seeing more charcoal, muted colours and earth tones rather than navy. In France, navy and charcoal suits were worn, however, so was the sport coat. In both countries, business casual included short sleeved camp style and dress shirts tucked into the slacks or trousers. Pant styles are mainly plain front styles with narrow legs, all worn with sleek, tapered oxfords.
