Tag Archives: Men

Business Dress, Men, Networking, Wardrobe, Women

Your Personal Image Should Emphasize Your Corporate Brand

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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.

Etiquette, Men, Networking, Women

Make the Most of Your Handshake

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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.
Business Dress, Men, Uncategorized, Wardrobe

How to Look Great in Pleated Trousers!

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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
Blog, Business Etiquette, Dining Etiquette, Etiquette, Men, Networking, Uncategorized, Women

How to Hold Your Red Wine Glass

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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

Etiquette, Men, Networking, Women

Eat Before Networking

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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.

Business casual, Business Dress, Men, Wardrobe

The Navy Suit – a Hit in London

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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.

Men, Wardrobe

We Saw Men’s Street Fashion First Hand in England & France

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While we were in England and France we hit the streets and we walked everywhere, so we had a lot of opportunity to see men’s fashion in a lot of different areas and environments. What we noticed is that for men, street dressing this summer is basically the same in England and France as it is here in Vancouver. My observations included Bermuda & board shorts and mid-calf Capri styles were worn everywhere. Jean’s are a darker distressed denim with lots of detailing on the back pockets and some with print across the rear. Legs are straight or boot cut. All worn with t-shirts and/or collared shirt. I saw very few polo style shirts. 

Shoes for men included everything from various sneaker styles (designed for street wear not active wear); boat shoes and loafers to dressier oxford styles with very sleek styling, tapered elongated toe and a thin sole.

Men, Wardrobe, Women

European vs. Vancouver Fashion

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I just returned from a working holiday in England and France with my daughter. We had a great time seeing the sites, relatives and the shops. I found clothing styles quite interesting because it used to be that clothing fashion in Europe was at least 2 years ahead of clothing fashion in Vancouver, where I live. Well times have changed and I am happy to say that the gap is closing fast. Many of the chain stores we see here in Vancouver, across Canada and in the US are also in London and Paris. However, I did notice some differences which I will explain in upcoming posts.

Business casual, Business Dress, Etiquette, Men, Women

Why Keep Your Hands Well Groomed

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Our hands are one of the most expressive parts of our body. And because of this they constantly draw attention to themselves. So it is very important to keep them well groomed. For women, this means that nails should be well shaped and filed to the same length. (Yes, that means when one breaks they should all be filed down.) Cuticles and skin should be moisturized regularly with cuticle and hand cream. If you polish your nails use colours that are flattering to your skin tone and keep the polish on the nails rather than the cuticles. Chipped nail enamel is very distracting, looks sloppy and can leave you feeling embarrassed. Always, repair or remove chipped nail enamel right away.

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

Not All Jeans Are Created Equal

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For many of us jeans are the favourite garment that we throw on without really thinking about it. However, for jeans day at the office, it is important to consider that all jeans are not created equal. Jeans for business casual attire should be stylish and should be coloured denim or dark denim. The style should be flattering to the body shape without being overly revealing. Jeans that are tattered, distressed with uneven fading or with holes should be kept for weekend wear not work wear.