Tag Archives: Women

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.
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 Dress, Wardrobe, Women

Platform Shoes

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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/

Business casual, Business Dress, Wardrobe, Women

Don’t Believe Everything You Read

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InStyle magazine is a publication that I really enjoy reading. It contains great tips for the average woman on current fashion and beauty. Business Dress
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.

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, Wardrobe, Women

Earring Size Matters

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I love large earrings. And I am happy to say that over the past few years they have been making a comeback. However, there is confusion about how big earrings should be when worn for work. Currently, large earrings make a fashion statement. They also make a statement about you. The wrong earrings can harm your credibility, they can be distracting and in some situations dangerous. When choosing earrings for work opt small to medium sized earrings with minimal details to keep attention focused on you not the earrings. Always consider your work environment, your job and the culture of your company and industry.

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.