HAVE you ever heard
somebody described as being dapper or well dressed and wished you could be
described that way? I think most people like to make a good impression on
others but sometimes do not know exactly how to put themselves together.
As
an image consultant, I am keenly aware of how others dress. If somebody does
not look great, I usually know exactly what is wrong with his or her outfit
and/or hairstyle and mentally re- dress them so they look their best. I think
it is important to look your best and see the whole process directly
correlating to your self-esteem. Personally speaking, I know that the way I
look affects the way I think, feel, act and conduct myself. On those days that
I know I look great I feel myself looking forward to seeing people. I am more
apt to be friendlier, look people in the face and have them look at me. When I
act friendly, others also react positively. This turns into a positive cycle
and contributes to a happy day. On the other hand, when I do not look my best,
I am not as friendly and hope that I do not run into any body. If I do, it
usually makes me uncomfortable. Our image is one of the few things in our lives
that we can directly control.
Most
of us have more freedom to dress as we please in our personal lives. But in
business settings, it is a different story. There is no excuse for sloppiness.
People assume that those who do not pay attention to the details of their
appearance probably do not take care of the details in their work. What do you
think of the person who sends you a letter with spelling or typos on it? Do you
think less of the person? Isn't a mistake on a resume the ultimate faux pas for
a job applicant?
So
how can you be well dressed every day? My five-part definition of a well
dressed person is somebody whose clothing and accessories
1) complement their
physical appearance
2) coordinate in colour, pattern and fabric
3) fit properly
4) are current
5) are appropriate for the occasion.
Each element is equally
important and all must be in place to have you be well dressed.
- The
first element is wearing clothing and accessories that are complimentary to
your physical appearance. This means that your clothing should highlight your
assets, your positive physical traits and if necessary, diminish your
liabilities, your less positive parts. For example, if your shoulders
are narrow, you will look much better wearing a jacket with padded shoulders.
If you are a little overweight, you should be careful not to wear horizontal
stripes because they will make you look heavier. If you are a woman with a
small waist, you will look better with a belt and your shirt tucked in.
- The second element is
wearing clothing that coordinates in colour, pattern and fabric. The colours
should be harmonious to your eyes, skin and hair colour. If you have dark hair,
you will look better in primary colours such as navy, black, brown, red and
white. Colours that are pale such as beige, cream and khaki are usually not
flattering to people with strong colouring and features. It is best to wear
colours that either match or are complimentary to your hair/especially close to
your face. I
always recommend matching the colours of your belt and shoes and if your watch
has a leather band, it should match as well. The same is suggested for handbags
and totes.
- The
third element is fit. Fit is one of the biggest areas that most people miss. In
order to look great, your clothing must fit properly. Sometimes it is hard to
find clothing to fit you exactly because the manufacturers use models who have
perfect bodies. My suggestion is to find a brand or a store that has clothing
that fits your body and shop there. If you know that the fit is right for one
season, it will most probably fit right the next time. If you have any special
concerns, such as height or weight, you may need to find a tailor to alter your
clothing.
- The
fourth element is wearing clothing that is current. Fashions change every
season and wearing up to date clothing is as important as keeping up with the
news, technology and social issues. I am not suggesting that you buy the latest
styles every season. I am urging you to invest in classic clothing that will
not go out of style. You can update your image every season with new
accessories such as shoes, ties and shirts for men and shoes, handbags,
eyeglasses and jewelry for women.
- Finally,
last but not least. The last element is wearing clothing and accessories that
are appropriate for the situation. If you are overdressed for an occasion, you
will feel uncomfortable, as will those around you. Alternately, if you are
under-dressed, you might seem disrespectful to your hosts, colleagues or
friends. The best way to ensure this from happening is to ask what the dress
code is. Casual dress has become so commonplace today that most people are
advising guests what to wear in order to avoid making any one uncomfortable.
Although
casual dress has many meanings depending on the type of industry you work in,
job function, and image goals. My advice is to always bring a jacket with you.
If the other people are more casual, you can always remove yours.
And
do not forget. You never get a second chance to make a first impression!
See you soon again..
Love,
Supriya
