Image counts when it comes to making a first and, oftentimes, lasting impression. How we dress has a remarkable impact on the people we meet professionally and socially. It not only affects how they view us; it also dictates how they treat us. Someone who isn't quite sure how to pull it all together may be seen as lacking self-esteem, while a well-dressed individual is usually perceived as self confident, giving her a clear advantage. What exactly is image? Certainly it starts with what we wear, but it is also how we act and what we say. Our image is our most important communication tool and can impart who we are and who we want to be. The way we look and behave sends a message to the world about our capabilities, skills, talent, position and desired position. It takes about 30 seconds for someone to form an opinion of another person. Think about it. When you look at someone else for the very first time, what do you see? Clothes, shoes, jewelry, teeth, a smile or an unsmiling expression. You notice if the person is well groomed or sloppy looking. Does she have an updated hair style and manicured nails? Is she wearing make-up? Is it flattering or too heavy? In a matter of seconds, you then unconsciously begin to form judgments about the person's financial status, intelligence and success level. The fact is, people will observe purely superficial things about other people and make judgments based on those observations. We assign meaning to clothing, expression and body language. Since our clothes and body language project such strong messages, it only makes sense to be sure we are sending the right ones. We need our image to speak positively about who we are as a person. If you want those messages to be favorable, what you wear must be consistent with what you want to project about yourself. The question is, how do you craft your image to be consistent with who you are; your aspirations, values, skills and talent? These five questions will get you on your way to fine-tuning your image: 1. Do your clothes compliment your body's proportions? First, you need to understand your body type so you can choose styles that camouflage problem areas or accentuate attributes. Select styles that balance your proportions. If you have a short neck, for example, be careful to select necklines and collars that lengthen rather than shorten your neck. 2. Does the color bring out the sparkle in your eyes or drain the color from your face? Have you ever noticed how on some days you feel more vibrant and alive simply because of the color of your clothing? Have you ever stayed away from others because they make you look ill? Most people can wear most colors, but not necessarily the same hue. Take red, for example. One person's natural coloring may go well with a variety of reds from maroon to cranberry, brick, dusty rose, coral or pink. Someone else's "black ? may be another person's chocolate brown or navy. 3. Is the style appropriate for the environment or work you do? Even full-time moms feel much better about themselves when they continue to "fix themselves up ? on a daily basis. You also want to consider your spouse's work and environment when you socialize with his business associates. Most business settings are not the best time to make a fashion statement. 4. Is the personality of your wardrobe consistent with your personal style? It's not unusual to dress or shop according to the mood we're in at the time we are shopping. When we shop this way, though, instead of having a clear plan of what we need to create a wardrobe that works, we often end up with a lot of clothes we never wear. When you are building a wardrobe, it's best to know what suits your personal style and to purchase core items consistent with that style. 5. Is your hair style current and does it fit the rest of your image? You wear your hair 365 days a year! It's one of the most important aspects of your image. Your hair style should fit your overall image and look. Think of the times you have remarked how great someone looks when they get the right hair style. Crafting and fine-tuning your image will not happen overnight, but if done deliberately and strategically, it will increase your self-esteem, project vibrant self-confidence and result in lasting positive impressions. |
