| NEW YORK | | | | research?" If they say no, or if they claim there is no |
| Image consultants can help people living in New York | | | | research in this field, you might wish to seek a |
| City look better and feel more confident. The | | | | company that has more experience in New York |
| problem is that most image consultants simply give | | | | City. |
| advice based on color and style. What a New Yorker | | | | New York is filled with a bustling economy, including |
| needs, however, is an image consultant who works | | | | many bankers, attorneys, publishers, editors, and |
| based on evidence and research specific to New | | | | businesspeople from all walks of life. They demand |
| York. | | | | results from their wardrobe. They will be successful if |
| NEW YORK WARDROBE | | | | they wear blues and grays, beige and tan. Women, |
| If you live in New York you know it's a melting pot. | | | | however, can wear more colors than men. For |
| You'll see people with different types of wardrobes | | | | example, a woman can wear a plum colored suit or |
| and styles. Unfortunately, a substantial number of | | | | dress. In general, this would not work for a man in |
| these individuals, even some who are very intelligent | | | | New York, unless he was in the fashion industry or |
| and successful, are making serious mistakes. | | | | an entertainer. |
| It's all well and good to wear tradition garb, but not in | | | | Let me give you another example to show you how |
| New York. When in Rome do as the Romans do. | | | | an intelligent artist used the services of an image |
| That's good advice for New Yorkers. In other words, | | | | consultant to achieve phenomenal success. (I'm not |
| it's a serious mistake to wear traditional garb in New | | | | talking about Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, both of |
| York. For example, in Tahiti it's normal to wear a | | | | whom used image consultants successfully, too.) I'm |
| straw skirt; this goes for men as well as women, but | | | | referring to Jeff Koons, the New York artist who is |
| if you walked down Wall Street in a straw skirt, | | | | considered the modern Andy Warhol, and who is |
| even in the summer, you would get no respect. | | | | today one of the highest paid sculptors in the world. |
| While this may sound like common sense, and it is, | | | | During the middle stage of his career he hired an |
| many people think that all image consulting is based | | | | image consultant to help with his wardrobe and |
| on common sense. Actually the best image | | | | overall look. He was smart enough to get outside |
| consultants use something much more powerful than | | | | advice. He now wears suits and ties and looks like a |
| common sense. They use research to make | | | | professional businessman. He doesn't look like a |
| recommendations that will help their clients succeed. | | | | beatnik. He looks normal and he fits in with his |
| It is a good idea to demand that your consultant give | | | | wealthy clients and patrons. In many cases this is |
| you evidence-based advice. It is especially helpful if | | | | what works best in New York City. |
| the advice is specific to your city. For example, in | | | | NEW YORK STYLE |
| New York the London Fog raincoat is very | | | | Some New Yorkers mistakenly think that because |
| acceptable. So are Harris Tweed jackets and Church's | | | | they live in the fashion capital of the world they can |
| English shoes. Despite the fact that some of these | | | | wear whatever they want. This is a serious error, |
| items have names of other places, the styles are | | | | especially for an attorney or an artist or a person |
| New York through and through. | | | | who wishes to succeed in business. Only by |
| EVIDENCE-BASED IMAGE CONSULTING | | | | conforming to the look of the city you're working |
| Keep in mind that some consultants are more | | | | and living in can you make headway. If you fit in, |
| rigorous and effective, using what is known as an | | | | then you can cause ripples of excitement to precede |
| evidence-based approach. Some have specific | | | | and follow you when you walk down the street or |
| knowledge about New York trends, and about what | | | | into a room. Trust an evidence-based image |
| works in New York for attorneys and other | | | | consultant to help you make your mark in New York. |
| professionals. You may wish to ask a prospective | | | | And remember that the navy blazer is a sure winner |
| consultant, "Do you base your recommendations on | | | | in this town. |