| Image counts when it comes to making a first and, | | | | Select styles that balance yourproportions. If you |
| oftentimes, lasting impression. How we dress has a | | | | have a short neck, forexample, be careful to select |
| remarkable impact on the people we meet | | | | necklinesand collars that lengthen rather thanshorten |
| professionally and socially. It not only affects how | | | | your neck. |
| they view us; it also dictates how they treat us. | | | | 2. Does the color bring out thesparkle in your eyes or |
| Someone who isn't quite sure how to pull it all | | | | drain thecolor from your face? Have you evernoticed |
| together may be seen as lacking self-esteem, while a | | | | how on some days you feel morevibrant and alive |
| well-dressed individual is usuallyperceived as self | | | | simply because of thecolor of your clothing? Have |
| confident, giving her a clear advantage. | | | | you everstayed away from others because |
| What exactly is image? Certainly it starts with what | | | | theymake you look ill? Most people can wearmost |
| we wear, but it is also how we act and what we | | | | colors, but not necessarily the samehue. Take red, |
| say. Our imageis our most important communication | | | | for example. One person'snatural coloring may go well |
| tool and can impart who we are and who we want | | | | with avariety of reds from maroon to |
| to be. The way we look and behave sends a | | | | cranberry,brick, dusty rose, coral or pink. |
| message to the world about our capabilities, skills, | | | | Someoneelse's "black" may be another |
| talent,position and desired position. | | | | person'schocolate brown or navy. |
| It takes about 30 seconds for someone to form an | | | | 3. Is the style appropriate for theenvironment or |
| opinion of another person. Think about it. When you | | | | work you do? Evenfull-time moms feel much better |
| look at someone else for the very first time, what | | | | aboutthemselves when they continue to |
| do you see? Clothes, shoes, jewelry, teeth, a smile | | | | "fixthemselves up" on a daily basis. You alsowant to |
| or an unsmiling expression. Younotice if the person is | | | | consider your spouse's work andenvironment when |
| well groomed or sloppy looking. Does she have an | | | | you socialize with hisbusiness associates. Most |
| updated hair style and manicured nails? Isshe wearing | | | | businesssettings are not the best timeto make a |
| make-up? Is it flattering or too heavy? In a matter | | | | fashion statement. |
| of seconds, you then unconsciously begin to | | | | 4. Is the personality ofyour wardrobe consistentwith |
| formjudgments about the person's financial status, | | | | your personal style? |
| intelligence and success level. | | | | It's not unusual to dress orshop according to the |
| The fact is, people will observe purely superficial | | | | moodwe're in at the time we areshopping. When we |
| things about other people and make judgments | | | | shop thisway, though, instead ofhaving a clear plan of |
| based on those observations. We assign meaning to | | | | whatwe need to create a wardrobethat works, we |
| clothing, expression and body language. Since our | | | | often end upwith a lot of clothes we neverwear. |
| clothes and body language project suchstrong | | | | When you are buildinga wardrobe, it's best to |
| messages, it only makes sense to be sure we are | | | | knowwhat suits your personal styleand to purchase |
| sending the right ones. We need our image to speak | | | | core itemsconsistent with that style. |
| positively aboutwho we are as a person. If you want | | | | 5. Is your hair stylecurrent and does it fit therest of |
| those messages to be favorable, what you wear | | | | your image? Youwear your hair 365 days ayear! It's |
| must be consistent with what you want to project | | | | one of the mostimportant aspects of yourimage. |
| about yourself. The question is, how do you craft | | | | Your hair style shouldfit your overall image andlook. |
| your image to be consistent with who you are; your | | | | Think of the times youhave remarked how |
| aspirations, values, skills and talent? These five | | | | greatsomeone looks when they getthe right hair |
| questions will get you on your way to fine-tuning | | | | style. |
| your image: | | | | Crafting and fine-tuningyour image will not |
| 1. Do your clothes complimentyour body's | | | | happenovernight, but if done deliberatelyand |
| proportions? First, youneed to understand your body | | | | strategically, it willincrease your self-esteem,project |
| type so youcan choose styles that | | | | vibrant self-confidenceand result in lasting |
| camouflageproblem areas or accentuate attributes. | | | | positiveimpressions. |