2007 is coming to a close and those New Year’s resolutions for 2008 will soon be made. For some of us, resolutions are more than just promises we make to ourselves. They are actual goals of what we want to achieve in the New Year … from losing the 15 pounds we put on in the past month, to getting that much needed promotion, to finding Mr. or Mrs. Right. Well, however you define them – goals or resolutions – your physical appearance should match your goals. As the old saying goes “you are what you portray” (okay it really is, you are what you eat but I take liberties here). In order to really look great without those 15 extra pounds requires you to wear the right clothing that accentuates the weight loss. Getting that promotion means not only performing the job you are lobbying for but also looking like you belong in that next position. And the romantic interest – it is so much easier to catch bees with honey than with vinegar. When you look good, your dating options increase.
So how do you know when your physical image isn’t in line with your goals? First, write out your goals. Then, think about your “image icons.” These are the people that already have the look you want to achieve. For example, the president of your company is always polished in a conservative suit—meanwhile, you wear jeans to work. Or maybe you have a friend who keeps getting noticed because she is wearing more figure flattering clothing—while you wear clothes to camouflage your body because you just haven’t figured out how to choose apparel that compliments your shape. You get the idea? If your current physical image isn’t what you desire, you know you need an image change.
Now here are 8 steps (7 for men) on how to achieve this new image:
1) Get lots of examples. Examples of people who are currently exhibiting your style are a great way to get started. Determine a style icon – someone whose style you would like to emulate. Celebrities work really well as style icons because you can typically find lots of photos of them. Also, most celebrities have a stylist, so indirectly you get stylist help for free. Grab lots of photos of your style icon (and others with the appropriate style) and start a stylebook. You can divide it up by season or event (i.e. work, casual, after five). Take it with you when you shop.
2) Shop out of your own closet first. Like our Fashion Cents mission says, we don’t believe you have to start from scratch. You’ve got some great pieces in your closet that already work well for you. Those pieces can become the foundation that you build on. (But there are other things you’ve been holding on to for years that have GOT TO GO. That’s a topic for another blog.)
3) Work slowly. Don’t try to revamp your entire wardrobe at once. If you make a mistake on the image you will have wasted time and money. Get a few pieces at a time.
4) Ask for help. Go to stores where the merchandising is great and you trust the advice of the sales consultants. Take your stylebook and show the sales consultants what types of pieces you are looking for. This will save time and they should be able to give you great assistance.
5) Get a good tailor. A great tailor goes a long way. This person will be a key component for helping you to get the clothing to fit your body type. Your tailor will be able to take cuffs out of pants to make you look taller or delete pleats to make you look thinner.
6) Get a great hairstylist. I emphasize stylist because you should be able to tell him or her your goals and then they should be able to recommend the right hairstyle for you. You should take your stylebook to them as well. This way they can visually see what you are trying to achieve.
7) Women — Stop at the makeup counter. So many of us want to say we love the natural look. But highlighting your natural beauty just helps to emphasize some of your key features (eyes, lips, etc). So stop at a makeup counter and let a makeup artist give you some highlights. Choose a makeup artist that has her makeup beautifully applied and make sure you tell him or her what image you are trying to achieve. Again, another good time to pull out your stylebook.
Acknowledge the compliments. Suddenly, your boss tells you that you look great in a new suit. You get admiring looks in that new dress. You’re asked if you’ve lost weight when you’re wearing those flat front, pinstripe pants with the full leg. Compliments from the right people are a great indication that you are on the right track with getting your style and your goals aligned.
It is not an easy task but once you reach your goals you will find it was well worth it. You might also have fun in the process. Join us at fashioncents.tv in the New Year and we can help you through the process of updating your image.
