So you’ve decided to hit 2012 with fervor and among your list of things to do are: go to the gym every day, drink less whisky, drink more water, build an orphanage, and … polish your image? The beauty of taking time to focus on an outward transformation is that it is the quickest way to experience positive change in one’s life. Establishing a positive mindset through the confidence that comes from knowing you look great can actually assist you in accomplishing your other goals where it takes a bit longer to see results. Before you burden yourself with sixty-two new habits, I suggest working on your image right out of the gate and watch yourself have more motivation to hit the gym like a champ.

If you haven’t already, please refer to my Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Dressing Like a Pro and get the goods on credibility killers, coordinating neutrals and the perils of wearing athletic socks in a professional setting (Are you a professional athlete? I didn’t think so). Once you incorporate the tips that work for you, you can then move on to heeding the commandments of the well-dressed man. Some of them expound on points in the Beginner’s Guide, an indicator of principles to pay attention to.

1. Thou Shalt Wear Clothing That Fits Well. One of the most dramatic ways you can instantly improve your image is by having your clothing fit impeccably. There are far too many men out there wearing clothing that is too large for them, expecting everything to fit them off-the-rack, or possibly not caring that it doesn’t. Perhaps this commandment should be “thou shalt invest in tailoring.” You are better off paying for one beautifully tailored jacket than three ill-fitting ones. Your one perfect jacket will have you saying, “Damn! I look good!” every time you look in the mirror as opposed to trudging up to your “so-so” jackets, trying to choose which is the least frumpy for that day. Your clothing should closely skim the shape of your body without being tight. When shopping, pay attention to the shoulders of your jackets and shirts as this will form the base structure of your garment and can be tailored from there. The seam should line up with edge of your anatomical shoulder. Your life will be so much easier if you commit your jacket size, along with neck and shirtsleeve measurements for shirts, to memory. Any store that sells fine suits should have trained staff who can take your measurements. Shirtsleeves should cover your wrist and reach the beginning of your thumbs, and your forefinger should be able to fit in between your collar and your neck when the shirt is buttoned to the top. When trying on in a store, add a half-inch of room to allow for shrinkage.

If you have a bit of a belly bulge and the idea of wearing body-skimming clothing has you freaked out, wearing a sturdy cotton undershirt blended with Spandex* or Lycra tucked in under your shirt can streamline your midsection. This will help when wearing those nicely tailored dress shirts. I generally recommend wearing a t-shirt or tank (aka: wife hugger) that has a hidden collar as the look is more polished. If this is “too stuffy” then remember that a visible crew neck under a dress shirt sends a much more casual/dressed-down message.

2. Thou Shalt Pay Attention to Proportion. The difference between a “nicely” dressed man and a “razor-sharp” dressed man is proportion. Are you tall and lean? Barrel-chested? Stocky? Take note of your overall frame and size and choose your clothing accordingly. No one really notices proportion – except when it is off and then are silently judging you. Configure your tie width, knots, collars, jacket lapels and patterns to your frame. If you’re a big guy I recommend avoiding skinny ties and thin collars and lapels as this will have the “I’ve outgrown my clothing” effect. You are in the category that can carry off a bolder, wide-set chalk stripe on your suits. Close-together thin pinstripes will make you appear larger than you are. Consequently, if you are a shorter, thin-framed man, wide ties and lapels and large patterns on suits and shirts have the ability to make you look smaller in comparison and like you are a kid playing dress-up. Pay attention to the size and shape of your face and neck. If you would like to bring out the angles of your jaw and appear to have a thinner face, avoid crew neck sweaters and t-shirts – they will shorten your neck and round out your face especially if they sit high up. V-necks are universally flattering, creating a long neckline and having an overall lengthening, thus slimming, effect. And don’t forget those collar stays to keep those collars crisp, gentlemen!

3. Thou Shalt Properly Care For Your Garments. This should be a no-brainer, but how you actually do it may be a bit more fuzzy. Allow me to provide some clarity. First of all, consistent dry-cleaning is the fastest way to wear out your clothing. Dry cleaning is a harsh chemical process that puts a lot of strain on garment fibers. Unless you have a stain, suiting and dress pants should be taken in for dry-cleaning once or twice per year and dress shirts should be cold-water laundered and hung to dry. In the meantime, keep clothing fresh by hanging them to air out for 24 hours before returning them to the closet or depositing to the laundry basket. If you wear suits every day and/or have spent a pretty penny on your suits get yourself a suit brush. A what? A suit brush. Your grandpa had one for good reason – it removes set-in debris from your expensive garment and the simple 30-second habit at the end of the day can extend the life of your suit by a decade. A sticky lint roller is not the same as a suit brush and should not be used on suiting as the glue builds up over time on the fibers. When you do return your items to the closet be sure to leave at least an inch of space between them – don’t cram them all in! The fibers need room to breathe. Steaming is another way to prolong the life of your clothing as it is gentle, kills bacteria, and is a handy way to quickly get out wrinkles, avoiding every man’s most loathed chore: ironing.

I strongly encourage you guys to avoid putting eyewear, cell phones, pens, and/or key chains in your pants pockets. Think of your jeans and how there is a nice groove worn into where you stash your wallet and cell phone. Please do not do that to your dress pants. Consider distributing instead between your overcoat and suit jacket.

4. Thou Shalt Invest In A Magnificent Pair Of Shoes. Aaah… shoes. As a woman, I certainly have a predilection for a beautiful shoe, but don’t allow that to taint this command. It’s true that women certainly notice a man in a good shoe, but it’s also true that your clients, co-workers and boss do as well. When they are clean, sharp and flattering to your frame they can be the pièce de résistance that supports your entire look. A man of taste will acquire a great pair of shoes and keep them in pristine condition. This means polishing them on a regular basis (do this while catching up on episodes of Bored To Death) and taking them in to your local cobbler from time-to-time to have them re-soled or the leather touched up. A well-made pair of shoes in a classic style (such as an oxford) that you maintain can last you ten years. Well worth the investment.

5. Thou Shall Not Be A Slave To Sales, Fashion or Brand Names. This command boils down to not wasting money! Just because something is on sale (or cheap in the first place) does not mean you should buy it! Clothing should be treated as a resource and acquired on an as-needs basis. This means taking regular stock of what you have, what you have purged and what you need. That way, if you happen to hit a sale and therein lies something you need, you can buy confidently. However, throwing down cash for something just because it’s “OK” and is on sale means it will most likely be relegated to the back of the closet, thus a waste of money. The same rule applies when buying for trend. More often than not, a trend is suited for one particular type of person and rarely works for everybody. Case in point: skinny ties (see above command about proportion). Cultivate your own personal style and versatile and timeless wardrobe based on who you are, what you love, and what is flattering to you. If a trend comes up that works for you, then by all means, incorporate it in, but please do not break the bank to do so. When it comes to brand names, ask yourself if you are tempted to buy it because of the label or logo. Pay attention to the quality and style. Would you purchase the exact garment at that price if it had no label on it? If the answer is no, walk away and go buy a special lady in your life some flowers instead.

6. Thou Shalt Mix and Match Patterns Confidently. Stylish men know how to do it. Here is your crash course: The basic rule to remember is that you are aiming for a non-competition clause between your pieces. Clashing that causes epileptic episodes is avoidable. There are patterns that are considered neutrals and go with everything. This would be the pattern that is so subtle and of similar colour scheme that from a distance it appears to be all one (neutral) colour. A neutral pattern can be combined with a solid of any colour, or a pattern of any colour that differs in scale.

Combining two coloured patterns requires that both patterns be linked in colour scheme (potentially share one colour or varying shades of that colour) and either:

-both be subtle

-one bold and one subtle

-one larger scale, one smaller scale

Three patterns requires:

-a link in colour scheme and a difference of scale

-they are linked in colour scheme, two are subtle and one is bold.

-two are bold (one of the bolds is a neutral) and one is subtle.

Combining four patterns (Olympic-level pattern mixing) requires that:

-they are linked in colour scheme, and are all of differing scale (ideally, one should be neutral).

-they are linked in colour scheme, two are bold and two are subtle. One bold pattern should be used sparingly and one of the other patterns should be neutral.

If you combine five patterns you run the risk of looking like a caricature of yourself and crazy in a professional setting. When in doubt, replace one pattern with a solid. If you need some good visual aids, check out pictures of André 3000. He may do it in a bold and dandy way, but more often than not he’s following the rules above.

7. Thou Shalt Wear Sunscreen. This command is really a plea for you to pay attention to your face and overall man-scaping. I’m fairly certain that most of you gentlemen would prefer to avoid looking like a leather bag as you age and the number one way to prevent this (besides not smoking) is to wear sunscreen. Every day. Summer and winter. Yes, you experience UV damage in the winter. If you use a moisturizer with a built-in sunscreen after your morning routine you’ll be ahead of the game. Two great options (that include other scientifically proven anti-aging ingredients) are Clinique Skin Supplies for Men Age Defense Hydrator SPF 15 and Lab Series Skincare for Men Daily Moisture Defense Lotion SPF 15.

When it comes to facial hair, be sure that it is kept neat and orderly, whatever facial hair style you choose to sport. Even if you are a “sexy stubble” kind of a guy, clean up the areas creeping up your cheeks and down your neck. The more unkempt your beard is the more your colleagues will wonder what is lurking under there, why you’re letting yourself go and if it’s not time for a career change that requires an axe, long johns and a plaid shirt.

8. Thou Shalt Pay Attention To Details. When putting together an outfit, the last things on are usually the first things that get noticed so choose wisely. Consider upgrading some of your dress shirts to french cuffs and sport some jealousy-inducing cufflinks. Add finishing polish with a scarf, pocket square, fancy tie knot and/or watch. I could probably write an entire separate column on men and watches, but for these purposes consider owning both a classic leather-banded style and a stainless steel watch. Both are timeless (no pun intended) and an essential part of a professional man’s wardrobe. Don’t forget a sleek brief case/laptop case/iPad cover and a quality, refillable pen! Nothing says, “Let’s seal the deal,” like a beautiful, personal pen that one can whip out at a moments notice.

9. Thou Shalt Stand Up Straight. Remember how your mom used to nag you to correct that posture? Was it just my mom? Either way, she was right! You can dress up the package as nicely as you want, but if you are hunched and slumped you will seriously detract from your image impact. Standing tall conveys confidence, which instills confidence in others, which gets deals done and contracts signed (time to get that pen!). Pay attention to the body language you are sending out to the world and make sure it is saying what you want. Be warm and friendly, smile and shake hands firmly and people will respond accordingly, considering to this self-assured and trustworthy person.

10. Thou Shalt Continually Review And Cultivate Your Image – As you put more time and money into your image you will notice it paying back dividends. I’m not talking about becoming a vain narcissist, but someone who cares for and respects themselves and their goals in life. Because your image communicates such an incredible amount for you it is worth investing in as much as your education, career, and relationships. Take the time once in a while to peruse some men’s magazines and see what is out there. Pull out the items that strike your fancy or ways of coordinating that you never thought of. Pay attention to how others are putting themselves together and make notes about the things you would like to try or where you could take your style.

Be sure to ask for feedback. Most of the people who care about you in life won’t actually go out of their way to tell you what looks bad. They’ll just tell each other behind your back and focus on what looks good to your face. You’ll need to specifically ask for it and you should. Inquire with any and all of the people in your life you trust to tell you the truth. This could be your sassy hairstylist, closest friends or your family. If all else fails and you think they are potentially being too nice, feel free to send me an e-mail (miranda at loulloudi.com), I have no problem giving out constructive feedback.

Try to avoid going shopping alone. For the most part it can be tough to trust a sales person who may or may not have your best interests at heart. Asking a stranger to comment on something when they don’t know your personality or lifestyle has its limitations. Take a trusted advisor who will give you their honest opinion. Make sure they are abreast of my columns so they have the basics down to keep you on track. Try to strike the balance between trying new things (don’t fall into a rut) and maintaining your authentic style personality.

Famous fashion editor Oscar Schoffler once said, “Never underestimate the power of what you wear. After all, there’s just a small bit of yourself sticking out at the collar and cuff. The rest of the world sees what you drape on your frame.” Take this advice into 2012 and beyond to reflect the smart, intelligent and dapper man that you are!

Miranda Wulf is an expert in the field of Image Consulting and has helped countless individuals and businesses craft an image that is authentic, personal and impacting. As new co-chair of artsScene Edmonton, Miranda is excited for all the new and wonderful events they have in store for 2012.

As the leaves fall and the the bitter wind sweeps across the land it’s only natural that one’s mind turns to their closet. When it comes time to bundle up and pull out your thick sweaters from storage, you may find that you’re needing an item or two to beat the winter woes and spice things up style-wise. Keep these money management tips in mind when it comes to purchasing your next winter wardrobe item.

Review your stock

Before you hit the streets looking for some new cold weather pieces, get into your closet and do a bit of prep work. Clearing out your unwearable spring and summer clothing is a good place to start as it cuts down on your closet clutter . Take all of your (laundered) sundresses, shorts and other warm weather wear and retire them into short-term storage. Ideally, you’ll fold the items into bins and keep them stored somewhere like your closet floor, under your bed, or on the top closet shelf. You can keep lightweight tops in your winter wardrobe as they can be layered under sweaters and jackets – even sleeveless tops like tanks, tees and camis can have great layering potential. For the ladies, medium-weight skirts are fine to be worn in winter as well, as long as they look good over tights and boots.

Be sure to remove any items that are pilled, ripped, stained, out of shape, unflattering, out-of-date, or otherwise compromising to your image integrity (read: makes you look ridiculous). Seriously. Be critical. You won’t be doing yourself any favours by keeping them. Items that are in decent shape, but no longer have use to you can be consigned for some extra shopping cash. Otherwise, donate them or have a clothing swap with friends.

Once you’ve purged the excess you can take a look at what you have left. Physically group your clothing together into categories (pants, sweaters, blouses, etc.) to get a good idea of where you might need to make some additions. Do you have a lot of solids in a particular category? Consider adding more textures and prints. Take note if you have a lot of neutrals and need more colour to spice it up (or vice versa). If during the purging process you decide to retire a few items, be sure to record what needs to be replaced.

Once you have a general shopping list and budget in place you can avoid being swayed by the various sales happening around you, tempting you to “save” money by buying discounted items that you don’t actually need. In order to truly save money, shopping must be strategic.

Spend wisely

There are certain clothing items that are worthy of a greater allocation of your funds. The first of these items is the all-important overcoat. Be prepared to spend up to half of your overall winter clothing budget on a good overcoat. Your outerwear is the first and last thing people see on you and thus can speak volumes for your image. If you wear a beautiful suit only to cover it with a ratty coat, the impact of the suit will be lost. However, a great coat can be thrown over any old shirt and no one is the wiser (clearly, this only works when you are running an errand or performing an activity where your coat remains on). Invest in an overcoat that is streamlined and is able to be worn both casually and for evening as it will be a mainstay for you. If you’re still rocking the fabulous overcoat that you splurged on a couple of years back, and it is still in great condition, but you’re feeling the “this thing again blues” – simply changing the buttons can give it new life. Pick up a couple new scarves in flattering colours and prints to punch it up as well, or for women, try throwing on a different belt to cinch you in and add some flair. If you have been keeping up with my columns you will be familiar by now with my gentle nudging to consider other neutrals as alternatives to black. Winter can be depressing enough as it is without having to see a veritable funeral procession marching your way as you trudge to work in the morning. Why not make a statement and stand out in a crowd?

The next items to consider spending some money on are your “chunky” or thicker knits. High-quality cashmere looks better, lasts longer, and feels better. Be sure to give these items a quick pill test in the store as some knits are better quality than others, yet the price tag may not reflect this. Rub the fabric against itself on an inconspicuous area of the garment. If it pills in the store walk away as quickly as possible.

Blouses and dress shirts* are worn on top, and next to your face, so everyone notices them. If you sit at a desk, your top half is still visible. Cheap fabrics tend to look cheap. The same logic stands for a good tie as well. A nice woven silk (or woolen!) tie has the ability to make an impact, is worn near your face and is seen even when you’re sitting. Consider spending a little more money on these items. *Dress shirts fall into a bit of an in-between category. Technically, these shirts are meant to be laundered and pressed frequently to keep them crisp and so can wear out faster. Best to spend moderately on these hard workers, but to allocate more of the budget for your dress shirts over your pants, in general.

Having a stylish, yet functional pair of boots can be worth their weight in gold. Investing in a good pair that can be worn with the majority of your clothing is ideal (here is where classic black works best) as quality footwear can last you years and will be a workhorse for you. A great pair of boots can often be worn to and in the office, or you can do the ol’ switcheroo into your pumps or oxfords once you get there. Be sure that once you have your boots you take care of them, use appropriate protectants and take them in to be cobbled at the end of the season to extend their life.

A beautiful pair of leather gloves goes a long way when it comes to a polished look and can also last several seasons if cared for properly. This means treating them with the proper protectant (the same you would get for a leather jacket – not that which you use for your leather shoes) and refraining from removing your gloves with your teeth.

TFSA for your closet

So where can we pinch a few wardrobe pennies? You may be surprised to read what’s coming next. Jeans. Yes, for most of us they are the pieces that get the most wear, but there’s still no need to get a second mortgage for denim. I find that most people enjoy having a variety of denim to choose from and thus, not worth the fortune.

In fact, pants in general need not be too expensive. Considering that no one really notices your bottoms when you are at dinner, at your desk, or even chatting at a networking event, so why break the bank? Best to put the money up top. Skirts share the same concept

Lightweight knits are really flexible for layering and on the go – we’re talking sweater vests, cardigans and the like. (I frequently stash a button-up cardigan in my purse for when I get chilly.) Heavy duty fabrics need not apply in this category, thus fine wool and cotton work best, and are generally less expensive.

Probably the most obvious area where one can save their dollars is with t-shirts and tanks. There are innumerable brands out there making perfectly good t-shirts, so when you find your favorite fit and fabric – stock up!

There are so many different types of scarves out there at reasonable price points. The “next to your face” and “highly visible” arguments could be used here, however it is nice to have a variety of different choices when it comes to scarves, so I would err on the side of saving your pennies when it comes to scarves and pick up several to spice things up.

Investment dressing

If you find yourself deliberating over whether or not to buy a pricey piece of clothing, commit the following checklist to memory to keep yourself from spending too much on something you’ll never wear. Repeat after me.: You must LOVE the garment, it must be a NEUTRAL colour, EXCELLENT quality, CLASSIC design, FLEXIBLE (can be dressed up or down/worn in multiple scenarios), DURABLE, FLATTERING, COMFORTABLE, and it must FIT WELL.

You can also consider the cost-per-wear formula when purchasing pricey items. For example, if you purchase a $1000 fine-quality, fits-like-a-glove cashmere coat that lasts your five years and you wear 100 days per year – that’s only $2 per wear. Contrast that with a jacket that costs you $100, but you only wear 10 times – equals a cost-per-wear of $10. It’s actually cheaper to go with the $1000 cashmere coat. Isn’t wardrobe math great?

Keep in mind that it is unreasonable to expect garments to fit perfectly off the rack. Most garments are manufactured with a cookie-cutter formula, yet need to fit myriad unique and beautiful body types. It’s no wonder many of us find shopping frustrating and end up wasting money. From now on you must all pledge to allocate a portion of your clothing budget to tailoring and consider it a further investment in your image and well-being. You will experience less frustration when shopping, will feel better in your clothes because you will look better, and will end up wearing them more, thus getting the most value for your clothing dollar.

Miranda Wulf is an expert in the field of Image Consulting and has helped countless individuals and businesses craft an image that is authentic, personal and impacting. Miranda loves interacting with her readers and welcomes your comments and questions. Feel free to e-mail her at miranda@loulloudi.com.

What goes around comes around.
The most successful networkers are those who make it their priority to help others, and are genuinely looking to be of service. Even if you feel as though you have little to offer because you are starting out in your career or are new to the area, you can safely assume that everyone around you is looking for help to build their business or advance their career. The key is to tune in to what is going on around you and use your creativity. Pay attention to job postings within your company, business-owning friends who may need someone, or for community organizations seeking volunteers and new board members. By “plugging in” you can pass this information onto the interested individuals you meet and be extremely helpful.

The more you connect the right people with the right information the more you will be seen as a knowledgeable and valuable go-to person. This helps you build credibility, establish solid contacts and help others – everybody wins!

Be prepared.
When it comes to attending a potential networking function it is important to first establish what kind of event it is. Is this a wine-tasting, fundraiser, or company-wide party where upper-management will be present? Know before you go and you can prepare accordingly. Setting goals for the particular gathering is an effective place to start. You can make it your purpose to introduce yourself to five new people, to find a person who can give you specific information regarding a current project you are working on, or to introduce two people you know would work well together.

Don’t forget about your image! I cannot tell you how many times I’ve walked into an event to stumble into a sea of black. Black suits, black skirts, black blouses. The people I want to meet are those who stand out – and I’m not the only one. Consider wearing a statement piece with your outfit – a fun pocket square, bow tie, interesting brooch or scarf. You not only increase your visibility, but your item can also be a great conversation piece! And of course, don’t forget to give yourself a thorough inspection in the mirror before diving in. How are your breath, teeth, buttons, hems and shoes? All ship-shape? You are then free to connect with confidence.

In the event that you find yourself in a name tag wearing scenario, you’ll find most people place their name on the left side of their upper chest. In actuality, you should be placing your name tag on your right so that your name is visible as you shake hands with someone.

Speaking of shaking hands, confident body language goes a long way in a scenario built on first impressions. No limp fish hands! Make sure you look the other person in the eye, firmly grasp their hand and give a few pumps before letting go. As you work the room keep your posture in check. Make sure you are standing up straight and are deliberate in your movements rather than skulking about with a hunched back. Save your Gollum impression for Halloween.

The art of conversation.
Silence that inner critic if you find yourself afraid of making conversation with total strangers. Keep in mind that everyone is there for the same reason (save for that one obnoxious guy who’s in it for the free hooch). People are seeking to connect with like-minded individuals to find and offer opportunities. Remember that you have something of value to offer, whether information, ideas or an introduction. There will be people present who are interested in what you have to share, but they can’t learn about you unless you make yourself available.

Bite the bullet and be willing to introduce yourself – especially to someone standing by themselves. If there is an event host, be sure to introduce yourself to that person. Often times, the reason a person becomes a host is because they love connecting people and you may find them quite helpful in introducing you to other people.  It may seem intimidating at first, but it will get easier with practice, I promise.

When asked, “So what do you DO?” it’s important that you be prepared with a concise, confident and enthusiastic answer. This is known as the “elevator speech”, or, “selling yourself in thirty seconds or less”. If you find yourself in a room with others in the same profession as you, it’s important to develop an answer that is unique. As opposed to saying, “I’m a mortgage broker,” it will be more appealing to say something like, “I set up homeowners with money-saving strategies –  I’m a mortgage broker.” As cheesy at it sounds, it’s also a good idea to quickly brush up on current events before entering a networking scenario. What is the latest in the news or in your industry? You’ll need to be able to talk about more than just yourself and the weather. As the conversation progresses, find commonality. Why is this person attending the function, how do they know the host, or how long have they been a member of hosting organization? Finding common ground is the easiest way to build a relationship.

Always be pleasant and positive – nobody wants to hang out with Eeyore. This means stay away from gossip, complaining and whining. Be sure to listen attentively and be sincerely interested so that you can learn as much about this person as you can. Attentive listening requires eye contact. People pick up when you’re scanning the room looking for somewhere “better” to be. Also, ask more open-ended questions that require more than a yes, or no, to learn about a person, to find commonality and to discover how you can help them. If you take their business card, don’t hesitate to jot down notes about your conversation (in privacy, of course) to jog your memory later. When you follow-up it can be quite an impactful gesture to reference the conversation you had.

For those of you out there who are of the more outgoing variety like myself, consider being a mixer in the melting pot. Use your god-given gift of the gab to facilitate relationship-building – help out those wallflowers! A fun strategy that I like to use is to attend an event with an equally outgoing partner. Once there, you split up to go gather a few people as you make your way through the room, and then meet back up with your partner and your respective groups to introduce all your new friends to one another.

Moving on.
Unless you find yourself in a truly engaging discussion, the average amount of time you want to be spending in a conversation is five minutes. If you really connect with someone who could be a potential networking partner, request a follow-up meeting to discuss further rather than monopolizing all of their time, and yours, in one event evening. When ending a conversation, always be polite, SMILE, and be straightforward and honest. Let them know it has been a pleasure to meet them and then refer to your immediate plans. They could be as follows:

- “I need to connect with __________ before they/I leave.”
- Take them with you! Ask if they’d like get a drink. Now there’s potential for both of you to gather more people together.
- “I’d like to introduce you to ______.”
- Explain your intended next step with them, “I’ll call you tomorrow to discuss that board member opportunity”.

Follow up!
When you get home take the time to organize the information you’ve collected and touch base within twenty-four hours. Add them on LinkedIn, call, send an e-mail – or to really go the extra mile, send a handwritten note with your business card. If you made any promises when you met them like, “I’ll send you the link to that article on waste management,” be sure to quickly follow up. This will establish you as a reliable person.

Stay in touch. Create a system that works for you to regularly touch base with the people in your network. Send over information from time to time that you know will be pertinent and useful to certain individuals. Again, you will be known as a go-to person and shows that you genuinely care about their success.

Tilling the soil.
You can think of your network as your garden. Once relationships are planted they need to be tended to and nourished. Just like any garden, from time to time you will find the need to weed as well. Sometimes toxic humans will pop up in life who want to hinder your success or suck you dry. Best to deal with those as swiftly and politely as possible. Allow your successful relationships time to grow and mature. If you give of yourself without seeking “what’s in it for you” you will be surprised by how your relationships will thrive, become mutually beneficial and ultimately result in a bounty of people as committed to your success as you are to theirs.

Miranda Wulf is an expert in the field of Image Consulting, having helped countless individuals and businesses craft an image that is authentic, personal and impacting. Walking the many trails in Mill Creek Ravine has recently become one of her favourite Edmonton activities.

This month we turned the spotlight on to you, our reader, to discover what you want to learn when it comes to all things etiquette and style. Read on as I tackle questions covering the most awkward and embarrassing moments in human relationships to crafting a style all your own.

Q: Is it ever acceptable to go out of the house wearing sweatpants and not “all done up”? If so, when?

I am inclined to encourage you to reserve sweatpants for the gym, or lounging at home. They just don’t make any sort of statement other than, “I’m working out,” or “I do not care whatsoever about my appearance.” However, when it comes to being “all done up” there is a balance in life. It isn’t always practical or realistic for one to spend 30 minutes primping in the mirror to run to the post office.  I believe the key is to ask yourself, “Where am I going and do I have the potential to run into someone that would cause me to wish I had polished myself up a little more?”  If you are confident that you won’t find yourself in a situation that you would feel the need to “explain” yourself, then it really boils down to how you feel about yourself when you look in the mirror and make a choice. A positive self-image isn’t about being “perfect” or “done” all the time, but about being self-aware and in control of who you are and what you project in various situations. There’s nothing wrong with being low-key, as long as you feel good about yourself and are comfortable with being seen as “low-key” by others.

Here’s a little tip: An item of clothing that can really help when you just don’t want to put in a lot of effort is a great jacket that you love to wear and is flattering. You can generally throw it on over whatever you have underneath and look pulled together without spending a lot of time.

Q: Can I wear tortoiseshell wayfarers without being accused of being a hipster wannabe? Absolutely! Wayfarers are iconic sunglasses that never go out of style. The key to rocking them without being labelled into the “hipster” style category is to pay attention to what you are wearing with your tortoiseshell wayfarers. Skip the skinny jeans, cardigans or denim vests, drapey scarves, dirty overgrown hair and/or coiffed side-swept bangs, etc. and you’ll be A-OK. I would suggest aiming for a more classic style vibe in your clothing choices. Think Don Draper on vacation. The timeless nature of wayfarers is showcased when worn with simple, classic, tailored looks.

Q: White after Labour Day. Is that an actual rule or just a fashion joke? Does anyone actually care? Where did it come from?

There are many theories floating around as to the origination of the white after Labour Day rule, but nobody knows for certain. Common threads among these theories are that it is American in origin and that the notion began specifically regarding white shoes. More practical reasoning suggests simply that white reflects heat and light, and is thus a choice colour for summer fabrics over winter fabrics when it would make you cooler. The thought process behind making it a “rule” could be that wearing white in the winter shows that one is oblivious to climate changes and looks “out of place”. There are some suggestions out there that the rule was created out of desire to separate classes of people. Those “in the know” would be able to quickly identify others who “didn’t belong” in their elite. This theory is less popular than the simple question of climate.

In the 21^st century, not wearing white after Labour Day has become an archaic rule, and no longer really applies. White is alright. Wearing linen in the winter months, however, is a different story – just don’t do it. Linen is for warm months and tropical climates.

Q: Can I wear flip flops in the office?

That depends on your goals. You have a choice as to what message you would like to communicate with your style. If you would like to say to your co-workers and superiors, “I don’t really take my job seriously/my comfort is more important than projecting a professional appearance,” then by all means, wear flip-flops to the office.

Q: What are the basic keys to figuring out my own personal style? I feel confused and am currently about to toss almost my entire wardrobe.

I encourage you to spend some time gathering pictures from magazines and online of items that you feel represent you right now and would be easy to wear. Also, select pictures that you look at and say, “I wish I could wear this!” Collect as many as you can and evaluate the patterns that begin to develop. Are there a lot of classic cuts? Hot trends? Low-key, sporty looks? Consider the image cues and messages that correspond with some of the looks you’ve pulled, e.g., “If I saw this person walking down the street, what would I think of them?” Ask yourself if they are congruent with the messages you want to be sending. Taking some time out for some self-reflection along with a healthy dose of fantasy (that’s the “I wish” category) can help you take stock of where you are now style-wise, and where you would like to be in the future. If you are still having trouble, I know an Image Consultant who would love to help you define your style personality.

Miranda Wulf is an expert in the field of Image Consulting, having helped countless individuals and businesses craft an image that is authentic, personal and impacting. Fall is her favourite time of year for all of the fashion and layering potential.

You can read Part One of this story here

We’re taking off on our business and pleasure trip and the planning has been taken care of. You know where you are going and what you need when you get there. Using the business and pleasure trip as our guideline, you will need a couple of professional looking outfits, something to go out to dinner in, a couple casual outfits and possibly exercise clothes. But can we fit it all in our carry on? If you’re not taking scuba gear with you – you bet!

Packing

Creating suitable outfits for various situations using the minimum amount of clothing is your main objective. This means choosing the best individual items that can work double duty rather than bringing all of your favourite outfits. For example, you’ll need a jacket that works for business, but can be worn over more casual pants or a casual sweater that is refined enough to layer with a business outfit if extra warmth is needed. Also, it is ideal if these items are made from wrinkle-resistant fabrics as well in order to look good every day with the minimal effort. Natural fibre/poly blends, wool crepe and light wool for suits are your best bets to keep wrinkles at bay. If varying climates are on the itinerary, which is quite common when travelling throughout North America, be sure to pack the pieces that are lightweight enough for warmer climates, yet can be layered up for a cooler climates. Finally, you must love the clothing that makes up your travel wardrobe. Because, frankly, you’ll be wearing them a lot. If you must wear a pair of pants five times on a trip, wouldn’t you rather have the pair that fit well, feel great and make your butt look awesome?

Using your previously chosen colour scheme this suggested packing list works as a guideline to be modified based on your itinerary (that’s why we wrote down an itinerary in the first place, right?). To stay within the limitations of carry-on luggage you’ll want to take four bottoms, up to eight tops, two jackets, various accessories, three pairs of shoes, an exercise outfit, underwear and your ready-packed toiletry bag.

Bottoms: Includes three pairs of pants and a possible skirt for women. Take two dark neutral dress pants; one pair of jeans or dark neutral casual pants; one dark neutral skirt. If you need more skirts for your job, then reduce the number of trousers.

Jackets: Two professional-looking jackets that will go with all the bottoms. You’ll want one to be dressier than the other, making one perfect for going out at night and the other working both for work and with jeans.

Tops: Includes sweaters, blouses and shirts. You can take up to eight, but the amount really depends on the length of your trip. Mentally prepare to wear each one at least twice. Every top should coordinate with all, or at least most, of the bottoms and require laundering infrequently. Take a couple easy-care tops should the need arise to wash them in your hotel room.

Be sure to take a variety of top styles that can be layered over one another. Bring at least one thin, yet warm, sweater (cashmere is perfect for this) that can be worn over a long sleeve or warm top and under a jacket (in case it gets chilly).

Men generally require fresh shirts daily, whether they wear a suit or sportswear, therefore they should plan to take advantage of hotel laundry if the trip is longer than four days.

Exercise/activity clothes: One bottom (shorts or pants) and one top that can be washed out easily for frequent use. Ideally, the pants should be loose enough (read: not legging style) and generally flattering so that they can be casually worn on the street for low-key activities.

Sleepwear: My vote is to save the space and just sleep in your underwear, or in the buff! If you need to take sleepwear choose something that folds small and can be hand washed and drip-dried easily.

Underwear: Up to seven. For women, up to four bras. If your trip extends past seven days, launder your clothing halfway through, or hand wash undergarments in the sink. Also, ladies, don’t underestimate the power of a convertible bra to work under a variety of top styles and necklines.

Hosiery: One or two pairs for exercise. For men, take five to six pairs of socks coordinated with pant colours. For women, take one pair per trouser and up to three pairs of hose. The above rules for underwear laundering apply here as well.

Shoes: Ideally, three pairs, but up to four. Up to two pairs of comfortable shoes that can be alternated and are useful for walking around . One pair of dressier shoes that coordinate with your dressiest outfit/skirt. Sneakers should be taken if absolutely necessary, but if you can exercise in one of your comfortable pairs of shoes, you’ll save precious space.

All of your shoes should be in the dark neutral category. Because you are sticking with the one dark and light neutral colour scheme for your clothing, you shouldn’t have to take both brown and black shoes. One or the other should suffice based on your trouser choices. Men tend to save space in this category as they can usually get away with one pair of dress shoes and a pair of casual shoes or sneakers.

Scarf/shawl: This can be a critical piece for spanning multiple climates. Take one quality pashmina or wool scarf for colder climates.

Accessories: Jewellery, scarves, ties and pocket squares (yes, pocket squares!) should be taken to complete outfits. They generally take up very little room compared to pieces of clothing and can punch up basic outfits. For example, a basic top-and-pants outfit can be worn with a scarf and belt one day and with a necklace another day for two different looks. Various pocket squares can be switched in and out to breathe new life into your basic jacket.

Handbags for women: Ideally, you should take only one versatile daytime bag in your dark neutral colour. If needed, include one smaller bag for evening in your dark neutral that takes up very little packing space.

Coat: Take one if needed that works in all situations (e.g. a classic trench with removable lining). You have your scarf and sweater to layer if you need more warmth.

Toiletries: You should have your toiletries prepped and ready. Be sure to buy travel size deoderant, toothpaste, shave gel, etc. Liquids are to be transferred into travel bottles and your soft-sided kit should be no bigger than it has to be.

Getting on the plane

Airline passengers are allowed one carry-on suitcase and one personal item. Women should choose a 22-inch rolling bag as well as one large, soft-sided tote bag. That tote bag is going to be a key to holding a lot, so invest in one that is lightweight (like canvas) and has a strap that can hook onto the suitcase or go over your shoulder without cutting off your circulation. Men may be more inclined to choose a soft-sided, large hanging bag with outside pockets to hang suits in

Lay all your items out on your bed and behold the majesty. You may be scratching your head wondering how it will all fit in carry-on luggage. Don’t worry, I’ll tell you. Start by dividing everything into three piles. One pile is for your tote, one you will wear on the plane, and the rest will go in your suitcase.

In your tote bag include the following:

-Laptop and chords.

-Litre bag of liquids/gels.

-Reading material.

-Pashmina/scarf.

-Daytime bag for women.

-Anything else you need on the plane…like Lorazepam or travel Scrabble®.

Tips To Make It Fit

-Remove all possible hard panels for your suitcase. This will give you greater packing space.

-Lay all your trousers on the bed, flat. Place one or two sweaters/tops in the middle of the pant leg. Fold the lower part of the pants over the sweater, then the upper part over the lower part. Folding your pants in thirds around a soft object keeps your pants from creasing. The same principle works for skirts and jackets, so package them all up in a similar fashion, placing them one by one in the suitcase. For the jacket, hold it upright and fold vertically along the back, lay it down and smoothly fold in the arms. The sweater should go on the lower part, leaving room to fold the upper part over. Make sure the lapel stays smooth.

-Ball all your socks and hose up as small as they go, and stuff them into your shoes. You can use a shoe bag or plastic bag around each shoe for cleanliness, but this can hamper your space further. Place the shoes in the corners and down the sides of the bag where there are cavities from the clothes not fitting perfectly. You may have to fiddle a bit with the pants and jackets to make more room.

-Fill any remaining space with evening handbag and accessories. I suggest leaving your family heirlooms and expensive jewelry at home.

-Wind belts around the perimeter of the suitcase.

If there are items not fitting it is now time to be tough on your selections. Is there anything you can do without? Are you able to wear a couple more pieces on the plane or pack it in your tote?

What to Wear on the Plane

If you do not have to jet to a meeting directly from the airport, or host a client on your flight, it is best to wear your bulkiest items, namely your jeans, sneakers and coat. However even better for packing with purpose is to leave them at home and wear your casual clothes and daytime jacket. If you are going from cold to hot dress in several thin layers under your jacket that can be stripped down and stuffed into your tote and draped over your arm upon arrival. Skip wearing bulky jewelry or anything you’ll have to remove at security screening. Make sure you wear your comfortable shoes as feet tend to swell when flying.

When it comes to packing, you now have the principles necessary to lighten up and look good anywhere in the world. The cherry on top being that you can rest assured that you’ll always arrive with all your luggage in tow. Travel with confidence and have a successful and enjoyable trip.

Miranda Wulf is an expert in the field of Image Consulting, having helped countless individuals and businesses craft an image that is authentic, personal and impacting. She is currently considering heading up a coalition dedicated to the abolishment of tights worn as pants.

On a long journey, even a straw weighs heavy. – Spanish Proverb

Few things can make one weigh their priorities for balancing comfort, style and image credibility than packing for a trip. We all want to be prepared for each possible scenario but we must also carry that burden with us wherever we go. When a business trip yields multiple destinations, nothing will make you curse yourself, or your luggage, more than racing to make a connection only to find yourself at the bottom of the stair equivalent of Mount Kilimanjaro because yet another escalator is out-of-order.

Admittedly, I was once guilty of the “everything but the kitchen sink” approach to packing. I know all too well the bane of awkwardly hauling my gigantic luggage around uncharted territory, huffing and puffing, telling myself having 4 pairs of heels will be worth it. I have stood in front of that busted elevator and it is for this reason, and many others (including arriving in Bangkok sans baggage), that I have learned the art of packing light and packing well.

The ability to pack everything you need into your carry-on luggage not only increases your mobility (allowing you to jump onto last-minute earlier flight opportunities and skip the baggage carousel), but you have the added benefit of security and arriving with everything you need at arms reach. Gone will be the days of being at the mercy of the airline baggage-handler with their uncanny ability to lose your luggage when you’ve flown in for the most important meeting of your career.

Packing light doesn’t necessarily mean having to go without. Planning plus organization should render a wardrobe of mix-and-match basics that covers all of your needs – while still leaving room for some great accessories & even one or two special pieces.

Planning

Research your destination. Prior to any trip it is always imperative to find out where in the world it is you’re going. What is the climate like? Does your hotel provide toiletries, a hair dryer, and an iron? Are there laundry facilities available? What about any local customs you should be aware of? Some cultures have certain colours that are offensive as well as guidelines for how much skin is appropriate to expose. It’s a good idea to learn these things before you take off so that you put your best foot forward in every situation.

Make a List. This list should cover where you are going and what you are doing over the length of your trip; the activities you expect to partake in and any special events you will attend. If there are multiple destinations, jot down details for each destination. Using your list you will be able to identify the types of outfits needed. For a typical 10-day business and pleasure trip, you will most likely need outfits/suits for business meetings, non-business events, going out/evening, and exercise clothes. (For the purpose of this two-part article we’re going to use the 10-day business and pleasure trip as our template.) From your list, begin to select what you’d like to wear for each event and activity.

Be strategic. Once you’ve identified what you would like to bring, you now have the task of paring it down to what you need to bring. The key to planning your travel wardrobe is to already have those staple pieces that work well on the road. These pieces will be neutral in colour, wrinkle-resistant fabrics, comfortable to wear, will fold up easily, and be relatively basic in style. When you have these bases covered, the next area to focus on is colour.

Choose colour wisely. This limited wardrobe needs to mix, match and be flexible to the max and choosing your colours wisely will allow just that. You’ll want to start with two neutral colours and one accent chosen from your personal colour palette. (If you haven’t had your colours done, or are unaware of which look best on you, I encourage you to look into it and treat yourself. Nothing has as effortless an ability to perk up your tired face after a red-eye flight than wearing something flattering against your skin). When considering your two neutrals, opt for one light neutral and one dark neutral. For example, you could choose black and white as your dark and light, with your main accent colour being blue. Or brown and beige with an accent of green. By using this method you also cut down on the amount of complementary shoes needed to go with multiple outfits.

Inspect everything. Minimize travel stress by trying on your outfits and going over everything. Make sure they are still fitting and flattering on your body (this is especially important for the business portion of your trip) and don’t have any stains, missing buttons, or fallen hems. Ideally, you’ll do this one week before you depart so that anything that may need repair or dry cleaning can be taken care of and will be fresh for take off.

Have your travel toiletries ready to go. Keep a soft-sided travel kit that is one litre in size, packed with good-quality miniature (100ml or less) bottles filled with your grooming essentials. I’ve always been a fan of the travel bottles available at Mountain Equipment Co-Op for being leak-proof. When you return from your trip, refill your toiletries and put them away, ready for you next adventure.

Proper planning will set you up for seamless and worry-free travel. Stay tuned for part two where we will discuss packing and preparing for air travel – what to bring, how to pack it and what to wear for your flight.

You can Part Two here.

Miranda Wulf is an expert in the field of Image Consulting, having helped countless individuals and businesses craft an image that is authentic, personal and impacting. She is currently considering heading up a coalition dedicated to the abolishment of tights worn as pants.

Fashion. The word tends to conjure up one of two opposing reactions in most people. They either love it or they hate it. On one side we have those of the Confessions of a Shopaholic frame of mind, slavishly following the latest trends and fads, purchasing their clothing accordingly in a never ending cycle of “here today, gone tomorrow”. Neither form, function, nor finances are taken into consideration when building the haphazard wardrobe of a fashion victim.

To the other extreme we have those who will shudder in fear, roll their eyes, or make jokes about fashion. Some are just overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of choices presented to them and become paralysed by the fear of “failing at fashion”, while others are “above” caring, arguing that it is only superficial window dressing. Either way, they’ve decided to opt out completely. They either won’t admit, or are completely unaware of, the ways in which clothing influences their lives – which also results in a closet full of aimlessly chosen items that “work” merely because they keep one from going out in public naked.

Whether one is a slave to fashion or has opted out, those at each end of the spectrum end up lacking perspective on what their image is communicating to the world around them. In reality, whether we like it or not, our image – the way we care for and carry ourselves, the clothes we wear, our personal style, and presence – is part of who we are, reflecting the way we think, feel, act, and live. Our appearance has the ability to create a memorable picture (whether positively or negatively), giving cues as to our values, attitudes, interests, roles, and often our goals. While we are all taught to not “judge a book by its cover”, we all do it every day because it is how we are wired. Once our eyes open in the morning our brain can’t help but process the images coming at us. Though one may be incredibly witty, caring, and intelligent, the truth is that people will make value judgements based on appearance and respond accordingly.

As an image consultant, my goal is to help people become self-aware and in-control of who they want to be, how they feel about themselves and how the world sees them. Investing time, money and effort into putting together an appearance one feels confident about is not frivolous or vain, but is a reflection of good sense, self-worth and balanced living. When it comes to my clients, whether individual or corporate, my approach isn’t as much about fashion as it is about function. It isn’t about style as presented to us by People Magazine, but about lifestyle and personal style. I’m not here to inflate egos, but to build self-esteem and confidence and to teach how the time, money, energy and clothing used to craft one’s image are all resources that can be used as tools to help one meet their goals.

My strengths and passions have always lain in working with people, wanting to help them and deliver solutions. Combined with a strong creative background and a reputation for savvy shopping, I naturally gravitated toward image consulting and began my career in this field after going to New York City to train under the industry’s pre-eminent consultants. Since then I have worked with numerous men and women of varying ages, shapes, and sizes, helping them approach their careers and personal lives with confidence and enthusiasm by equipping them for long-term success based on their age, personality, lifestyle and goals. My work with corporate clients has varied from presentations about the definitions of business casual and the use of body language in effective communication to writing company dress codes and working with staff members individually to select dress-code-appropriate clothing. The workshops I do for the general public cover such topics as dressing for body type, personal style, wardrobe and shopping success. As an active member of the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) I participate in accredited continuing education courses on an ongoing basis and also sit on the AICI Canada Chapter Board of Directors as Co-VP of Communications.

On a regular basis the subject of “style” comes up in the work I do. People want to know what it is, how to get it and how to project it. In a world where we have three seconds to create an accurate first impression, it’s certainly an important component to have a handle on. However, style can be a more broad and intimidating topic to tackle than fashion. When cultivating personal style we are selecting distinct groups to be associated with, various psychological triggers, moods, personalities and saying to the world, “This is my personality displayed on the outside.” As such, I have a few style principles that I imbue to my clients.

-Style is not synonymous with fashion. Fashion is an ongoing cycle of production and marketing. Don’t get me wrong, the creation of unique and beautiful garments is an art. However, wearing emblazoned brand names across one’s chest is not having style. It is being a walking ad campaign. As the late Yves St. Laurent said, “Fashion fades, style is eternal.”

-Style is found in the details. One can wear big, bold accessories, or classic, demure ones. There are simple, elegant leather shoes or ones with ornamentation and bright colours. Each has merit and is indicative of different personalities.

-Style is choosing great elements in moderation. We’ve all heard the phrase “less is more”. When we overdo a good thing it becomes less about us and our personal style and more about the components in question getting all the attention. Case in point: Sequins. Or hair gel.

-Style is a reflection of age and personality. It’s important to remember as we get older that what we feel we can “get away with” can often times just make us look desperate and in a state of identity crisis, or worse yet, just plain crazy.

-Style is dressing according to body type. Being aware of our best features and short-comings and knowing how to dress for them is always in style. I’m not talking about being critical and feeling negative about our “flaws”, but being self-aware and in control. When we choose garments that fit and flatter, we always look great in every situation and half the work of having a positive presence is accomplished already.

-Style is wearing our best colours and styles. Colour has the power to make our skin look healthy and even-toned, our eyes sparkly and our teeth whiter. On the flip side, we’ve all put on colours before that we look at in the mirror and think, “Blech! Did I just turn into a ghost and age 10 years?” It’s a good idea to stay away from those colours. Along the same lines, there are some cuts and necklines that will compliment our natural features and others that will detract. Wearing that which is best for us as individuals, whether it is “in fashion” or not, will always help in putting our best foot forward.

The icing on the cake of style is demonstrating confidence through correct posture along with proper mannerisms and body language. Our nonverbal communication is a powerful tool and while it may not be seen as a “sexy” component of style, it certainly speaks volumes about who we are and how we feel about ourselves. Proper posture also has the added benefit of making one appear slimmer, taller and keeps us from incurring back and neck injuries. So shoulders back, chest out, stand up tall and take charge of your image, your goals and your future.

If you have a question or comment on the new column you can contact Miranda at miranda at loulloudi dot com. We’d love to know where you fall on the style spectrum, let us know in the comments.

_________________________

Miranda Wulf is an expert in the field of Image Consulting, having helped countless individuals and businesses craft an image that is authentic, personal and impacting. She can be found most Saturdays perusing the booths at the downtown farmer’s market.

In my day-to-day work life as an image consultant I’m privileged to go through the wardrobes of my trusting clients. Inevitably we come across pieces where we wonder, “Is this working or not? Keep it, or toss it?” There are certainly pieces I can take one look at and think, “Oh, Lord help us, no,” but that might not be as clear to the person who owns it. In these circumstances I take a cue from Stephen R. Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, and I start with the end in mind.

Taking some time to write down what your desired outcome is will give you a template for appraising your current wardrobe. It’s not about a particular garment being right or wrong, necessarily, but whether it is right or wrong for you. Is this piece of clothing bringing you closer to, or further from, fulfilling your goals? Is this enhancing your credibility or making you look like a clueless teenager? Once you start asking those questions, it will be much easier to part with the pit-stained Mickey Mouse T-shirt you’ve had since grade nine.

By spending a bit of time with yourself to design and align your look with your intention, you’ll find that you can craft an image that is authentically you, which shines through in every situation, projecting precisely the message you intend. You can start the journey with these three easy steps.

1. Go to you your closet and select your “magic outfit” – the one you go back to time and again when you have a really important meeting or have to dress to impress. If you have more than one magic outfit, or even just magic pieces, bring those out as well.
2. Identify the ingredients that make this your magic outfit. Is it colour? The perfect fit? The feel of the fabric? The confidence you feel wearing it? Or is it the fact you get positive feedback when you wear it? Chances are, it will be a combination of those factors. Evaluate any similarities your magic outfit shares with any other key pieces in your wardrobe.
3. Check yourself in a full-length mirror. Why isn’t every outfit in your closet a magic outfit? Use the image cues you gleaned from your magic outfit to influence further purchases.

If you are going to successfully conquer the world, you’ll need to know the little details that can polish you up and enhance your reputation.

FABULOUS FIT

Garment fit is crucial, because when your clothes work with your body, you’re ready for anything. A good fit equals comfort and confidence, and is flattering no matter the size or shape of your body.

Don’t wear garments that are too big and baggy with long hems, or garments that are too tight. Pay attention to the hip and crotch – beware of the cat whiskers strained into horizontal pleat formations, or, God forbid, vertical pulling at the end of the crotch (you know what I’m talking about, don’t make me say it). Trouser hems that are too short also send a message that you are clueless. The hem should touch your instep in front and cover half of your heel on the back.

The shoulders of a garment must be the first place you fit as they affect the overall fit and cannot be altered. The seam should align with your anatomical shoulder. If the shoulder fits, you can get the bodice of the garment taken in if need be.

Further fit foibles:

• Falling apart at the seams. The garment is either too small or worn out.
• Bumpy zippers. Toss it, or don’t buy it in the first place, because it can’t be fixed.
• Scruffy hems on pants, jeans and wrists.
• Missing buttons. Says, “I’ve lost control and I’m clueless because I’m still wearing this garment.”
• Button-blouse bra, waist and tummy peekaboos. They say, “I’ve put on a few pounds.”
• Tugging at waistbands, bra straps or undergarments. These say, “I’m trying to pull it together, but am obviously not there yet.”

TIP: Budget tailoring costs into your clothing allowance. Don’t force yourself into “ready-to-wear” garments or items that used to work but no longer fit.

CREDIBILITY KILLERS

As a general rule, be aware of what you are exposing or drawing attention to. In a professional work environment, it is especially important to avoid the following:

• Drawing attention to erogenous body parts, tattoos, or underarms
• If you have flabby arms, skip sleeveless tops. Says, “I don’t consider my shortcomings”
• Thong or panty peekaboos
• Too much cleavage
• Short skirts
• Visible panty lines. Men, be sure to wear appropriate underwear for your type of pants. The more slim-cut the pant, the more tighty-whitey your briefs need to be
• Wearing garments with food, oil or coffee stains
• Pet hair on clothing
• Fabric snags, holes or tears. Save them for cleaning the garage
• Pilling on knits
• Underarm stains or fading colour
• An overstuffed handbag. Says, “I’m overloaded;” scuffed and beat-up bags and briefcases
• Scuffed shoes and belts. These say, “I’m tired, I can’t afford anything else”
• Buy quality socks and hosiery – they last longer and make a successful statement. Men, your socks should match your trousers. No athletic socks! What to wear with your jeans? Co-ordinate your socks with your shoes … or just wear blue socks.
• Ladies, beware of jewelry overkill. Too much will overload you and distract from the words coming out of your mouth and your overall message.

TIP: In business dress, if your outfit is simple, choose one or two accessories to be your focal point. This brings drama and power into your overall appearance. If your outfit has a “star” piece, like an unique and interesting jacket, one simple accessory will finish the look without competing for attention.

FABRIC FAULTS

• This is one of those grey areas that can confuse people, and so they often send a mixed message. For example, wearing linen in January is perfectly acceptable in a tropical climate, but for a winter climate, keep the linen in the closet until spring. It works the other way too: wool overcoats in the summertime? They send the style message of, “I’m unsophisticated.”
• Avoid combining linen fabrics with fall or winter fabrics (wool, cashmere, leather, synthetic blends). Acceptable in combination with linen are silk, chiffon, cotton or other sheer, matte, lightweight fabrics, knits and denim.
• Watch out for fabrics that, when worn together, rub each other the wrong way and cause a “riding up” effect.
• Combining light and dark fabrics that leave traces on each other. Has the same effect as pet hair.
• Mixing patterns can be modern and current (Alec Baldwin’s character on 30 Rock refers to this as “power clashing”). However, done poorly, it sends a message of haphazard thinking or being out of touch. Unless you are confident in this technique, it is best to avoid experiments.
• Clingy or slinky fabrics should be avoided in conservative business as the attention will be on your form and people may not hear all you have to say.

TIP: When considering a garment for purchase, rub the fabric on itself to check for pilling. If it starts pilling in the store, leave it there.

BLACK – Everyone’s favourite neutral, a.k.a. are we going to a funeral?

Go to any business event and you’re bound to see it – an ocean of black coming at you. In an environment like that, it lacks personality, creativity and can be extremely depressing. Black has its place, to be sure, but when selecting clothing items, keep in mind that there are FIVE OTHER NEUTRALS that one can use to mix and match with any colour or print. What are they? Grey, brown, beige, white, and navy. I often get quizzical looks when I suggest navy as a go-to neutral, to which I respond, “Do you have any problem pairing any top whatsoever with your jeans? And what colour are your jeans?” So why not experiment with other neutrals as well? They all mix and match with one another and any colour can go with any neutral.

IMAGE 911 – What every closet needs

• Proper hangers. Get rid of the wires. Thick plastic hangers will do the trick; satin padded, velvet and wooden hangers are the cat’s pajamas. At the bare minimum, blazers and suit jackets must be hung on sturdy wooden hangers to keep their shape.
• Space to fold items. Sweaters should be folded and not be hung as they’ll stretch out.
• Pill shaver and lint brush. They can be acquired at most drugstores and can breathe new life into a pilling or fuzzy garment.
• Mesh laundry bags. Perfect for washing dedicates and sweaters with ease in the washing machine.
• Fabric steamer. They save time on ironing and can keep dry clean-only garments fresh for longer.

By looking good and feeling great every day, you will project confidence and give yourself a silent advantage over the majority of people you’ll meet along the way. Having consistency in what you say, wear and present to others instills trust, builds rapport and creates an understanding that is unspoken. Your message is the result of what you say and how you say it, successfully combined with what you don’t say. Now go get ‘em, Tiger!

Strengthening your core is about more than going for washboard abs – though a six-pack doesn’t hurt. Having a strong core reduces the likelihood of other injuries and lower back pain while stabilizing your spine. For this month’s Deskercise, we offer a few quick moves for your core.

Strengthening your core is about more than going for washboard abs – though a six-pack doesn’t hurt. Having a strong core reduces the likelihood of other injuries and lower back pain while stabilizing your spine. For this month’s Deskercise, we offer a few quick moves for your core.