Articles

Marketing / Dress for Success

The heroine describes how she decides what to wear for a critical presentation:

"I opened the closet and moved my hand across the hanger, until I got to my best Armani armor - a crow-grey suit."

There's no better way than that to emphasize the importance of the way we dress and its contribution to our sense of power and confidence.

Concepts like "Power Suit" and "Dress to Success" were born from the understanding that even while our words have great importance, the way we choose to say these words and the way we look while speaking are just as important!

The effect of our image on the people facing us is obvious, but it also affects ourselves, and is capable of driving us to success.

There is a real need to understand how fashion trends are translated into a clear personal style that also fits one's profession.

Today, more than ever before, career-women turn to consultation for help in creating an appropriate personal image.

This image will enhance one's personal assets and will better market the business package that is: Us.

So until you arrange a personal meeting with an image-expert, I have compiled for you a few basic rules that will assist you projecting your desirable professional image:

The Business Suit - The term "suit" is often interpreted as a tailored, official garment that doesn't fit Israel's climate.

You can get the required effect even with a cloth-sewn suit made from a spilled fabric in a less-tailored figure.

During summer, there's a wide selection of short-sleeved suits made from natural, comfortable fabrics.

A buttoned cotton shirt and tailored trousers will provide the desired look without effort, but there's nothing quite like a suit to enhance your professional image (Notice the effect the male suit has!).

The Figure - There should be a match between the figure of the garment and the structure of the body, but those with a perfect silhouette aren't encouraged to wear low-figure trousers and/or a naval-exposing shirt.

The impression left by inappropriate clothing will negatively affect what you have to say, even if the content is brilliant!

The understanding regarding your own body structure and what are the figures that suit that structure can add a few centimeters in height and decrease some centimeters in measurement!

Shoes and Bags - You should choose a comfortable, quality shoe and make sure its heel does not click! There's nothing more distracting than the loud tapping of heels.

Never wear flip-flops even if they are designed by a distinguished fashion designer and are worth half you salary!

You should make attempts to match your bag to your shoe. Like the shoes, the bag should also be of high quality.

Even the most expensive suit will not cover up for the negative impression left by worn-out shoes or a tattered bag!

There's a distinction between a personal bag and a file folder: The latter should be made out of quality leather with a neutral color that will blend in well with your personal bag and changing clothing.

Colors - It is recommended for everyone to go through color-diagnosis that will clarify what is one's fitting set of colors.

Choosing the right color can change even the exhausted look created by nights in front of the computer, while choosing a wrong color will highlight those black sacks under your eyes...

Within the determined color set, the most neutral colors should be selected and used to form the business wardrobe.

If red is a color that is believed to suit you, you can wear a red kerchief on your neck, but it is not advised to wear a red shirt.

Accessories and Personal Equipment - Under this definition are the personal calendar, folders, paperwork, writing tools etc.

All of these things must be organized and arranged. A lengthy searching for a pen through a messy bag during a conversation with a client can cause discomfort and hurt your serious professional image severely.

Makeup - This area is a whole other world but there are still some clear rules:

Even if you're in favor of the natural look, use some rouge, mascara and gloss of a natural shade (You wouldn't go out in the morning without passing a comb through your hair, would you?).

And alternatively - Heavy, colorful makeup distracts the attention from your speech and raises the question: "What does she has to hide?"

In conclusion, there's nothing like a real-world example to explain the power of the image:

In 1960 two politicians raced for the position of the president of the United States.

One was Richard Nixon - An experienced, skilled politician, and the other was John Kennedy - A young, politically inexperienced statesman.

At the beginning of the race Nixon was in the lead, but only until their debate, which was broadcast on television (a first time for political debates).

This television debate determined the race and became a main factor in Kennedy's victory.

The public has spoke: Kennedy's fresh and relaxed image versus Nixon's old and tired image - It was enough to tip the scales, and the rest is history...

Tali Engler is an advisor in the field of personal image in business.

Contact:

Telephone: 054-3244611

E-Mail: tali.engler@gmail.com