What is Image?
ImageTips Online, Issue #28, October 2001
People often tell me that image is a very superficial thing. I respond that image is simply a form of non-verbal communication.
When you first meet someone new, before you ever say a word, that person has already made judgments about your:
- age
- education level
- economic status
- position within the company
- self-confidence
So why not use your image as a tool to help communicate your desired message? If you need to convey authority at a special presentation, wear a traditional business suit in a classic color. If it's important that people know you're creative (such as an artist), then let your image reflect that with unusual color combinations or fabric textures.
Developing an appropriate image means not only understanding yourself and how you feel most appropriately dressed, but also understanding your audience. That means you will dress differently for a meeting with the regional boss than you will for an afternoon party at your daughter's elementary school. As I always tell my workshop participants, "You'd look as out of place wearing a swimsuit to a wedding as you would wearing a tuxedo to the beach!"
Let your image speak for you.
© 2001 Marlys K. Arnold
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What to Wear Where
ImageTips Online, Issue #30, December 2001
One frequent question people ask at my seminars is, "What should I wear to a job interview?" While the ultimate answer depends on the type of job and company doing the interview, there are some basic rules to help you know what to do.
First of all, you must dress appropriately. This means dressing for the occasion, industry, corporate culture, and position within the company. Factor in the geographical location (for example, if you're from New York and are interviewing in California, you may need to adjust your thinking). And always keep in mind the message you want to be sending.
Next, you must dress attractively. This involves the artistic aspect of clothing. Your look should be balanced, in proportion to your body, and draw attention to your face. All parts of your look need to be in harmony -- including your hair, makeup, clothing and accessories.
And finally, it should go without saying that you must be neat and clean. Make sure your clothes are crisp (as wrinkle-free as possible) and don't have any holes or stains on them.
People always say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but the truth is that everyone does. So make your "cover" work for you by projecting the image of the top-notch professional you want to be!
© 2001 Marlys K. Arnold
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Just Add Texture
ImageTips Online, Issue #37, July 2002
To liven up your wardrobe, don't limit yourself to only a few types of fabrics. Instead, build a wardrobe of varying textures to add visual interest, even if all of those fabrics are in solid colors. But one word of caution: Don't try to combine too many textures. You'll be most effective if you choose one texture to dominate your outfit, with other textures being more subtle. For example, a heavy tweed blazer needs to be combined with a soft sweater or basic cotton shirt, not a heavy cable-knit sweater.
Some ideas to get you started -- For Fall & Winter:
- Suede vest to wear for business casual or weekends
- Sweaters of varying textures, from soft and smooth to heavier cable-knits
- Tweed blazers
- Leather vest or jacket (not the best choice for a business look, but fun for casual)
- Moleskin pants (feels like suede, only lighter weight)
For Spring & Summer:
- Linen jacket or pants (beware of the wrinkle factor!)
- Silk blouses for women (within this category, there are a variety of choices, from the roughness of raw silk to the buttery quality of sandwashed silk)
- Rayon shirts for men (has silk-like quality, without looking too feminine)
So branch out from the basics of wool gabardine jackets and cotton shirts! Choose fabrics with textures that create a more three-dimensional wardrobe.
©2002 Marlys K. Arnold
Marlys K. Arnold, ImageSpecialist, travels the country teaching both companies and individuals how to create a more accurate, authentic image. She is the author of Build a Better Trade Show Image and Pack Your Bags!, an interactive book on CD-ROM.
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