Your purse or briefcase should never look too big or overstuffed. An over-stuffed bag is bulging at the seams. In today’s world, the person carrying the essentials only, looks like a person in control as opposed to being controlled by too much “stuff.”
Essential items include a cell phone or PDA (which serves as a phone, camera and calendar). Next are your grooming items like a comb, lipstick and face powder. You will also need a wallet for cash and cards. The last item for the brief case is a portfolio and maybe a laptop.
Keep it simple. Carry only what you need. Not only will it make life easier, you will appear to be more in control.
Choosing the right jacket for a man depends on several elements. First of all, it does not matter how tall or how short you are. Go for the right fit whether you wear a jacket in short, regular or tall sizes. Consider these tips:
• Jacket length: The back of the jacket should always cover your butt.
• Jacket shoulders: The shoulder should always end at the point of where your arms meet the shoulder. It does not matter if the shoulder is a relaxed or straight style jacket.
• Jacket lapels: The lapels are a matter of fashion style but the lapels should balance your chest size meaning if you have a wide chest portion wise chose a wider lapel.
If you use these tips when selecting a jacket– you will always look like you are wearing a custom fitted item.
The biggest challenge most folks face in the business world is protecting their professional brand. The most significant mistakes begin with being careless with their image. Here are the seven most common areas of neglect:
1. Lack of impact- Appearing nondescript because of poor facial expressions (lack of a warm smile)
2. Weak body language- Slouching which shows lack of confidence
3. Inappropriate clothing choices – Business casual does not mean beach wear.
4. Old fashion style shoes- Tips too round or square
5. Ragged cuticles and nails
6. Chipped nail polish for women
7. Dated hair style
Your professional brand must always appear current and appropriate for your industry. You never know whom you will meet at any given moment.
A presentation uniform is a set of clothing you wear only when speaking to a group.
This outfit must be in the best condition. It must also be able to relate to your audience. Here are a few tips to help guide you to make the appropriate clothing choices:
• Color- Check the color of the room so that the color you choose you will stand out and not blend into the background.
• Fit-Never too big, Not too tight
• Reveal-Never wear anything too revealing. That means no cleavage for women.
• Boldness- A tie should be distinctive but not so bold it becomes distracting.
• Appropriateness- Know what is appropriate for your group. Is a suit necessary if it is a formal presentation? Or will it be a jacket with a companion pair of slacks or skirt for an informational one?
Remember these simple tips and be remembered for your talk instead a fashion faux pas!
