The main thing about organizing a closet is that it must work for the owner. However, I have seen many closets over a period of twenty years and am still surprised how disorganized they can be. Once in a while, though, I will come across one that is perfectly organized for the owner.
Here are some tips on how to organize your closet so it works for you.
If you love to mix and match your clothing:
• Arrange all the like items together: slacks, shirts, jackets etc.
• Arrange the like items by color, so all your black slacks are first, then brown, blue, etc.
This way, all the like items start with the same color arrangements.
If you tend to wear your clothes by outfit:
• Arrange your closet by outfits.
• Cluster your suits together with a top and accessories (tie or jewelry).
• Arrange your sweaters with the appropriate bottom.
The main thing about your closet is to arrange it so you can dress easily. You want to be able to look picture perfect without too much drama.
Non-pleated front slacks have become very popular. The question that arises is who should wear these slacks? And should they be cuffed?
Non–pleated front slacks have always been the usual look for jeans and casual twill slacks. Recently, they became vogue in suits for the younger man. For example, with a black suit, the no pleat style slack works with an athletically cut jacket.
Over the last five years the non-pleat slack has been tailored with a fuller leg. This allows a cuff. In the traditional no-pleat slack, the leg was slimmer with a no cuff hem.
So, should the younger man wear them and the older man not? Not necessarily. It depends how the pants fit. The no-pleat front slack is best worn by someone who has a flat stomach and slender legs. Age doesn’t matter.
The slender bodied older man may look quite sharp with non-pleat front slacks worn with a sport jacket.
The well proportioned younger man may end up wearing a pleated slack and look just as smart. Also, designers have become savvy by pairing the pleated slack with an athletically cut jacket.
So the bottom line – men wear what best fits your body type.
In a professional setting is a hug appropriate? Or is just appropriate at holiday parties?
Generally speaking, the only time you can to touch someone in a business setting is when you shake hands. However, what happens if someone wants to hug you or the urge to hug strikes you?
Female to female or male to male is not usually a problem. Even then, hug with caution. To be on the safe side, don’t initiate a hug unless you have a long term relationship with the “huggee”, and it’s been a custom for the two of you.
In a male/female situation, as a male I do not recommend initiating a hug. If a woman hugs you it’s fine to reciprocate. Remember, in a business setting it’s one hug—gentle and brief.
If you’re at a holiday party where alcohol is served, hug with caution. Many a career has been ruined because of a hug that became more of a hugggggg.
No tight squeezing, please!
Recent research by Dr. Richard Perry of Ohio State University and a team of psychologists has suggested that an upright posture affects how others see you and how you see yourself. The study consisted of two groups. The ones who sat up straight experienced more confidence than those who sat in a slumped position.
Studies have also shown that when you smile, even if you are not particularly happy, good feelings begin to flow.
So, the next time you are walking down the hall, walk straight with a smile on your face. Those around you will perceive you as being more confident.
Half the battle is having those around you feel more confident about you. When they are, it gives you more opportunities to showcase yourself and to possibly expand the horizons of your professional life.
