Image Update Workshop
Did you know, that when people meet you for the first time, they form up to 11 different opinions about you in just 60 seconds? Things like how successful you are, how much money you have..even your moral character! And most of this is based almost entirely on how you look. You never get a second chance to make a good first impression.
Obviously then, you want to project the best image possible because how you look affects how you're perceived. And it also affects how you feel about yourself, when you look good, you feel good!
So what does YOUR image say about YOU? Are all of your business suits and dresses 'safe' neutral colors like beige and navy? Do you know what colors look best on you? Do you accessorize your outfits the same way each time you wear them? Let's explore these and many other aspects of your total image.
An image consultant understands the importance of presenting a good image and they are dedicated to helping men and women look their best. We don't want to create "carbon copy" images...we want to help you make the most of your individual assets.
Studies show that when you individualize your look, it increases your credibility because it shows that you have a mind of your own.
Components of a Good Image
To put together your best image you need to take into account 7 elements:
Color Harmony
Skin Care
Cosmetics
Body Shape
Clothing Personality
Core Wardrobing
Accessorizing
Color Harmony
Have you ever had a day when everyone asked you if you were sick even though you felt fine? This may have happened because the colors you wore that day were wrong for you. Wearing colors that harmonize with your natural coloring will enhance your overall appearance. If you are not wearing makeup and clothing colors that harmonize with your natural coloring, you will look tired and washed out. Wearing the right colors will enhance your natural coloring and give you a vibrant, confident look!
There are over a million colors in existence, and all of these colors can be classified as either cool or warm. Color Analysis will reveal whether a person has cool blue undertones in their skin, hair and eyes , or warm golden undertones. Through Color Analysis, we can further classify people by the intensity and strength of their coloring called "seasons".
There are two cool seasons - Winter & Summer. Both have blue undertones, but Winter's coloring is darker and more dramatic than Summer's. A Winter person looks best in blue-toned colors that are true, vivid and intense. There are more Winter's in the world than any other season.
Summer's are "cool" too, but thier hair color, eyes and the blue undertones in their skin are less intense than a Winter's coloring. Summer's look best in blue-toned colors that are soft, dusty and powdered.
There are also two warm seasons - Autumn and Spring. Both have golden undertones in thier skin, but the Autumn's coloring is darker and more dramatic than Spring's. An Autumn's golden coloring is enhaned by rich, muted earthtones.
Spring's also have golden undertones in thier skin, but their hair, eyes and skin tones are lighter and less intense than an Autumn. The Spring person looks best in warm-toned, clear, bright colors.
To know your color season, you have to be color analyzed (see Color Analysis page). Are you still wearing the makeup you did five or ten years ago? Do you wear the same colors and apply them the same way no matter where you're going or what you're wearing? Do you have a drawer full of makeup that looked terrible on you once you got it home? Once you know your best colors, those costly mistakes will be a thing of the past! And speaking of mistakes, you know misapplied makeup can absolutely RUIN your image.
You CAN wear more than one shadow color and look terrific if you'll just remember to blend the shadow colors carefully. If you do, people won't notice your eyeshadow - just your beautiful eyes!
The most common makeup mistake is misplaced and unblended blush. A srtipe of blush looks harsh and unnatural, and in the wrong color it's even worse!
Make sure your lipliner is blended and matches closely to your lipstick.
Wardrobe
Now let's consider another aspect of your overall image....your wardrobe. Do you have a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear? Do you wear 20% of your wardrobe 80% of the time? Believe me, you're not alone. To build the most versatile and economical wardrobe you need to keep in mind your Color Season, Body Type, Makeup/Fashion Personality, Core Wardrobe & Accessories. Then everything you have will work together!
Today, there is a great preoccupation with weight control. We're constantly comparing ourselves to the media's image of the perfect woman, who's about 20 years old, wrinkle-free and super thin. Somehow, that unrealistic image has become the norm. The actual statistics of the American female population paint quite a different picture:
Women today are taller and heavier; measuring larger if the upper arm, waist, thigh and hip area than did their ancestors. American women now average 5' 4 1/2" in height, weigh an average of 143 pounds, and wear a size 12 or 14. One in three women wear a size 14 or larger. One in six women wear a size 22 or larger. A recent magazine survey of 10,000 women concluded that 97% of those surveyed hated all or part of their body.
For too long, most of us have operated under the misconception that there is one perfect body shape. THIS IS NOT TRUE. There are four basic body types which are based on your metabolism and where you gain weight.
G-Types (Triangle) carry all their weight in their hips and thighs. They usually have a flat stomach and a prominent rear that is one to two sizes larger than the top. They tend to gain weight in their rears and thights, and are prone to saddlebags while their stomachs remain relatively flat and thier waists small. G-Types should always wear shoulder pads to broaden their shoulders and balance their hips and choose styles that focus attention on their small waists. Other good fashion choices include: Pleated Pants, Blouses With a Lot of Detailing & Jackets that Cover the Hips. Dark colors on bottom and bright colors on top drqw the eye upward, focusing attention away from the hips. Meryle Streep is a perfect example of a G-Type that knows how to dress for her body type. You'd never guess she's larger below the waist than above!
A-Types ( Wedge) should focus on styles that show off their narrow hips and possibly camouflage a large bust, heavy upper arms and midriff. A-types have broad shoulders, flate rears, straight legs and a tapered rather than defined waist. If an A-Type gains weight, it shows in her stomach, midriff, breasts and arms with rear always remaining flat and thighs proportionately slender. Tapered dresses look great on A-Types. Big shirts or sweaters over slim skirts and unbelted chemises are also good choices. Linda Evans is a definite A-Type. Next time you see her on TV, notice how the styles she wears take advantage of those million dollar legs!
T-Types (Hourglass) that are not over-weight can wear just about any style they choose because their shoulders and hips are proportionally balanced. T-Types are the body most of us would like to have. Not top heavy. Not bottom heavy. Their figure is symmetrical and usually are fine-boned. If a T-Type gains weight, it's usually in the love handles, stomach and thighs but a small waist remains apparent. T-Types should accentuate the positive with smart tailoring. For a sleek, more sophisticated look, wear shorter tapered skirts and jackets nipped at the waist. Other good fashion choices include long, fitted jackets, unfussy blouses which prevent a top heavy look, tapered slacks and straight skirts. Overweight T-Types should stay away from belted looks, opting instead for styles that nip-in at the waist. Jane Fonda & Elizabeth Taylor are good examples of perfectly proportioned T-Types.
P-Types (Rectangle) are reletively rare and are characterized by well-shaped but childlike bodies and small breasts. P-Types are not necessarily petite or short. Their hands and feet are delicate and their heads are larger than average. P-Types tend to have a little "pot belly" even when they are not overweight. P-Types should wear shoulder pads to help create the illusion of curves. Other good choices for P-Types are peplum jackets and knitwear that can be belted. Vanna White is a P-Type who wears some of the most glamorous clothes in the entertainment industry. Nancy Reagan is also a good example.
Another consideration when you select clothing is your primary Makeup/Fashion Personality. This is an inborn preference that makes you feel more comfortable wearing particular makeup and clothing styles. There are four basic Makeup/Personalities for women - Romantic, Classic, Natural & Dramatic.
A woman with a Natural Fashion Personality looks for comfort in everything she wears. She prefers casual sportswear separates or traditional "preppy" styles. Christi Brinkly is a perfect example of a Natural Fashion Personality.
The Classic Fashion Personality prefers elegant, sophisticated and tailored styles to compliment her confident, take-charge attitude. The Classic woman looks for a timeless quality in her clothes. Jackie Kennedy Onassis has a well-known Classic Fashion Personality that's been emulated for over twenty years.
The Dramatic Fashion Personality enjoys the very latest in high fashion, even exotic clothes. Her self-assured, flamboyant character is reflected in sleek linear or artsy styles. Soap Opera start Susan Lucci obviously has a Dramatic Fashion Personality.
The feminine, quiet nature of a Romatic Fashion Personality is most comfortable in soft, flowing lines accented with ruffles, lace or ribbons. Jane Seymour typifies this fashion personality with her long flowing hair and romantic clothing that have become her trademark.
Focusing on your PRIMARY Fashion Personality will make your wardrobe easier to mix and match, and help you create outfits that better express your own individuality. Take the Makeup/Fashion Personality Quiz at my Virtual Office!
Basic Core Wardrobe
Another secret to creating the most mixing and matching possibilities and saving money is developing a core wardrobe. This core wardrobe consists of 2 suits, 3 blouses and a skirt. You can literally create dozens of looks from these 10 pieces.
Just by changing a blouse or accessories, you can expand your wardrobe options even more. Separates with simple lines in solid colors offer the most flexibility. Since you need fewer pieces you can afford to invest in quality clothing and special accessories...which will further enhance your image.
Casual Core Wardrobe
Many times working women neglect their image away from work or hectic at-home schedules prevent women from having the time they need to pull themselves together. A casual core wardrobe does not have to cost much or be time consuming to put together. Simple basics in your correct colors provide the foundation. A casual wardrobe could consist of a jacket, one pair of slacks, a pair of jeans, two T-shirts, a jean skirt and a tailored shirt. Again, by chaning accessories or adding a few pieces, you can create an infinite number of casual looks. Colorful T's paired with jeans, a nice belt, and flats alway look polished and don't take any longer to put on than a pair of sweats! Another great casual basic is a simple cardigan sweater worn with slacks or jeans. It's comfortable and will always look great.
Now that we've discussed the importance of building a core wardrobe, I'd like to recommend that you spend 2/3 of your wardrobe budget on accessories. I know that sounds like a lot, but here's why this is good advice:
Accessories give you "Pulled Together" look. The right earrings or belt can add the extra touch that turns your "clothes" into an "outfit". You can turn the same outfit into a Dramatic, Classic, Natural or Romantic look with accessories!
Now let's discuss some small changes that can make a big difference in your overall appearance!
Tailoring....and I can't stress this enough, can make a huge difference in the overall look of an outfit. Women need to expect to tailor their clothing just like men. Two women can both be size 8's, but be different heights, body type and weight. Even 1/4" can make your clothes look more expensive and more flattering. Tailoring also makes you look pounds thinner.
Another important image tip is to pay particular attention to your hosiery. Colored hosiery pulls a look together and adds a little extra sophistication. Matching your hosiery to the hem of your garment or shoe makes you look slimmer and taller too! However, if you're wearing bright colors like orange or neon pink, natural skin-toned hosiery would be a better choice. Be sure to match skin-toned hosiery to your actual skin color or go a little paler - avoid outdated cinnamon or orangey colored suntan hosiery. Many people have problems coordinating spectator pumps with hosiery. The best choice is to match your hosiery to the lightest color of the shoe. Never wear hosiery that's darker than the lightest color of the shoe or garment.
Speaking of the importance of accessories.......If you wear glasses, they are the most important accessory! Make sure they compliment your natural coloring, hairstyle and face shape.
Let's face it, this is a very image-conscious society, and how you look influences how people perceive you. Think about it. What does your image say about you?
