Woman: Dressing for Success - Why image is important

The Significance of Image

Prepared by Shauna M. HeathmanMackenzie Image Consulting

Dressing for Success

Mackenzie Image Consulting

Why does image matter?

You only have 30 seconds!

Poor personal appearance is #1 reason to reject interview applicant

55 opportunities to feel good or bad


Barriers to a polished image


Maintain your uniqueness

What message do you want to send to the public? Job Industry/Career Location Look through the eyes of your potential client, audience or potential

employer

“What is the message I want to be sending?”

“What is the perception I want other people to have of me?”


Your three perception words


Cutting-edge Organized TrustworthySolid Warm RationalCompetent Creative ApproachableAttractive Intelligent CasualCentered Original FormalArtistic Precise Free-spiritedElegant Friendly ResponsibleDependable Expressive AssertiveFun-loving Logical Authoritative

Using color effectively

Color is often the first thing people notice

Three easy “right” colors for your personal attributes Eye Color Lip Color Hair Color

Identifying your warm or cool undertones


Selecting the “right” colors


The psychological effects of color


Gray:strong work

ethic,passive,

mature, efficient, wise, refined

Orange:

Attracts People, Fun, Energetic,

Extrovert, Adventurous

Yellow:Radiates Joy,

Attracts Attention, People

Oriented, Optimistic, Creates and

Emotional Lift

Violet:

Creative, Sensitive,

Mysterious, Self-confident

White: Clean,

Refined, Purity, Innocence,

Morality, Inspires Trust, Open to

Change

Red:Demands

Attention, Power, Confidence,

Energy, Courage, Attracts and

Excites

Brown:

Good Listener, Humble, Secure,

Supportive, Practical

Blue:Trustworthy, Dependable,

Calming, Approachable, Conservative,

Intelligent

Green: Calming, Stable, Down-to-earth,

Loyal, Hard-working,

Nurturing, Helpful

Building a core wardrobe

Analyze what you currently haveClothing mistakes – 50% waste:

A famous name brand item purely because of the logo An unusual color that coordinates with nothing or is the wrong color for

your personal coloring Fabric that is worn, stiff, itchy causing discomfort to the wearer Styles that are overly trendy That irresistible mark-down item that doesn’t quite fit … but is

rationalized by “I’ll lose a few pounds” A discount store purchases that is faded, shrunk or doesn’t quite lay

right A style that looked great on the mannequin but not for your body type


The four rules of shopping

Rule 1: Love it or Leave it Would you pay full price for it?

Rule 2: Color first, style second It’s faster to spot color than a style

Rule 3: Cost per wear Initial cost / # of lifetime wearings = CPW

Rule 4: If it doesn’t fit, it isn’t for you Prepare ahead of time


The 4 steps to success


Does this piece complement my personality, enhance my body shape and flatter my features?

Will this piece go with three different things I already own?

Can I wear this piece to three different events?

Can this piece be worn three years stylishly?

Where to start


Capsuling a core wardrobe

A capsule is a group of 6 to 12 garments selected to work together in multiple ways


Pull your look together - accessories


Accessories put the final touches on your outfits

Shoes

Neutral color shoes that match skirt/pant Basic pump with closed toe and heel 1 – 3” heel Invest in repairing

Hosiery Wear it! Sheer skin-toned or black

Last but not least - grooming


Hair Appropriate for lifestyle and occupation

Skin Tailor a skin care regime for your skin type Clean, tone, exfoliate, moisturize

Make-up Always wear it! A natural look is easy to achieve Keep colors in mind

Questions?


“One of the greatest moments in anybody's developing experience is when they no longer try to hide from themselves but determine

to get acquainted with themselves as they really are.”

- Norman Vincent Peale

Documents

Woman: Dressing for Success - Why image is important