Dress For Success- The Fundamentals
June 18, 2014
By Brian Maynor
Earlier this week I had the great pleasure of speaking at a lunch and learn event with the CREW Midland’s Chapter about dressing for success, and they had some wonderful questions and thoughts on the subject.
Dressing for success is not a new concept, and one I frequently talk about here, but while preparing for the presentation I started thinking about it in a different way. Beyond the personal taste and style of clothing that varies from person to person, there are some fundamental elements to consider. Here are a few key points brought out by the members of CREW Midlands on how to dress for success:
1. Define your message. Image is a powerful communication tool because it says a lot about us in a very short period of time. Strangers; colleagues; clients; potential clients; employers and potential employers are just a few of the people looking at and drawing conclusions about us based entirely on what they see. The thought can seem pretty scary, until you remember one important fact: we control the message. We buy our clothes; we decide what to wear and how to wear it, so we are the ones who control what our image is saying. Your image doesn’t have to be a set of hurdles to overcome. Let it pave the way.
2. Plan your image. Once you know exactly what you want your image to stay, then you can start working on planning it. Look through your closet and see if your current wardrobe matches your message. If it doesn’t, pull out the pieces that are contrary and start looking at magazines; online, or in the stores for styles and looks that reinforce it. What tends to happen with our image over time is that we get lazy and complacent. We dress up for an interview and the first few months of a new job, but after that we are comfortable and settle into stats quo. With an image plan this is less likely to happen because every piece is scrutinized before you buy it to make sure it is on point. There is no slacking off when everything in your closet is consistent and works together.
3. Build your wardrobe. Do you have a closet full of clothes? Do you have clothes with the tags still on them? Do you wear the same few pieces over and over again? If you like most of us, you answered ‘yes’ to all of those questions and there is a common reason: you skipped numbers 1 & 2. Trying to build your image without knowing the message and having a plan is like shooting in the dark. You’ll have a few hits but you’ll have a lot more misses. A closet full of disparate pieces also happens if you shop for single items instead of outfits. The best way to make sure things work together is to buy them together.
Another key to building your wardrobe is to find the types of pieces that work for your body shape. We just spent three weeks talking about the six different body shapes, but if you want some personal examples of the types and styles of pieces that work for you look at your go-to pieces. There is a reason you gravitate towards them and that is because they work. Take a minute and try to identify ‘why’ they work. Once you know that, then you will be able to spend less time and money on pieces you never wear.
Dressing for success may culminate with a well-planned, polished and intentional image that is clear and precise, but it starts with a thought and a plan.
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I am always curious to hear some of your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and challenges. Please send your comments and questions to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
