Glamouflage – Everyday Armor
November 1, 2013
By Brian Maynor
November 1, 2013
I have to admit I do not miss an episode of The Rachel Zoe Project on Bravo. Yes it is a lot like a train wreck, but there are some jewels and nuggets of wisdom buried underneath. One of those nuggets was the phrase ‘glamouflage’. It was uttered only once, but captured my attention and desire to claim the phrase for my own.
A simple pun on the common word camouflage, glamouflage perfectly encompasses how we wear clothes and more importantly why. Yesterday was Halloween and the article examined the psychology behind costumes, and while some of that carries over into real life, most of it does not. Here are some real world reasons why glamouflage exists and why you should adopt the practice:
1. Assimilation. When we join a company we become part of a preexisting entity. The company has a history, culture and environment we must now fit into. That does not mean we lose our autonomy, but we should place a higher priority on assimilating than individuality. Chances are you were advance faster and further if you can highlight your personality within company parameters.
2. Expectation. Not only will your industry have a set of expectations on how your look and behave, your boss will have expectations too and you must meet or exceed both sets in order to succeed. The road to advancement begins on day one. If you want to be promoted you need to look the part.
3. Fortification. Starting a new job can be stressful and intimidating. One of the easiest ways to eliminate some of that stress is by looking like your colleagues. Not only will you feel more at easy, everyone reacts more favorably to things that are familiar. By looking the part you will feel more confident and accepted leaving more time and energy to focus on your performance.
4. Impersonation. The main goal of camouflage is to disguise something to look like something else. Glamouflage is a little different. While glamouflage is used for assimilation, see above, it can also build confidence if used to mimic qualities you admire in others. Think about when you were a child and you dressed up in your parent’s clothes because you wanted to be like your parents. This concept is exactly the same.
Some days may feel like a battle, but instead of camouflage arm yourself with glamouflage. Clothes are powerful tools and there is nothing wrong with seeking comfort, strength or reinforcement from what you wear.
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I am always curious to hear about your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and help make your work wardrobe pull double duty. Email your questions, quandaries and conundrums 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.
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