Style & Image For The Everyday Man

2009-09-24T16:39:00.000-07:00

http://www.imgconsultant.com/
Style hint #3, 9-24-09

http://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffpetersilimgconsultant

Looking for work, hoping for a promotion, or just want to stand out in the crowd?

Sometimes it's the simple things that get us noticed. But, getting noticed can have both negative and positive PR. If you are reading this, I assume you are tired of the negative and would like to stand out in a positive light.

Here is an extremely simple, but powerful tool. Look at your shoes, yes that's right, look down. Ask yourself, are they suitable for the workplace or the interview I am going on? In other words do they match the outfit, are they clean, free of scuffs, and polished?

Back in the day our fathers and grandfathers all had buffing machines or at the least they had cloths, brushes, and polish. If some of you think back I am sure you can even picture the silver buffer with the red brushes, but I don't see them anymore. I remember watching my dad shine his shoes with pride every time he and my mom went out; when was the last time you did that.

Oh sure, some of you might do your own or maybe you take them to a shoe repair guy but the rest of you don't even give them a second thought. I remember those tall chairs and watching the business men getting their shoes done, they looked so powerful to me. It seems that this has become a lost art, but one that I want to bring back. There are several kits that can be ordered online, or you can just pickup the basics at stores like Target.

Trust me when I tell you that people notice your shoes, probably more women than men, but they will get noticed. This is one of the easiest fixes, but in my opinion, one of the most important ways to improve your image and make you stand out.

IMAGEin the possibilities

jeff@imgconsultant.com

2009-09-22T21:39:00.000-07:00

Style hint #2, 9-22-09

http://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffpetersilimgconsultant
Hi,
A client of mine recently asked me a few questions, here they are.

Question: I am tall and thin, what is the best type of dress shirt for me?

Answer: You would probably do well in a fitted shirt, but I suggest trying on a few different manufacturers to see which fits better. Also, make sure you find a shirt made for tall men so that the shirt stays tucked in.

Question: Is there a particular pattern that I should wear in my dress or casusal shirts?

Answer: I don't think you will have a problem wearing most patterns, so long as they do not clash with other patterns that you are wearing.

Question: Is it acceptable to wear the untucked shirt style to the office.

Answer: While there are shirts that are specifically manufactured for this reason, it would depend on the dress code in your office. For the most part these styles are acceptable with a pair of khakis and the nicer styles can even be worn with slacks. There is, however, the other untucked style which consists of either a dress shirt or polo shirt, usually worn with jeans. Again, this depends on your office's personal dress code but it is usually acceptable for casual fridays.

IMAGEin the possiblilities

jeff@imgconsultant.com

Style hint #1, 9-15-09

2009-09-15T16:00:00.000-07:00

http://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffpetersilimgconsultant

Hello, and welcome to my blog. This is my first go at this kind of thing, so please bear with me as I delve into the technical unknown.

I have created a consulting firm, Image Management Consultants, to help any guy develop his own personal image and style. Each week I will post a style hint or answer questions that have been posed to me. We can discuss clothes, etiquette, hygiene, design ideas, or even a good recipe or the right bottle of wine.

Please post your questions or comments to my email, jeff@imgconsultant.com, and I will respond by blog or by return email. If any of you need a closet overhaul or need to shop for a particular occasion, I am available; I am also happy to be your personal shopper.

Question:

What is acceptable attire for business casual?

Answer:

To start with, this traditional Friday event has made its way into everyday attire in many organizations. You may hear different answers to this question due to what is acceptable in the office you work in, but I feel there is only one answer; NO JEANS. Some bosses, managers, and owners will wear jeans and even tee shirts to work, but that doesn't mean its right for you. Assuming you are a conscientious worker then you are giving 150%, staying late, and jumping through hoops hoping to be noticed; but don't forget, most of your co-workers are doing the same. You want to be looked at as someone who has a little something extra on the ball, you want to stand out and jeans just won't cut it. What I suggest is nothing too fancy (you don't want to go over the top), but just a little something extra at very little cost. In fact, you probably have this stuff in your closet already.

Khaki's, also known as Dockers, are a comfortable cotton pant and the perfect fit for this situation. They come in many colors and can easily be paired with the right shirt and shoes. Please make sure that you are wearing the appropriate waist size and that they are not, as we called them when we were kids, floods. Pleats or flat front is your choice, but in these type of pant especially, I prefer flat front; I don't like to see the boy scout tent when I sit down.

The shirt you choose can be short or long sleeve, must have a collar, and may consist of a pattern. But let me be perfectly clear here, the Hawaiian shirt style does not count as a pattern, neither do loud prints or any form of advertising. A Polo, or golf style, is also acceptable as long as the collar is laying down well and the color is not faded; this means that shirts that are faded on purpose by the manufacturer are not acceptable.

As for the shoes, please wear a comfortable loafer or dress shoe, lace up or slip on are fine. Make sure they are kept up well, clean and shined, and that they match the outfit and the belt color. Yes the belt color, so if you are wearing brown shoes you must match the same brown in your belt. Keep the belt simple, no large buckles and no cracks; it is a good idea to have different belts for different style outfits.

IMAGEin the possibilities

Jeff