GUIDE TO LOOKING YOUR BEST FOR SUCCESS
(DRESSING FOR SUCCESS IS ONLY PART OF THE PICTURE!)
By Deborah Stone, Principal/Owner – Beauty GPS
Being Fashionable and Updated…
It’s not brain surgery but it does require a little bit of work. No worries…you can do it!
First of all, get on board with the concept. We all know people make judgments in a flash. If you look your best, your first impression will really count. Who wouldn’t want a head start?
Second, commit to being flexible…just because you’ve done something one way for years doesn’t mean it works best for you.
Here are some basic tips that can guide you in how to dress, wear your makeup and your hair.
CLOTHES
1) Determine what cut of clothes looks best on you. For example, if you carry extra weight in the rear, stay away from A-line skirts and dresses. A straight line will be more flattering, for example pencil skirts. If you don’t have many curves, you can wear the A-line skirt.
2) Don’t just wear black. I know it’s easy. And black is great. But if that’s all you wear, it’s boring, and you’ll always look sort of the same. Break it up a little. Bring other colors into your wardrobe.
3) Keep it simple.
a) You don’t want too much going on in your outfit when you’re working. It can be distracting. I know patterns are popular, and if you like them, don’t pick anything too busy. If wearing a skirt and blouse, wear a pattern on one but not the other.
b) I prefer separates over suits. Separates allow you to mix pieces in multiple ways and make your outfits more interesting and cost effective.
4) Accessorize! This is where you can bring some trendiness into your look. Don’t go overboard, but a few accessories can make you look distinctive. A great-looking scarf, a belt, an interesting necklace…all of these will help you stand out in the crowd.
SHOES
1) Don’t wear flats with skirts or dresses. A little heel gives you height and is more flattering on your leg.
2) If your legs are a little on the heavier side, wear a pointy toe, not a round toed shoe. Pointy toes make your leg look slimmer…round toes make your leg look heavier.
3) In the fall and winter and into early spring, boots are ALWAYS in style and look great with skirts, dresses, and pants.
HANDBAGS
1) Your handbag should go well with what you’re wearing. That doesn’t mean you’re handbag must match your shoes, but if you’re basically wearing chocolate brown you should carry a chocolate brown handbag. I know it’s a pain in the neck to change handbags. Do it anyway.
2) You don’t have to spend a fortune on a handbag. There are lots of places that carry relatively inexpensive bags that look great.
MAKEUP
1) Wear it! Let’s face it…it gives you color and makes you prettier.
2) If you have full lips, you can wear dark lipstick. If you don’t, dark lipstick makes your lips look thinner and you’re better off with a light to medium shade.
3) Be careful with blush. You don’t want it to look like you’re wearing too much color on your cheeks. Have someone at a makeup counter show you the best way to apply it.
4) Choose natural eye shadow shades. It’s really not appropriate in the workplace to wear heavy dark colors on your eyes. So, skip the bright blue and go for a soft color that complements your eyes.
5) If you’re older and have some heaviness in the eyelid, stay away from a lot of dark color in the crease.
For a more personalized approach, call Deb at Beauty GPS-410-971-4077. She’ll help you navigate the beauty maze, effortlessly.