YOUR IMAGE, THE SUMMER AND YOU

Many years ago, in the New York Times’ Fashions of the Times Magazine, I read a quote that has stayed with me to this day. The quote is: “Every choice a woman makes sends a message, whether she intends it to or not”. This is the theme I want to address today.

Up until now I have talked a great deal about how color affects how we are perceived. The style that we put forth sends an equal or even stronger message about how we are viewed, “whether we intend it to or not”.

Many people, particularly women, believe that our work and experience stands for itself. If we are the expert in a particular area others should fall in line and accept that fact on its own merits. Or, they believe that if they deserve the raise or promotion they should get it based solely on merit. In fact, the world does not work that way. Whether it is right or not, how we are perceived, or our “image” makes a huge difference in how successful we are and how much people follow our instructions.

By discerning and becoming consciously aware of what our style is and by tweaking it in the direction we want to go we can influence how we are treated. In addition, the more we plan what we buy the greater the probability that we will optimize those items. We can “professionalize” how we approach dressing.

One of the first things an Image Consultant does when working with a client is to evaluate his or her colors. The next thing we do is to assess the client’s fashion style. Since the client is probably new to us we have a detailed, lengthy and in-depth means of doing this. But I won’t discuss this now. We blend this with an evaluation of the client’s lifestyle, needs and tastes. Today, I am, in brief, going to go over the different major categories of styles so that you can imagine yourself in them and make conscious choices in your purchases and wardrobe choices. This is one of the things an Image Consultant would do for you when doing closet clearing, pre-shopping or personal shopping for you.

We want to remember that although these are the basic styles that are recognized, we each have our own sense of creativity which emerges as we begin to utilize the structure that this information imparts. Part of that is mixing and matching styles. Part of it is just combining pieces that seem to appeal to us. That is really how we evolve in our personal style. The other thing to remember is that we can think of how we adorn ourselves as a form of artistic expression. Art is a combination of discipline and creativity. There is no great art without knowledge of the underpinnings of art and application of certain rules. So, too, is the well-planned wardrobe and outfit.

Just as color helps us to communicate a certain tone in particular situations, so does the style that we choose for a given event. According to Allyce Parsons in her book “What’s my Style” there are seven basic styles. They are: traditional, elegant, feminine, alluring, creative, dramatic and sporty. In addition, there is Universal Style, which reflects all seven of the styles to a greater or lesser degree and helps us state what we wish to communicate more precisely.

For example, someone may naturally gravitate toward an alluring style. However, if she wishes to communicate authority in the work place she may tone down that aspect of her style in order to achieve the goal of establishing the right tone in that setting. By giving thought to her natural style she is also increasing the consciousness with which she is selecting the outfit she is wearing and becoming more aware of the effect of given pieces on other people.

If you dress in a “traditional” manner, Ms. Parsons states that you will be conveying a message of integrity and influence. You can also save money because you are buying mostly classic, tailored pieces that work through many seasons. Your hair and make-up would be somewhat understated, as would your jewelry. However, all of those elements would definitely be present and well-thought-out.

If you dress in the “elegant” style you prefer the most refined, sophisticated and accomplished approach to dressing. You will be conveying poise, distinction and social standing. This is a timeless, highly coordinated look.

The difference between the “traditional” style and the “elegant” style is that “elegant” is even more polished than “traditional” and frequently is highlighted by status symbols and more expensive accoutrements. Both of these looks convey the most authority and experience. But the “elegant” look is even more authoritative than the “traditional” style and denotes a greater degree of success and status. The more status you convey, the more power you tend to wield. This is something to keep in mind when attending an important meeting or event.

The “sporty” look conveys a friendly, soft, approachable and youthful, look. The clothes tend to be comfortable and natural. This is not the style to wear when you want to convey authority. It may, however, be the perfect look for a single seeking to meet someone or for a casual date.

The next style is the “feminine style” which gives the message of caring and nurturance. This look is known to be attractive to men. It also facilitates communication due to the non-threatening demeanor of the look. Pastel colors fit this profile. Make-up, as the rest of the look, should appear soft and wistful with no hard lines or harsh colors. This look is best for social occasions and does not convey authority.

The “alluring” style is the most sexually provocative look. It is considered the most attractive to men. The main difference between the feminine and alluring styles is that the alluring style is more revealing and overtly sexual. The alluring style is fitting for a party, a gala or social event. It is unlikely to garner authority or respect in the work place.

The next style is the “creative” style. This conveys a message of innovation and an artistic nature. It says “free spirit” and says that you are a person who identifies with the artistic community and are at least a bit unconventional. This look is best adopted at art gallery shows, concerts, craft fairs and events of that nature. Please note that it is a look that shows the “fun” side of your personality and does not convey authority.

The final style is the “dramatic” style. This is characterized by a look of self-assurance and poise. This is the most “cool” way of dressing and is usually high style. It conveys a look of aloofness and power. This is the style used by many move stars. The severity of the style commands respect. Dramatic make-up is the order of the day. Extreme shoulder lines, necklines and hemlines are apparent here. Large pieces of jewelry rule. Other occupations that are appropriate for this look include people in advertising, the arts, marketing and those involved in public speaking.

Ultimately, we pull elements from all of these basic styles. However, by being aware of the “image” or message that others are picking up from the cuts and silhouettes of our clothing, clothing color, hair, make-up and jewelry choices, we can all control what we are “saying,” garner more of what we are seeking—and garner it more quickly and easily!

Merry P. Nachemin is a Certified Image Consultant and President of Extreme Elegance Image Consultants, LLC. She works with men and women to assist them in conveying the image they intend to impart in order to help them to reach their goals, hopes and dreams more quickly and easily. She can be reached at (212) 769-7996 to answer comments or questions or to arrange a consultation.

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