What do your clothes say about you?

If you think clothing isn't important, think again. In this ultra -competitive professional climate, your image is everything. Whether you like it or not, your clothes speak for you; they can say "successful, confident, polished" or they can say, "lazy, uncreative, and out-of-touch." You may not be able to control everything in your career, but you can control how you present yourself to the world. I'd like to share a quick story that perfectly demonstrates the importance of personal style: A client called me in a panic. Rumors of lay-offs were circling her office, and she realized that--if she wanted to keep her job--she needed to step up her game. Naturally, she compared herself to the handful of coworkers in her same position, and she realized that, while her job skills were top tier, she was the worst dressed of the bunch. In fact, not only was she the worst dressed, her clothing was affecting her performance: she often avoided client meetings, because she didn't want to be seen by others. She felt embarrassed by her clothes on a daily basis (the day she called me, she walked out of the house wearing two different shoes), and she was becoming a wallflower. Bottom line: she didn't feel confident or good about herself. Many clients experience stress, frustration and anxiety when their outward image does not accurately reflect their personality or ability. This disconnect is common (although it often goes undetected for years, like a dormant virus), but--luckily--it is easily rectified. One month after taking control of her wardrobe, my client received several new business opportunities, and it seems the everything in her life is falling perfectly in to place. She put herself first and--SURPRISE!--her career started to blossom, she started dating someone new, and (most importantly) she feels energized because the image she presents to the world is an accurate reflection of who she really is. That's no small thing. So, I urge you: take stock of your wardrobe and contemplate the image you are projecting to others. Ask yourself the following questions: #1. Do I like my clothes? (seems like a silly question, but how many of us can truly say Yes?) #2. Do I feel confident when I leave the house every morning, because I know I look good? (everyone deserves to feel that way) #3. Will my wardrobe help me get ahead? Am I reflecting the best possible image to my co-workers, clients, bosses and friends, or do my clothes say, "I don't care"? #4. Do I feel anxiety about getting dressed in the morning, and/or do I spend longer than 5 minutes putting an outfit together? (getting dressed should be very low-stress) #5. Do I waste a lot of money on clothes that I never wear? How many items in my closet still have the price tags attached? #6. Do I have a good grasp of what looks good on me? Do I know what colors and styles are most flattering? #7. Am I stuck in a rut? Do I shop at the same stores and buy the same things over and over? (many of us default to a "uniform" that is simple, yet unexciting, and don't know how to break the cycle to try new things). #8. Do I need help creating a signature style that fits my lifestyle and budget? --- Looking polished does not have to cost a fortune and may be the easiest and best decision you ever make for yourself. Whether you chose to work with a professional or take matters into your own hands, you cannot afford to neglect your personal style. 2009-02-05T21:44:45Z