Your new image - asset or liability and shopping tips

This article talks about:

• image and success
  
  
• great ways to project a good image
  
  
• shopping secrets
  

Prue Bartels, Director of The Image Centre. July 2003

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Your new image - asset or liability and shopping tips

Your appearance may be more of an asset or a liability to your professional success than you may think. Did you know that studies have shown that people who look good are more likely to be successful in life? Not necessarily are they more attractive, but they are well groomed and styled for their position in life.

Have you ever met someone with whom you didn't feel comfortable yet couldn't put your finger on what it was? Often it will be something in their appearance that just doesn't seem to gel with the anticipated image you had of that person. This can be quite disconcerting, especially if this person is someone you need to trust - such as your bank manager!

In fact, let's consider the banking industry which has traditionally been a place of conservative dress. Whilst this is essentially necessary, it doesn't have to mean boring or dull. There are many interesting looks that project an image of success, credibility and confidence. We do, however, need some guidelines in order to present this image consistently.

There are four main criteria to remember when selecting your clothing and accessories. They should:

• Complement you physically
  
  
• Reflect your personality
  
  
• Be appropriate
  
  
• Be current
  
  

Many organisations today are opting for a corporate wardrobe to ensure staff are projecting a "uniform" professional image. Not even this is a guarantee for success, however, as mistakes may still be made in the area of personal grooming.

Here are some tips to start you on the right foot:

• Look at yourself through the eyes of your clients and colleagues
  
  
• Dress every day as if it were the most important day of the week
  
  
• Think about what's on your agenda each day and dress accordingly
  
  
• If you wear a uniform, treat it as though it were a Paris original
  
  
• Reflect an image of where you would like to be, not where you are now
  
  
• For your most important occasions, don't forget your jacket!

When contemplating a new professional image, remember:

"If you continue to do what you've always done, then you'll continue to be what you've always been".

For some, this means appearance will continue to be an asset to one's career. For others, it may just be a liability.

Secrets of shopping for clothes

Would you like to have more confidence when shopping for clothes?  If your answer is yes, you are not alone. In my recent Image Survey, 88% replied "Yes".

It didn't surprise me then that only 24% have a wardrobe plan each season and that only 37% have received advice from an image consultant, two key elements of successful shopping. Below are my top 10 tips to assist you this season.

    1. Go with a plan for specific items

    2. Know your best colours and styles

    3. Set a realistic clothing budget and stick to it

    4. Do not take children with you (or anyone else who may be a hindrance!)

    5. Look your best and wear appropriate shoes & underwear

    6. Spend the most on the clothes you wear the most

    7. Avoid impulsive buys - "When is a bargain not a bargain?"

    8. Develop relationships with the sales consultants in your favourite shops

    9. Avoid last-minute or hurried shopping for a special outfit

    10. Before buying an item remember "Love It Madly, Need It Badly, Or Don't, Buy It!"

Best wishes to you!

Prue Bartels is one of the most experienced image consultants in Australia.

Trained in 1985 by international image companies Colour Me Beautiful and Always In Style, Prue has shared her knowledge with thousands of women and men through consultations, seminars, newspaper columns, radio and television. She can be contacted on 61 3 9850 7255 or visit http://www.theimagecentre.com.au especially if you would like her to help you create your new Melbourne wardrobe of clothes. Just like our Founder, Prue moved to Melbourne from Adelaide, South Australia - but in 1993 not 1994!