According to Sunninghill resident and personal stylist, corporate image consultant and wardrobe stylist, Dominique Wolf, the way you dress influences the way people treat you.
Wolf explained that despite hearing it a million times, the age-old saying that people make an impression in the first 10 seconds of meeting you is true. “It’s human nature, we live in a very superficial world and the better-looking person will get the attention first, not to say that they will get further in life as it takes more than just looking good to be successful… but they may be noticed first. At some stage you will need to up your game, you will not get up the ranks by looking sloppy,” Wolf said.
Wolf added that it was vital to dress well in the professional environment.
She provided the following tips for men and women …
For the men:
- Own a pair of leather shoes:
Invest in quality leather shoes that will last you a long time and polish them regularly for extra longevity. Steer clear of square-toed shoes – rather opt for a more tapered or pointy toe. Always match the leather and finish of your shoes with a good leather belt.
- Fit is everything:
Don’t be afraid of the words fitted or slim. This just means that they are contoured and fit much better – on any body shape – than baggy or box-like clothing.
- Lose the slogan T-shirts:
Avoid T-shirts that are branded to the nines. Rather choose a slight v-neck or colours that really suit you to get attention.
- Choose button-up jackets.
- Own a good white shirt:
A crisp, tailored white shirt (or two) can be dressed up with a suit or dressed down with jeans, but they never go wrong. Update every season if you wish, but make sure you always have one handy.
- Buy quality denim jeans.
For the women:
- Own a few amazing white collared shirts:
They are gorgeous with tailored pants, a pleated skirt or a pair of jeans. This is an absolute essential and one of the most versatile items of clothing you will ever own. Find a tailored white shirt with a slight stretch and replace it as soon as it is not pure white anymore.
- Invest in a body shaper:
No matter how skinny and cellulite-free you are, there will be a time in your life when you will need a body shaper of some sort. They give you a perfect line and bump-free silhouette and make you feel taller and slimmer instantly.
- Pair loose with tight:
Team skinny jeans with a vest and oversized blazer and your wide-leg culottes with a skinny vest or a peplum top.
- Dress for your body, not your age:
Accentuate your good bits and don’t draw attention to the bad.
- Make a list before you shop:
Don’t list what you want to buy, but rather list your 10 favourite items in your wardrobe. This way, you will be more likely to buy things that work with what you already own.
Details: www.thestylecoach.co.za
