My favorite colors are black and gray. When worn in in jackets and outerwear it gives me comfort and very easy to mix and match with other colors. However, when photographed wearing these colors, I look dreadful. Wearing reds and bright colors will always photograph well. How do I counteract this, is to wear brighter makeup and a bold lipstick?  I have many dull pictures of myself in these dark colors and learned a bold lipstick with make my skin look alive.

Eye wear can say many things, authority, playfulness, drama or creativeness. Shape and color will also set the stage. Today’s eyewear continues to change in style daily and more folks have more than one set. Years ago, a well-known host of a cable show set her brand with the style of her glasses when heavy frames were just becoming the style. Now depending the person, their daily and special occasions eyewear has many looks for different occasions. Just be sensitive to the style of choice your audience will understand.

Especially now on Zoom. A person’s face is always the star of the show. Hair, jewelry and clothing choices are what should frame the face. How you look someone in the eye and smile will say it all. Yes. from a distance, we notice the posture, color and some style choices now in virtually more so.

A signature brand can be a color that is recognized as belonging to an item or person. Take McDonalds, for example. McDonalds’ signature colors are red and yellow. Apple’s signature is the apple with a bite missing. For Anna Wintour of Vogue, it is her hair cut. Eyewear has now become an easy way to make a statement and be a brand. For Simon Sinek, it is his colorless eye frames. Consider choosing a color or jewelry pieces that can be worn constantly.

In the middle of a global pandemic, new etiquette rules must be considered. One must be aware of local guidelines as to the number of people allowed at gatherings (currently fifty people or fewer in Illinois). Always indicate on the invitation that wearing masks and social distancing should be honored by attendees. This means a mask is required and attendees must stay six feet apart. Offer masks to those who attend without a mask and indicate, in a non-confrontational manner, that masks must be worn. If someone chooses to not wear a mask, let them know it is for their safety and the safety of others and they will not be able to participate without a mask.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg served as a United States Supreme Court Justice from 1933 until her recent death. She was the second women to serve. Ginsburg was a small woman in stature. Her statement collar necklace became famous. It served in many ways as a tie for the men in the court. A necklace collar is one that surrounds and lays on the collarbone like a collar. It can be of cloth or metal and have stones or jewels on it. In a recent Brother to Brother episode (Drew and Jonathan Scott Show on HGTV), the judge wore a collared necklace of metal, bones, and a pendant. It was a statement piece. The necklace drew the attention to her face. A word of caution, the statement collars adds to one’s image. It is not the only image.

Statement necklaces are coming back into style. In virtual meetings, the statement necklace draws the eye to the face and gives a brand statement. A statement necklace is a necklace that represents the person wearing it. It is a piece of jewelry that has versatility. It can be worn time and again with many different shirts and tops. A statement necklace can be made of gold or silver metal or semi-precious stones or gems. It never looks cheap and it has a way of catching the eye. A statement necklace is elegant and timeless.

We often talk about reviewing, paring down, or purging our wardrobes. It is equally important, on an annual or semi-annual basis, to consider hair products, makeup, and other grooming tools. You may need to refresh or get rid of such items. They often collect bacterial quickly. Use the following link to determine shelf life for products. https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/resources-consumers-cosmetics/cosmetics-safety-qa-shelf-life

Colors have different hues and tones. Imagine the color pink. Pink is red with white added–more red or white will cause it to be darker or lighter. Pink with a drop of yellow can become peach. For individuals with olive skin tones, peach may be a color to avoid, as it can give a washed-out skin look. To test a color, put the color next to your face. If it adds color, the hue works; if it washes the color from the face, add more color to the face (make-up or lipstick) to make the color of the item work. Colors add pop and style. They can bring attention or vibrancy or can take away and make individuals look washed out and tired.

I have just become a fan of carrying a backpack. I prefer a slim backpack, not a large bulky one. For many years, I carried small bags, large bags, or purses and used a briefcase as a carry all. Using a backpack for everyday is a workable all-in-one solution. A backpack can easily be carried and many of them feature a small pocket in the front (with easy access) for a cell phone and keys. They are deep enough to house a portfolio. Some backpacks, like the Tumi travel backpack I carry, have white linings inside, making it easy to see and grab an item. Backpacks also can be carried on one shoulder and allow the freedom to use two hands. They also free up your hands if you like to carry another bag. Slim backpacks fit close to the body and do not hit someone’s face or body when you turn around. In short, when considering your next carry all for work, consider a backpack.