The fashion industry, along with major designers, have the consumer on a merry go round. Styles change as we speak. They are dictated even before the clothes are in the stores. When the clothes make it onto the rack, another change begins. Before chasing after what is new, pause, and wait. Contemporary clothing items are not always timeless. They can quickly look dated. One example is the cut of a jacket. The trend for men has become much slimmer and tighter around the shoulder; it almost looks too small on a man. The classic style is much fuller; however, it can look dated. Move toward the middle – such as a relaxed fit, especially in shirt styles. It is important to choose a trendy item or accessory. For men it might be a shirt. For women, it might be the print on an item. Check social media, and especially the business magazines, for professional ideas.

Wardrobe choices can define a person. The choices often display a level of positive attitude that says I belong and have a seat at the table. Clothing choices should somewhat mirror those around the table. However, they can also say a lot about your personal style. These individuals wear their clothing with confidence – especially when a word is not spoken. Their presence speaks. The fit of the shoulders, the sleeve length, the color choices, and the item selection show that the individual is not a carbon copy of someone else. Wardrobe choices can help an individual create a presence when they walk into the room. They are authentic.

Eyebrows are becoming significant. In 1995, while working for a major organization, I was asked to give individual sessions with their managers to offer quick tips to help them strengthen their presence. Nearly 90% of the advice had to do with their lack of eyebrow care. Their eyebrows were either too thick, too thin, or non-existent. Fast forward to today – and women have gotten the message due to the promotion of all the newest and latest hype over eyebrow products. So, what do your eyebrows say about you? In Stellan Skarsgard’s acceptance of his supporting actor Golden Globe for the film Chernobyl, Milos Forman, the filmmaker, said, “I have seen many of your films but never remember your face.” Skarsgard realized nobody could tell if he was angry or sad. Skarsgard had the make-up designer, Daniel Parker, make him a set of eyebrows for the film. So, what message are your eyebrows sending?

Toastmasters is an organization that can help improve speaking skills. They offer templates to craft many different types of presentations or messages to be delivered. One of them is how to deliver a thank you speech after winning an award. Acknowledging those who ensured success is important. An acceptance speech is not a forum to air grievances or promote matters that are unrelated to the award. Instead, adding a succinct anecdote about the journey on the path to success is meaningful and appropriate.

Jackets can have very different looks and send different messages depending on the fit, fabric, and color. Some jackets send a message of authority; others send a message of approachability. Softer fabrics, more relaxed fits, and a companion piece often make you look more approachable. When choosing a new jacket, here are some tips to take into consideration:
Dos:
A jacket must fit at the shoulders. The length on the sleeve should fall to the top of the palm of the hand. The length of the jacket should cover the widest part of one’s hip.
Don’ts:
Avoid jackets with zipper closures as they tend not to be flattering around the hips. Jackets that are too tight across the chest might also be too tight around the hips.

Professional pictures should be updated every three years or sooner, especially if there is a drastic change with hair color, etc. I am ashamed to say, like the plumber who has a leaking faucet, that I haven’t updated my picture in five years. First, in my defense, I like my current picture. So why change it? Pinterest is a wonderful resource to get ideas for poses, color choices in wardrobe, and thoughts for what you want your picture to look like. Looking at ideas ahead of time, helped me to be more relaxed and focused on the pose, clothing choices, makeup, and facial expressions – such as how big of a smile works best. Using my camera to take selfies for clothing choices, makeup, and eyewear choices before the session took place helped ensure I was well prepared. Attached is my new professional picture.

The coming of another year often finds people making resolutions. Eating healthier. Exercising. Getting more sleep. Many of us have a hard time sticking to our resolutions. A few weeks into the new year, we’ve already broken a resolution or two. Here’s a resolution that’s simpler to keep though – revamping your wardrobe. And the beginning of a new year is the perfect time to start. One way to begin is by getting some clothing racks (the Container Store often has them on sale). Bring all your wardrobe pieces together. (Marie Kondo suggests doing this part by piling all of your clothes on your bed) Next, organize your clothes first by style and then by color. Inspect each piece of clothing for wear and tear. Start making piles. One of the piles is for clothes to take to the cleaner. Another one of the piles is to donate. You may need to make difficult choices. Consider, as Marie Kondo would say, whether the item of clothing brings you joy. Ask yourself whether it sends the appropriate message for your work or lifestyle. Don’t forget to consider, even more importantly, whether the item fits. A goal of your wardrobe revamp is creating a first go around of pieces for a week’s wearing. Bring in a consultant or a close friend to help if needed.

There’s an old saying that “silence speaks volumes.” It’s true in a way. Silence, in response to a question, sends two messages – either the unknown for the viewer or a lack of confidence or unprepared speaker. Silence can also in show power and intimidation in certain situations. Silence and facial expressions will send a message about the speaker’s confidence or lack of confidence. Being prepared, by doing a few exercises, before going into a meeting will help prevent silence when asked a question. I remember watching an interview with a former television anchor. The anchor stated he went through a series of voice exercises by talking out loud and quoting a few tongue twisters before the program started.

Gym shoes, tennis shoes, athletic shoes . . . they go by many names. The athletic shoe trend for women started years ago with women wearing them to work and then changing into work shoes (professional styles). At that time, white was the mainstream color and was considered to be the most practical. Shoes didn’t come in the variety of colors they do now. Now, 20 years later, athletic shoes come in a wide variety of colors and patterns—from neon green to white, which is currently very popular. We even see fancy athletic shoe designs for brides. What is the right style and color to wear? There are no hard and fast rules for sneakers. Keep in mind these guidelines: comfort, fit, and feel. Also consider the appropriateness of athletic shoes in the situation and the shoe’s appearance. Some people like slim, lightweight styles. Others like bigger, clunkier styles. If the shoe fits (the time and place), wear it.

Roger Love, the number one singing and speech coach for celebrities, recommends speaking in full sentences to help prevent the “ums” and “aws”. Pauses are a great tool to use to prevent filler words and ramblings. Engaging the audience will also help bring focus to the conversation and help pace speech. Racing to talk causes filler words. It is best to think before you speak, use a pause, or just say “give me a moment to gather my thoughts”. Strong statements build confidence with the audience. Avoid beginning sentences with the words “I think.” Instead, use the end results as a beginning. For example, instead of saying “I think we should use . . . “ say “We should use . . . “ Keeping these communication tips in mind will help build confidence for you and for the audience.