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.

Black is the traditional color for men’s evening jackets, as is the color white in the summer. Trending for younger men are evening jackets in a wide variety of colors, worn with black evening pants, a white shirt, and a bowtie. Evening jackets in bold patterns with a black background are also increasingly popular. Michael Barkin of Stitch and Heart has always shown his style by wearing different and unique evening jackets. They look smart on him and reflect his confidence and style.

Shirt collars have gone back and forth—from collars with buttons to collars without buttons. There are several advantages to wearing a shirt with a button-down collar. Collars that button down are easier to wear and look tidier. They also are easier to maintain. Collars without buttons look more casual. They can also look sloppy when the collar flops down. Collars without buttons require more caretaking, such as ironing and spray starch, to remain crisp looking. When in doubt, choose a shirt with a button-down collar.

Years ago, men’s suits typically came with two pairs of pants (even in the mid-price range). Today, even high-end suits do not. Now, the company Hickey Freeman will let customers order a second pair of pants. The company Ted Baker from London made a smart choice to offer a pair of pants that matches their suit offerings. In the current world of dressing in business casual attire, men might wear a matching jacket. More often, though, they just wear the pants that match the suit jacket component. Companies are wise to offer the ability to purchase clothing separates for men. Ted Baker of London wants to sell suits with the option of buying a second pair of pants—going back to the days when this was customary.

Gravitas means showing decorum, dignity, or seriousness. It is an important trait to display in order to make a positive first impression and to stand out in a crowded field. First impressions happen quickly—and the chance to make a good one is quickly lost. Recently, I attended a fundraiser for a presidential candidate who is not a frontrunner in the race. The candidate rushed in late, tried to pay attention to her supporters, and attempted to smile easily. Although the candidate has long-term success in the political arena, and the ability to overcome a less than stellar first impression, she should have handled her entrance differently. Instead of rushing into the room, the candidate should have taken a moment in the car to set the tone, preparing to walk confidently into the room. She should have paused upon her entrance and waited for the crowd to settle (they would have because she did). In addition, the candidate’s smile looked a bit weary and her clothing choices did not look fresh. Taking time in the car to change into a new jacket, while her staff managed the crowd, would have been wise. It was a missed opportunity for the candidate to show gravitas and to make a strong impression.

Body language, meaning how we stand, the way we walk in a room, and the pacing of our steps, all speak to our confidence. In my favorite movie, Star Trek, I noticed the difference between the way Jim Kirk (now played by Chris Pine) walked onto the bridge and the way Dr. Spock did it. Despite the difference in approaches, both characters radiated an air of quiet confidence.

Watch the difference between first class and premier status boarding passengers the next time you people watch at the airport. Think about how you compare and who might you select as a role model.

Megan Markle’s designer, Clare Waight Keller, head of Givenchy, designed Megan’s wedding dress. She was quoted in NYT Styles’ Q&A on the fact that clothes convey meaningful messages. Also, Oprah says clothes connect you to the world.

What one wears should make you feel good. Clothing messages a quick assessment for the audience about how approachable or even intimidating you are as well as whether or not you possess style. While Clare doesn’t feel this way, she confirms some think fashion and clothing as frivolous. I emphatically agree with Clare. Clothing sends a statement about all of us!

Gray hair, either the salt and pepper combination or pure white, for men and women has become more popular. Not yellow tones, though! Folks with auburn hair tones need to stay away from coloring that highlights yellow whites.

Most folks who capture their color in the eyebrows will look the best because it highlights true coloring. Gray eyebrows work well with those who have natural gray tones in the hair and even better with an accent of the natural hair coloring before going gray. The role of the eyebrows is to capture the eyes. Strong eyewear frames can offset gray eyebrows.

Leggings are back in full force. I love them because they feel comfortable for workouts and just running around in and out of the house. Jennifer Lopez has taken the look to the extreme by wearing lounging or bedroom clothes as street wear.

They are too casual for business or workplace casual. Skinny jeans and pants can be like leggings when they are too tight. If they bunch up around the knees and hip areas, you might as well wear leggings!