At a recent event Dee Dee Myers, the former press secretary for Bill Clinton, talked about being authentic as women. She mentioned how often we forsake this piece of us because we want to fit in, especially in the professional world. This is true of both genders. It is difficult, especially in this economic environment, but in the long haul you will not be happy if you’re not authentic.

So, I recommend to clients to keep a log on major and minor issues. The log will help define the important situations. Secondly, take a reading of your physical being because I believe internal instincts should never be ignored. Lastly, you can always get a dose of reality by checking with a good friend or colleague. 

By keeping these check points in mind you will not have to give up your true self. Being true to yourself will help you be your professional best.

How many times do we neglect to just say thank you to a compliment? We instead offer reasons why we don’t deserve the nice words said about ourselves. It is not being modest or humble to bring up what went wrong. What you are doing is not respecting the giver of the compliment.

So, the next time someone pays you a compliment say thank you. Tell them how much you appreciate they noticed whether the comments were about a piece of clothing or a project you were successful at.

Just say “Thank You.”

At a recent event, you could tell the high level executives from the ones who were not by what they carried. For example, I travelled with a colleague who had a bunch of papers in her hands plus some other items. Was it too much? No, because she was able to carry it in a combination purse/briefcase. I understand the trend is small purses, but if you need to bring documents, a larger one is acceptable.

Then there was another attendee with a heavy backpack (she called it her office). Avoid that. The same for the roller bag. It makes one look like an assistant instead of a professional.

Since we were at a hotel, they could have checked their bags with the bellman and picked them up later. Remember less is more.

Carrying too many bags is too much baggage!

In the movie “Father of the Bride,” Steve Martin thought he could wear a tuxedo that he had not worn for a while. I was reminded of that recently while at a formal event. At the gathering there were quite a few men who appeared to be a little too “successful” for their tuxedo.
 
Here are some tips for you to be able to tell if your tux does not fit anymore:

• The pants continue to slip past the stomach
• The tuxedo shirt splits at the button holes around the stomach
• The jacket is tight around the back and around the chest.

It is easy to get a new shirt and your pants can be let out up to 3” if they have not been altered before. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to add to the back of a tuxedo jacket without creating a visible seam.

So, if you experience any of the scenarios above, my recommendation is that it may be time for a new tuxedo. You want to look elegant – just like George Cooney!

A key component of a true executive and leader is to be able to manage time effectively. Being constantly late and rushed projects a very poor image. It indicates a lack of organizational ability.

Stephen Covey has a program called “Focus” which provides time management skills. One major tip is to plan only 75% of your day. That leaves room for dealing with the unexpected. It is understood that as you gain additional responsibilities and more prestigious titles, that time becomes more important than money.

So, when you complete what you have prioritized for the day, and no emergencies have popped up, refrain from adding more to do’s to your day. Instead, use the extra time for strategic planning.

When you can do this consistently, you will be managing your time effectively.

I was recently asked what a professional travel wardrobe is. How is it different than your everyday wardrobe?

A travel wardrobe must pack easily and basically be 80% wrinkle free. It should have multiple functionality, so that the suit or jacket worn in the day can also be worn at night.

Accessories are also critical to adding a touch of panache to your ensemble. For men, it is the shirt and tie. For women it is the blouse and jewelry.

Toiletries, especially if you have a carry on, must be within the legal guidelines.

Most of all, choose colors that easily mix and match and give you a fresh, relaxed, confident image.

Today’s job market can be grim for jobseekers. So when you are fortunate enough to receive an interview, highlight what you have done.

However, what is more important is where you want to go and why. Present a vision. Support it by describing the steps on how to get there, what you bring to it and how you will bring others there.

Passion is critical. Love what you do and use that to create the ladder to your vision.

Audrey Hepburn, in the movie, Sabrina, wore a pant that ended at the ankle with flats. The trend last year moved to the same look. For example, you may have seen Diane in the TV show, The Good Wife, wearing slacks with flats.

Another trend today has been wearing the ankle length pant with high heels. This pant leg is tapered and not wide. I recommend it for a more a casual look.

You will see many versions of these pants that end up above the ankle. Unless you are a size 2 to 6, avoid those slacks. They make you look shorter and may even add weight to you.

Clients often ask how to get their body language to be inclusive and engaging without appearing too silly or moving too much.

Too many make the mistake of thinking that body language is just about arm gestures when it is really about the movement of the entire body. It begins with the relaxing of the shoulders, holding good posture and standing erect. And don’t forget your facial expressions.

Remembering these things will help you send a message through your body language which precisely matches the words you are using.

What is it about fit? Most folks appear to be careless about it. So many times in group settings two out of five individuals are wearing clothes that fit while the other three folks are not.

The following is a list of ten fit issues most folks miss:

1. Too tight in the chest area of the jacket or shirt
2. Too big in the chest area of the jacket or shirt
3. Too big in the shoulder area (this adds 10 pounds to a person)
4. Baggy pants for both men and women
5. Length of jackets too long
6. Length of jacket too short
7. Waist of jackets too high
8. Waist of jacket too long
9. Sleeve length
10.Trouser length

Do not purchase any jackets where the chest or shoulders are too big or tight. You might think you can fix them but in many cases, any alterations will cost more than the item. An exception might be if it is a vintage or a keepsake garment.

Alterations are key to wearing a garment that fits well. It is very rare that someone can purchase an item that does not need some type of adjustment.

Depending on the area you live, the alteration can range from $30.00 to $60.00. So, you have to decide how much you want to spend on altering an item before considering  buying a new one.

Following these guidelines before you purchase an item and before you spend money altering it will help ensure you will be among the two out of five whose clothing fits well. Then, you will stand out in an elegant way.