Red acts as a fresh accent with a coat, jacket, blouse or tie. It looks great with navy, black, brown, beige and in some print combinations.

That being said, we want to avoid looking like a Christmas tree by matching red with green. A suit (with a different color blouse) is great for a woman. A totally red pant suit may be dicey unless it’s a sporty outfit (like a running suit).

I know red bags are becoming more popular for women. Also, some men are carrying red athletic bags. Just don’t pair a red bag with a red outfit. The same goes for red shoes.

Ladies, don’t wear red hose – I see the red patterned hose sometimes and it makes me think of Santa’s elves’.

Wearing red can be smart, but only in appropriate doses.

Only certain folks can wear clothing off the rack. It doesn’t matter if you’re a women’s size 2 to 22 or a men’s size 38 to 50.

Some areas of clothing can be altered without difficulty. In fact, small changes can make a difference in whether you look like a million dollars or have folks questioning if you know your clothing doesn’t fit.

You can alter the length of shirts, skirts and pants. You can also take skirt sides in. This sometimes works for jackets and light weight coats. You can also alter the shoulders and arms of any garment but they present more of a challenge.

Most major department and clothing stores have an alteration department. Take advantage of them. Your neighborhood cleaners also usually has a tailor on staff (but test them first on a minor alteration – like the hem of your slacks.)

So, if you want to look good, make sure your clothes fit perfectly.

Alter.

It is amazing to me that folks we meet who are not always the best looking or may not wear the best clothes can project something we just like. It is their smile, their body language or the way they make you the center of their universe?

I always think of Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends & Influence People” or Tony Alessandra’s “Charisma”. It’s the eye contact, enthusiastic speech, staying in the moment, sincere smile and expressive body language. If all of that shows you are interested in a person that’s all that matters.

A good friend and client had the opportunity to meet Bill Clinton. She couldn’t get over how when he talks to someone it really feels he’s sincerely interested in only them.

I know Bill has the looks. But how many times have you met a beautiful woman or handsome man who made you feel uncomfortable instead of good.

The bottom line suggests that looks are not everything. It is really about being interested in another person and using your body language, the sound of your voice and your facial expressions to show it. This trumps good looks.

So, there is hope for us who don’t look like the celebrities of the world.

In a professional setting is a hug appropriate? Or is just appropriate at holiday parties?

Generally speaking, the only time you can to touch someone in a business setting is when you shake hands. However, what happens if someone wants to hug you or the urge to hug strikes you?

Female to female or male to male is not usually a problem. Even then, hug with caution. To be on the safe side, don’t initiate a hug unless you have a long term relationship with the “huggee”, and it’s been a custom for the two of you.

In a male/female situation, as a male I do not recommend initiating a hug. If a woman hugs you it’s fine to reciprocate. Remember, in a business setting it’s one hug—gentle and brief.

If you’re at a holiday party where alcohol is served, hug with caution. Many a career has been ruined because of a hug that became more of a hugggggg.

No tight squeezing, please!

Recent research by Dr. Richard Perry of Ohio State University and a team of psychologists has suggested that an upright posture affects how others see you and how you see yourself. The study consisted of two groups. The ones who sat up straight experienced more confidence than those who sat in a slumped position.

Studies have also shown that when you smile, even if you are not particularly happy, good feelings begin to flow.

So, the next time you are walking down the hall, walk straight with a smile on your face. Those around you will perceive you as being more confident.

Half the battle is having those around you feel more confident about you. When they are, it gives you more opportunities to showcase yourself and to possibly expand the horizons of your professional life.

In watching Michael Jackson’s “This is it”, I was especially fascinated by his stylists and designers use of Swarovski crystals and sequins. I loved Michael’s gold crystal pants.

This brings to mind the growing use of jewels to accessorize day wear such as tee shirts, jackets and pants.

Glittery adornments have traditionally been worn in the evening or by performers. Not any more. So, the question arises—when is sparkle appropriate?

The general rule for a professional environment still holds. Save your sparkles for the evening and holiday events. The one exception would be those who work in creative or entertainment fields. To them, I say go for it!

Color also makes a difference – neutral colors like black, white and topaz create an elegant look for sparkles and sequins. The jewel colors- red, gold and purple- will always have a festive look to them.

Finally, if you want to have some flair but you’re uncertain as to how much, you can wear a scarf with a bit of sparkle.

Chris Rock’s new movie, Good Hair, is coming out in October. It’s about black women’s hair and it serves as a reminder that hair for most women and men can define our looks as either good or bad.

If you interviewed 1000 folks, I’ll bet 99% would tell you what they don’t like about their hair! In fact, it seems that everyone wants to have another’s hair color, style and texture. Because of that, it’s good that our personal hair style is only limited by our imagination.

These are the hair questions I receive on an ongoing basis:

• Should I dye my hair or let it go gray (from both men and women)?
• How long can hair be for women and men to still be taken seriously in a business setting?
• What is considered a comb-over for men?
• Is bald beautiful?

Do a Google search for hair. You’ll get back 104,000,000 links in about .042 seconds. This tells us hair is a personal and controversial subject of deep interest to all of us.

I have been hoping this issue would go away. I have been biting my tongue this summer each time I see a man in a Speedo swim suit. I’ll make an exception for competitive summers, but otherwise Speedos should not be worn in public by men of any age.

I acknowledge that polls show that some of those interviewed for opinions on Speedos find them hot. But I’ll side with those who find them “cheesy”. I’ll also suggest that good taste obliges all of us to leave something to the imagination.

Particularly in these recessionary times, a Speedo gives the rather sad signal that the wearer cannot afford a little more fabric.

Plus, You Tube can be downright scary when you see videos of some not so in shape bodies encased in body hugging Speedos.

Read more: http://www.tmz.com/2006/07/28/male-stars-feel-the-need-for-speedos/#ixzz0QBxk4NN2