A recent New York Time’s article covered the late Tom Wolfe, his choice of suits, and his white suit. The white suit, while not in fashion, set him apart from the crowd. This clothing reflected his internal and external style including his writings and larger than life personality. The clothing choices also distinguished Mr. Wolfe from a group of very successful writers.

Use a signature brand, whether with clothing, or as in the case of Anna W of Vogue, her famous haircut. The individuals above possessed the stuff to back up their signature style and long-term successes throughout several decades.

Walking into a room feeling good sets the tone for the rest of not only the event, but the remainder of the day. Remember, the first  impression of the day is the one you set for yourself. As author, Malcom Gladwell, suggested, “The first impression is a self-fulfilling prophecy.”

If you feel confident, those around you will too. Good fit and the right color of clothing choices are critical to feeling good about yourself. The correct clothing formula strengthens your comfort, well-being, and self-confidence to own the room you walk into!

Project management means coordinating the time, people and materials needed to accomplish the end goal in the required timeframe. Often, problems arise. It is important to ask the question, what solution can be completed with the least amount of time and effort?

Recently, in a remodeling project, the new Hunter Douglas cordless solar shade was too wide to accommodate the panels for a cabinet. The shade could not be returned. The issue was a misjudgment by all parties involved. I took a step back and a deep breath without calling anyone names or assigning blame. New shades had to be ordered with a 20% discount. The key was to get the project that everyone could be proud of completed.

It used to be a fashion faux pas to wear hose with open toes sandals and shoes. Now, the public, especially men, have worn hose with sandals for the last five years, especially in Europe. Last year, designers began showing models with sandals wearing open toe sandals with sheer nude hose.

Don’t wear hose with open toe shoes:
• Sheer hose with a reinforced toe
• Contrasting colored hose with the shoe

Do wear hose with open toe shoes
• Sheer choices with no toes
• Sheer choices, sheer toe
• Colors that match the shoe (black with black)

These rules are flexible when wearing slacks.

Recently, I was in a retail store purchasing a large ticket item. The order taker gave the impression she was being put upon (unlike Nordstrom in Oakbrook or Kohl’s in Elmhurst). The order was taken. However, it took 20 minutes to fill and no other customer was in the store.

The color ended up wrong, the original service person was not available, and the one that was there said she could not wait on me. The store manager walked by when I was waiting and did not pause or even cast a glance my way. I realized that this was the reason for the unfriendly service people.

It all starts at the top. An excellent product will sell regardless how difficult it is to purchase but when the service people are unhelpful, any product can lose market share at least in that store. Most products can be purchased at multiple places.

A touch of color does wonders to update a wardrobe including sweaters, ties or jacket colors. Black, navy and any dark hue has become the norm for a wardrobe uniform. Adding a contrasting splash of color creates a more contemporary look. For men, the color can be flashed in a tie, pocket square and even socks. Women have many choices also, especially in jewelry or scarves.

A tailor is a best friend in ensuring the right fit in hem lengths, around the waist and the for the width of a jacket sleeve. The right fit takes pounds off a person and the wrong fit does the opposite. The wrong fit also projects the clothing in a frumpy, dated way, no matter how expensive the item.

A firm handshake:
1. Creates a first-time bond
2. Starts a relationship
3. Enables the other person to begin to know you
4. Says confidence
5. Allows sharing of a personal space
6. Is usually the only time one touches another person at work

This firm handshake is the initiator of hopefully a fruitful relationship beginning.

A fresh image projects itself when all apparel worn is pressed, stain free, and smells clean. Smells are easily picked up from the office and from restaurants. Have items professionally pressed or cleaned, especially when meeting clients or giving a presentation.

People watching is fun. Trend setters determine what styles are being worn and how the clothing is put together. In a location with high income earners versus lower income areas, clothing choices are different. Lately, however, the ill fit of too tight, too short hem lengths in pants, sleeves, and skirts and clothing either too short or long is showing up in all areas.

To ensure a fit is correct, stand in front of a mirror and look at all the hems. Sleeves hems should slightly skim the palm of the hand. On pants without pleats, the hem should dip before it hits the top of the shoe. Following these guidelines means that clothing will always look elegant.