While long hair has been the rage among old and young, shorter hair appears to be making a comeback. Lately I have seen women favoring haircuts to ear and chin lengths for a change. It can make for a fresher look.

If you go short, consider changing your clothing choices. Shorter hair styles can create too bare a look, especially if you have a long neck. Be sure to add collars to your shirts and the appropriate jewelry choices to balance your new appearance.

It is interesting to note that ponytails on men gave signals that they might be artists (very popular in European countries) or musicians. There has also been an uptick in ponytails for technology entrepreneurs.

The neatly kept ponytail and freshly washed hair always looks smart. As long as the rest of the person is well groomed, appropriately dressed, with clothes neatly pressed, it can be a unique look.

The latest trend is personalization with names spelled out or initials on necklaces, bracelets, rings, tote bags, purses and even sweaters.

I think initials on a bag or on a necklace can be smart. My feeling is that personalized items are great to wear on weekends or if you are in the fashion and/or art field. And one personalized item is much smarter than to wear several items with your name or initials on it.

The most important asset of your body language is the facial expression. So many times I have been asked to work with clients who have a poker face. The reason the poker face is such a negative part of body language, is that it puts up a wall to communicating. People cannot read or connect with you when there is no expression on your face. When there is a lack of emotions, there is no communications. A true leader must be able to communicate.

Here are some voicemail greetings that could stand a revamp:

• I really don’t want to talk to you but if I have too, leave a message. (trying to be funny and it is not)

• The low grunt and the name. This is after the prerecorded greeting letting you know the person is not available.

• The rushed name spoken in an out of breath sound voice – like the speaker has ran a marathon.

• The voice that sounds as if the speaker is on his/her death bed.

If you are not sure what you sound like, call in from another phone and listen to your voicemail greeting. If it sounds close to any of the above—change it!

Winter is awful on our skin. In a recent meeting, I sat across from a person who kept scratching their arms and then their neck. Pretty soon I wanted to start scratching (him and myself!) even though I take precautions not to have dry skin by:

• Using Neutrogena, Rainbath® Refreshing Shower and Bath Gel to shower in warm water not hot and then using their body oil before I dry.

• Drinking plenty of water

• Only wearing natural fabrics (cotton and very fine wools) for those allergic to wool, then only cotton.

Evening business award events generally occur at the beginning of the year which is when questions are often asked about what is appropriate to wear.

Business folks dress in many different ways for these events. I’d rather be a bit underdressed than overdressed. Women, leave the sequins at home. Men, you cannot go wrong in a dark suit (black or dark navy) and a white shirt with a dark tie. If the event says black tie option, men can wear a dark suit or tuxedo. For women, a dress or an evening suit will fit the bill.

Recently I have been interviewing folks on the phone for a special project for a client. Here are a few do’s for interviewees:

• Do give a mobile phone number that has good voice clarity

• Do give hours that you are available for an interview

• Do be able to answer questions like why we should engage you for the project

• Do apply for the role only if you have a current background in the field

• Do give a snapshot of your background in less than three minutes

• Do include impact statements (how your actions have positively affected a situation) in your background snapshot

Use these 6 do’s in your phone interview and you will have a very good chance of landing the role you want.

In the Midwest, a black tie event for men means a tuxedo. However, the trend has been moving toward an evening jacket in a color other than black. For the conservative man who wants to stand out, navy and burgundy have become options.

A good friend of mine who is very fashion forward wore one in a gold (not shiny) material. What is not recommended for a black tie event, is a plain black suit, even though I have seen some men wear them.

Recently, I was out with folks who like to have a cocktail and wine with their meals. Since for me, one glass of wine is more than enough for an evening, I usually order a club soda with a lime. I will order that glass of wine with my meal if everyone is having one.

It would be the same for a business event. For hosts, I recommend no more than two glasses of wine with one cocktail. Liquor can loosen one’s tongue which can lead to revealing things that would be better left unsaid.