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.

Civility and being courteous is important in every aspect of our lives. Everyone is diligent most of the time. However, folks sometimes forget politeness when they are waiting in line to check out after grocery store shopping.

Here are some check-out lane do’s and don’ts:

Do:

• Remember patience
• Let someone ahead of you go first if they have one item and you have a week’s worth of groceries
• Ask questions about items prior to queuing up in the check-out lane 
• Have your credit card, check or cash handy

Don’t:

• Interrupt the cashier when they are waiting on someone else
• Check out in the 10 items or less lane when you have 15 in your cart
• Search for the 13 cents at the bottom of your purse
• Use a credit card in the cash only lane

Remember that civility is paramount, especially when you are in a rush to check out.

When you do this, in addition to doing the right thing, you will be a role model for others

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.

Comfort should never be sacrificed with shoes. In a recent interview with female celebrities, it was pointed out that they will go on a three day or even a week diet/body cleanse so they can look their absolute best when walking the red carpet.

But, all too often, they make a mistake with their shoe choices. Their clothes may fit and they may look their best but it does not matter if the shoes are uncomfortable.
 
Men and women do not have to give up comfort to wear a business-like shoe even when they are used to wearing flip flops or sandals. The shoe designers have gone the well beyond the extra mile to ensure shoes feel comfortable.

There are wonderful brands for women such as ECCO, Munro, Anyi Lu, Earthies and Aquatalia. For men you have Ecco, Cole Haan Air and Bass. You can look sharp and feel great in the appropriate shoes(other than flip flops or gym shoes!).

A question about boots came up in a class I was recently teaching. Specifically, is it proper to wear dress boots when you are in front of an audience? This is a fashion statement and the look happens to be very popular today. 

A few things to remember so that you will be making a fashion statement and not be a fashion disaster are: This style works best in cold weather, in front of an audience of women and with a longer skirt rather than a short one. If you are going to wear boots with a short skirt, the top of the boot must come very close to the hem line of the skirt. Wear dark hose to match the boot.

Follow these simple rules and you will make an elegant fashion statement.