Clothing can make someone look thinner or heavier. It can also be a confidence builder or a self esteem destroyer. When someone tells me they hate wearing a piece of clothing, 99% of the time it is the fit and/or feel of the garment that’s the problem.

How fabric feels against your skin is the main source of whether you feel comfortable or not in your clothes. Most of the time, unless you are allergic to wool or cotton, natural fabric will feel best.

Acrylic fabrics are problematic. They sometimes itch and definitely do not breathe. Polyester has come a long way especially if it’s blended with a natural fabric.

Following are three tips to ensure any piece of clothing you wear will boost your well being especially during a major personal or professional event.

1. It must be appropriate for the occasion.
2. It must feel comfortable (At the Golden Globes you could spot the folks who did not feel right in their outfits – they looked uncomfortable).
3. It must fit. If the apparel is too big or too snug it will not feel natural.

You clothing must showcase you. When it does, you will feel confident in all situations. In fact, you will feel like a star.

The latest craze is white teeth. America has always been in love with white teeth partly because we equate white teeth with good health and good looks. We sometimes envy the folks in our lives and celebrities that have the one million dollar smile.

Many products exist that we can purchase to whiten our teeth. It’s also one of the most popular procedures that dentists perform. However, when your teeth glow, look fake or are so white they blind you, it doesn’t look good. So, be careful when whiting your teeth. You always want the end result to be natural.

Today, we are bombarded with heavy perfumes or just bad odors. And one of the worst first impressions occurs when you meet someone and they smell offensive. Here are some tips to ensure that you smell fresh and pleasant.

One of the worst offenders are cigarette odors and food smells, It’s very hard to mask those odors but carrying fabric softener helps. You can freshen up clothes just out of storage or in cleaner bags too long, by airing them in the bathroom with the shower running or putting them in dryer with scented fabric softener.

To prevent having strange and offensive odors, don’t eat food in the car, use very light cologne, sit far away from the kitchen in restaurants and stay away from heavy smoking areas.

Another odor offender is bad breath. Always carry breath mints or mouth spray.

You want your first impression not to be spoiled by the emission of an unpleasant odor.

Believe it or not, it is becoming more popular for men to color their hair. I personally think gray hair looks great on most men. However, it can create a less than favorable impression at times.

For example, when Jay Leno’s hair gets a bit too long it makes him look older. When President Obama’s hair shows too much gray it makes him took weary. Men’s hair does not color the same way a women’s does so it is critical to have the job done by a professional who specializes in coloring men’s hair. Also, remember to make sure the style looks smart and contemporary.

Color or no color when a man has a bad hair day it zaps his confidence. This has been proven in the Yale Gender Communication Lab study on men’s’ hair.

The New Year gives us an opportunity to make changes that could help us be more personally and professionally effective. This is the time to reflect on the positive and the not so positive things.

What almost always causes failure is that we tackle too many things while setting our expectations too high. So, I recommend selecting reasonable goals. For example, if you want avoid getting behind with projects, set a time table that provides a cushion to finish ahead of schedule. This way if you run late, you will still make the deadline.

Another example is that if you resolve to be more consistent with your networking, establish a schedule and partner with another person for support.

Remember, “Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, any one can start from now and make a brand new ending.” Carl Bard.

I have been always told that when you’re given a gift, it’s the thought that counts. However, what’s the best way to handle your surprise when you receive a gift and are clueless as to why the giver ever thought you would like it?

This is the appropriate time to remember it really is the thought that counts. First, smile.

Then, here a few things you might say:

• “This was so thoughtful of you.” Then quickly describe how you are going to use it.
• “I am so surprised and will think of you when I use it.”
• “I was just thinking about this and am so pleased you thought of it first for me.”

The number one thing is remember is to reach deep down and be sincere. If you cannot say anything positive – you can still smile and say, “It was so nice of you to do this.”

Of course, always say thank you!

It can be a challenge to find the perfect gift for a valued client. Corporate policies vary from company to company. If there is not a specific policy that prohibits your client from receiving a gift from a supplier or consultant, here are a few recommendations.

Opt for sending (especially if you are running late) a New Year’s gift with good wishes tailored to their industry. Along with your wishes, the gift could be a stylish coffee table or a current business book, an uplifting music CD or even a classic movie.

Sometimes, a memorable gift is as simple as a well written note inside a holiday card. The most important thing is to remember your client who in the past has served and in the future will serve you well.

When you are a guest for a dinner party or open house in the U.S. it is customary to bring a gift to show your appreciation for the invitation. The question is, what do you give?

Plants and flowers can be tricky. One issue is finding a place to display them without infringing on carefully crafted decorations. The other is that the host may be allergic to the smell.

Food items are difficult unless you know of a favorite candy or food. It is the thought that really counts but we also want our gift to be enjoyed. Wine can be nice especially if they are wine enthusiasts and you can select a bottle they may find interesting. You can’t fail with a current picture book. Stay away from anything political.

What happens if the invitation says no gifts? Definitely honor it. You can always send a gift later. Thank you notes never go out of style. So, within a week, send a handwritten note of appreciation containing a few words that capture the memory of the occasion.

Do these things you will be a a guest to remember.

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.