|
>>
FEATURE ARTICLE
Five
Wardrobe "Power" Pieces
Are there
items in your wardrobe that can convey authority, status, or position
more readily than others? You bet! In fact, there are pieces you put
on every day that say more about you than you know.
If you want to
engineer your wardrobe to speak volumes about your position in this
world WITHOUT spending volumes to do so, here are the key power
pieces you need to help you get where you want to go:
|
1. A
Classic Jacket
A simple
single-breasted jacket in a neutral color and classic style can take
you just about anywhere. Paired with a skirt, slacks, jeans, or even
shorts, a jacket creates authority like no other garment can. It's an
integral part of the "power suit," with good reason: if you
conduct "serious" business in traditional fields, you need
a suit -- or a close facsimile of a suit, which a jacket provides
very nicely. |
Tahari
Overstock.com |
Even if you
work in a casual environment where jeans and polos are the rule, keep
a jacket handy for those unexpected meetings or times when you need
to establish authority. It will help you look polished and
professional in a snap.
2. A Good Bra
How is a good
bra a "power" piece?
Well, if you
walk around in one that calls attention to your chest, you're
seriously undermining your authority. And I'm not just talking to the
Pamela Anderson-types on the list. Far from it.
If the bra
you're wearing right now rides up in the back, slips off your
shoulders, runneths over in the front, back, or side, or puts your
bustline at your collar bone or at your waistline, let me tell it to
you straight: it's time for a change.
|
Between
babies, weight changes, and - um - gravity, the average woman will
wear seven different bra sizes in her lifetime. Since experts
estimate that 80% of women wear the wrong size, you owe it to
yourself to be properly fitted. Not only will the correct style and
size make your clothes fit better, it will also give you a cleaner
silhouette and can visually shave both pounds and years from your figure. |
Biggerbras.com |
To find a bra
fitter in your area, call the lingerie department of your favorite
higher end department store and see if they have a fitter on staff or
if they have one that rotates through their store on a regular basis.
Make an appointment to see her. The fitting is usually free, but you
will probably be encouraged to buy the style that fits you best. Do
so, in a color that most closely matches your skin tone.
See how the
bra works for you. If you like it, go back to the store and buy a few
more in that style. Or, if they cost more than your budget can
handle, check around online to see if you can beat the price either
in that style or one that's very similar.
3.
Immaculate Leather Goods
|
Nothing ruins
an outfit more than scuffed shoes, a mis-matched handbag, or a beat
up briefcase. They imply that you're not into details. Even if you're
not, there's no need to walk around and announce it to the world,
because it will cost you with those who are. So buy the best shoes,
handbags, and cases that you can afford in neutral colors for
everyday use, and keep them polished and in good repair. |
Forzieri.com |
You can go
cheap on the trends that you wear in your off hours, but for
business, don't scrimp. Buy classic styles in quality materials and
wear them for years to come.
4. Timeless Jewelry
|
Want to say
that you're doing well without saying a word? Wear large diamond
studs or an expensive watch. Their power is undeniable. Jewelry has
distinguished the "have" from the "have nots"
through the ages, and, depending on your position, can instill
confidence in your customers. |
Forzieri.com |
If you're in a
position that's perceived as having a high income, like an attorney,
executive, or marketing manager, for example, classic pieces will
reinforce that you've succeeded in the past and that you're worth
your fee. If you regularly interact with people who are disadvantaged
or who have lower incomes, however, keep such pieces out of sight.
They'll only amplify the differences between you and make you un-relatable.
5. Current Eyewear
|
Wearing an old
style of glasses is like wearing clothes or a hairstyle that are long
past prime: it suggests that you're inflexible and slow to change. If
you don't want to send this message, particularly with something that
you wear every day, go get your eyes examined and get contacts or a
new pair of specs that flatter your face. |
Ralph Lauren
Eyeglasses.com |
Yes, I know
new eyewear is expensive. But since it's the one accessory that you
wear all the time, the investment is really worth it. Get a pair that
works with your face shape and coloring and that goes with most of
your wardrobe.
HINT: If
you're really young or young-looking and want to appear older and
wiser, the right pair of glasses can do this instantly. Don't need
corrective lenses? Then just get plain glass. It's a trick that
actors have used for ages.
So what's
today's message in a nutshell?
When used
correctly, items in your everyday wardrobe can easily establish your
position, authority, or status. They can just as easily diminish them
when forgotten or overlooked. Since you deserve to get the most out
of life, why not use all the tools at your disposal? Equip your
wardrobe accordingly, and reap the benefits it will bring.
|
Need some more
suggestions on how to create a powerful, profitable image? Download a
copy of BUSINESS WEAR MAGIC to see how income-enhancing the proper
business attire can be,
http://www.businesswearmagic.com
|
 |
|
