Wardrobe Personality

Baroness Margaret Thatcher

It is with sadness I hear the news that Margaret Thatcher has died today.  Whether you admired her or not, as the first woman to become the leader of a political party and then to go on to be the first woman Prime Minister in the UK there are some things us women can learn from her “signature look”.

Margaret Thatcher changed her style over the years and learnt to understand what suited her and what she felt comfortable in. Her wardrobe personality type was very much a classic – romantic. She enjoyed her power dressing skirt style suits but softened them with romantic pretty blouses. As a woman who worked in a man’s environment she learnt to have clothes to suit her and her position.

What are the things we can learn from Baroness Thatcher’s style and approach to clothes:

1. She knew what styles complimented her shape and that she felt comfortable in
2. She was always well presented, neat and tidy
3. She bought quality, value for money, with very good tailoring
4. She chose a few classic items as her key pieces that would last and added several blouses that would mix and match with her classic suits and add variety
5. She wore dresses and coats when travelling so that her outer coat looked fresh and pristine when she stepped off the plane to meet other foreign leaders
6. Her evening wear was simple and elegant and skirts could be mixed with a variety of tops
7. She always ensured she looked her best 7 days a week, as she worked 7 days a week, and she was aware that she never knew who would see her
8. She chose block colours and wide shoulders to compliment her shape, only changing the details of sleeves and nothing was exaggerated in her styles.
9. Her accessories (shoes, bags and jewellery) were very good quality, classic style to reflect her wardrobe personality and always went with all her outfits.
10. She was conscious to always have a budget. Margaret Thatcher’s style may not be our own wardrobe personality or suited to the business we are in, but we can all learn how to use the principles for a good basic wardrobe that will be the foundation of looking simple and elegant as a professional woman.

At all times, Baroness Thatcher was able to look professional as well as look feminine.

Larger & Curvaceous Women

Twice a year we have “London Fashion Week”. Do the designers consider larger framed and middle-aged women? Sadly not, it seems that designers are taught how to design clothes for small framed or underweight women and for the very young. Yet the women who have the most surplus money to spend on clothes are generally larger than size 10 and in the 40 + age group.

So you can imagine how pleased I was this year to hear about  ‘London Plus Size Fashion Weekend’. The designers that were represented at the event covered various wardrobe personalities and one of my favourite Creative Romantic designers was there, Carolyn de la Drapiere, who sells affordable bespoke as well as ready to wear  items in wonderful luxurious fabrics. Carolyn designs all items  – dresses, tops, skirts or shirts for any occasion.

Other brands included Anna Scholz, Pauline et Julie, Simply Be, Scarlett & Jo,  young designer Syreeta Badu as well as Swimsuitsforall. It is great to see great fashion concepts and ideas for all sizes and let’s hope the fashion buyers in the High Street are taking this on board!

Looking great when with someone special, especially on Valentine’s Day is important.  Here are some tips to help you make the occasion extra special:

1. Dress comfortably and be yourself – your wardrobe personality. Think positively – feel, think and show you are beautiful (beauty varies and we are all beautiful, just in different ways).
2. Dress appropriately for the event e.g. pub, dinner, sports event, party.
3. Dress nicely (dress up a little more than normal and be sexy but not over the top).
4. Wear something that gives you a confidence boost e.g. favourite shirt/top, shoes or accessories.
5. Look neat, tidy and well maintained all the time.
6. Avoid too much after shave or perfume, the person may not like it.
7. Don’t last minute shop, stress yourself out and then buy the wrong items.

Finally, remember to smile and enjoy yourself. If you are treated then remember to say thank you!

As an image consultant I regularly mention how we all judge people within the first few seconds of meeting on appearance, voice, mannerism and behaviour. Your personal image is a picture of you; your image is like an advertisement. What you see on the outside is an indication of what is available on the inside.

Your image is something that tells the world about who you are, therefore it should be impressive enough to capture the attention of the beholder.

The way we dress, how well groomed we are, our tone of voice, our body language and how we behave all give out messages about the type of person we are.

The Language of Clothes

The items of clothes we wear are indications of our personal identity, reflecting our age, sex, culture and personality. Whether you are interested in the language of clothes or not, you will find that you first notice (either consciously or unconsciously) how a person looks. Our posture and dress give out messages and if someone mirrors our own style we deduce they have similar attitudes, beliefs and values to ourself. We are therefore more inclined to relate to people of similar style.

It is important that we dress our best, in a style that reflects our personality and that we feel comfortable and confident in, so we show the world who we truly are.

Consider:

• How do you want to represent yourself?
• Do your clothes fit you well?
• Are you well groomed?
• Do you give out positive body language ( good posture, smile, eye contact)?
• Do you speak with confidence?

Why look average when you don’t have to. It is important to stand out from the crowd, but in a positive way?

What you look like affects your reputation as well as your business or employer’s reputation.

Imagine you are on a poster, what message do you want to give out and then check yourself in the mirror each day before you go to work, or visit friends and family, and see if you give out the message you really want to.

If you need some advice or help then call me and I will advise you how I can help.

Choosing a Winter Coat

Depending on your lifestyle and budget you may well find that one winter coat does not fit your entire lifestyle, as you may have different needs for different occasions. You may need a coat for commuting to work, taking the children to sports events or a smart coat for formal occasions. Whilst there is no doubt the most important one will be the “everyday coat” and this one may be for work, general out and about or going for walks.  Whatever you wear it for, it is the one that will get the most wear and will need to suit all weathers and last for a long time.

Everyday Coat

It is worth paying extra for this coat as it will then last for years and it is worth looking in the sales or when department stores offer mid-season discounts. It needs to be a style to suit your wardrobe personality and lifestyle, so that you feel comfortable and confident. A good tailored coat, in a style complimentary to your body shape, height and in a neutral colour that compliments your skin tone, will always look good on you. Add different scarves to change the look. The length of the coat is also important; a long coat can drown you if you are short, whilst the most complimentary is the knee length.  However, chose a length to suit you and purchase a size that allows for the items you wear underneath. If you are buying a coat to wear to work over a suit the best thing is to ensure you wear a suit when you go to try the coat on.

The “everyday coat” is best in a classic style and then have an extra coat for other occasions in a more trendy style.

Styles this season for Men

• Key trend this season is double breasted and knee length for a smart winter coat, however if you are more suited to a single coat then there are some 3 button styles around (it can be more slimming).
• For a more casual look there are parkas, pea, waxed, padded & quilted coats.
• Quilted and leather trim is also on trend.
• Fur collars are fashionable especially on high end designer styles.
• If you have always loved westerns you may even want to treat yourself to a poncho!

Fabrics & Textures You Enjoy

Wardrobe Personality

Buying Clothes

Washing Instructions

Each season it is important to check out your wardrobe, discard clothes you don’t wear or are too worn out and organise the wardrobe. It will then be easier to find the clothes you need every day. Learn to mix and match the items and make a list of what you need for the season. This way you will not buy items you don’t need and you will be much more focused about what to look for when shopping in stores or on the internet.

An Ideal Wardrobe

An ideal wardrobe is one that works hard for you and that suits your lifestyle, budget and makes you feel radiant every day! It doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Like any project it needs some organising and planning.

Ensure you have the basic items and that they fit you well e.g. jackets, trousers, jeans, white or cream tops or shirts – Women skirts, LBD or a colour to suit you.

Have a variety of fabrics that you enjoy wearing, together with a selection of accessories which will change your look for work and other various occasions.

The ideal way to obtain a successful wardrobe is for Appearance Management to visit you at your home to review what you already own and get your wardrobe completely organised that suits your lifestyle. During the wardrobe assessment, we will discuss which styles of clothing and accessories work best for you, how to mix and match your items and make more use of them.. We will also work with you to identify what pieces you may want to add to your wardrobe to complement your lifestyle.

First Impressions

You  know the saying “You’ve only got one chance to make a first impression”. Well, that is especially true on a first date. We all make quick judgements even if they are subconscious. The way we dress gives out messages about our personality, so ensure your dress reflects yours and that you not only look great but feel great. It is important that you are confident, relaxed and making the most of who you are and what you have. Simply concentrate on your good aspects and you will look good and have genuine appeal.

5 tips to consider:

1. Where are you going? Is it a dinner, the cinema, drink, not sure? Look like you have made an effort but keep it simple. Nothing too extreme. Wear comfortable shoes if you are going to be walking very far or ensure you have good transport.
2. Dress to suit your personality – are you conservative, creative, sporty, casual? Then dress to express this. Simple and stylish clothes with the right accessories of your choice will express your personality!
3. Dress to compliment your shape and colouring – show your good aspects and wear colours you enjoy.
4. Good Personal Grooming – ensure your clothes are well pressed; shoes clean & in good condition; hair, nails and hands clean and well maintained.
5. Avoid too much perfume or after shave – the date may not like it and it may also be too overpowering.

If your wardrobe personality does not appeal to them then no doubt you were not made for each other!

Welcome to Wardrobe Personality

Have you ever wondered why one person’s idea of smart dress is completely different from another’s?

The way we dress is a strong indication of what we are like as a person.

• Why some people are quite flamboyant with their clothing whilst others can be very
  reserved or casual?

Do you have friends or colleagues that are always in a rush and are more often than
not late for events or meetings?

Do you notice how some people are very detailed whilst others look for the bigger picture. How some people like change whilst others do not.

Understanding our Wardrobe Personality

Did you  know that we each have a ‘Wardrobe Personality’ and that understanding this is key to achieving a look we are really pleased with? It confirms why we like dressing in the style we are comfortable with and yet may be different to our friend, family or partner. It also helps us to show the world who we truly are. Wardrobe Personality is about revealing your natural personal fashion style and feeling great in them. When you understand this it enables you to choose  clothes, which make you feel absolutely great as well as looking great.

It helps you to understand how to get the  most use out of your wardrobe, by appreciating your own sense of style and what  fabrics, styles and accessories you enjoy wearing. It increases your self esteem and you have the confidence to adapt your appearance to suit various occasions and your moods.

When you wear clothes reflecting your Wardrobe Personality you bring out the best of yourself and people will notice you for who you truly are. You also stop making mistakes;  ultimately you save yourself a lot of money and have a wardrobe of clothes you enjoy wearing.

Your appearance has a direct and powerful effect on how you are seen, the impact you make, and the successes you achieve in business and in your private life…every day!  When we achieve a look which is completely right for us something amazing happens. It gives us energy, we feel great, our spirits lift and we are much happier in our clothes.

If you would like to find out which Wardrobe Personalities you are  why not  complete the following questionnaire

W.P.Questionnaire – 6 – Men

W.P. Questionnaire – 6 – Women

For full details and information on each wardrobe personality type; plus information on what brands of clothes suit each type, then consider purchasing the book  ” Being Truly You Discovering Your Own Unique Wardrobe Personality.”

We live in a competitive world where giving the right first impression can make the difference between being taken seriously or not. Within the first few seconds we all subconsciously make a judgement about one another.  It is, therefore, vitally important we  ”look the part.”’

Looking the Part

When we look the part we command attention, stand out from the crowd and look successful.  This helps us achieve success  and respect whether from our clients, colleagues or bosses. Just think how James Bond, despite the various actors in all the films, stands out and people notice him. We can also stand out from the crowd for the wrong reasons when we get it wrong and end up looking unsuccessful, lacking in confidence. This can lead to missing a promotion or losing business and respect from our collagues and bosses.

Actors often say “When you put on the right clothes it helps you to become the part”.  Always think about ‘your part’ when deciding which clothes you are going to wear.

What do you need to think about:

• What kind of business do I represent and what is the company’s brand.
• What is my wardrobe personality type e.g. classic, chic, creative, dramatic - dress to suit my personality and still reflect the divison of the company I represent.
• What is the occasion e.g. an important meeting which needs an authoritative look or friendly and approchable for networking, then dress in the style and colours of clothes to suit you and the occasion.
• Ensure you are well groomed.
• Walk in with confidence and have positive body language.

Finally remember to smile.

Picture credit: http://www.palzileri.it/it/

London shop – http://uk.westfield.com/shop/stores/palzileri/london?retailer=37374