Before a prospective boss, client, or co-worker forms an opinion about your personality, charm, and skill set, they are initially influenced by your grooming and dress. That's why it's important to choose garments that fit--and "fitting" is one of the biggest dressing mistakes made by both men and women. It doesn't matter how much you spend on your wardrobe--if your clothes are too snug or too loose, they will undermine your professional credibility.
Projecting That Professional Image
Think about the first impression you create by wearing clothes that do not fit. If the outfit is too large, then you look sloppy. Sloppy dress gives the impression that you are lazy and inattentive to details. If too small, then flaunting your shape may seem more important than being noticed for your business talent--or you might be in denial about weight gain. Neither impression conveys the polished and professional image you want.
The key to dressing confidently is to look your best at any size.
Be aware of the pitfalls of not dressing your size. Clothing that is tight accentuates the outline of your body, making you appear larger than your actual size. This sends a nonverbal message that you have not come to terms with your appearance. People you meet will quickly jump to the conclusion that you cannot view the rest of the world clearly either. Conversely, an outfit that is too baggy makes you look slovenly and unkempt. Oversized clothes may cause people to question your judgment or raise the suspicion that you, whether physically or emotionally, have something to hide. Both visual messages are less than desirable.
Cracking the Dress Code
The key to dressing confidently is to look your best at any size. The following tips will help you avoid garments that sag, bag, cling, or pinch:
- Garments should have at least one-half to one inch of room between skin and fabric.
- When buying shirts and tops, be sure the shoulder seams hit you at the end of the shoulder bone.
- Sleeve length should fall about an inch below the wrist.
- Pants should hit the top of the shoe, causing a slight break in the trouser.
- Avoid clingy fabrics.
- If you are large on top, then avoid wearing horizontal stripes or busy patterns (floral prints, polka dots, and checks).
- Monochromatic colors elongate the body, creating the illusion of increased height.
- Pantyhose will smooth out unwanted underwear lines that can accentuate ill-fitting garments.
- Find a trusted alterations person. Clothes purchased at a department store can usually be tailored in-house for an
additional fee.
- Keep a travel-sized Static Guard handy to combat static cling.
- Trust a friend or loved one to assess your clothing picks and keep you on track.
- Be kind to yourself--discovering your true size can be traumatic.
I offered Mary my "too tight, too loose" theory, told her how to hip up her wardrobe, and armed her with a list of stores to find stylish affordable clothes. A few days later, she wrote back saying that the most revealing part of my letter concerned "clothes that fit." She was guilty of wearing her wardrobe on the large side. Mary soon went shopping and followed my lead about trying on and buying clothes that fit, even though she was nervous about letting go of her oversized look.
When she modeled the new outfits for her husband, he was pleased. Much to Mary's surprise, her husband said that her new wardrobe (which was, on average, about a size smaller) made her look younger and thinner. What's not to love about that?
Great Style Goes Beyond Size Six
Style isn't just about the way we dress, it's also about the way we care for ourselves. Diet, exercise, and a positive outlook all play a crucial role in determining how we present ourselves to others. The message is not to strive for a 32-inch waist or size-six dress, it is to celebrate and embrace who we are at this moment--for this moment is all that we have.
Personal style is our visual calling card to the world. Remember: A first impression is often a lasting impression. Smart clothing choices reveal how we feel about our jobs, our appointments, our special occasions--and, most importantly, ourselves.
