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You Are What You Wear: How to Send the Right Message

Shopping Expert Anna and Kristina

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You think you look comfortable, but you actually look disheveled if…

Your figure is hidden by too many layers.
You wear a bulky sleeping bag of a coat that covers you entirely.
Your shoes tend to be worn or appear sloppy.
Your clothing is shapeless, ill-fitting, damaged, wrinkled, stained, or stale-smelling.
You typically wear predominantly dark, don’t-look-at-me colours.

Solutions:

Take a good look at your wardrobe and throw away anything that you don’t wear or is on its last legs, creating space for new ‘life’ in your closet.
Focus on the basics and purchase a few things that fit you well and that you can wear all the time.
Choose a coat that you can wear frequently and that shows off your figure.
Lightening the tone and colours of your clothing will lift your appearance.
Mend damaged items to bring a little self-love back into the picture.
Dry cleaning will rejuvenate still-wearable items at a much smaller cost than buying brand-new ones.
Scarves and inexpensive jewelry will add some flair and breathe life into old clothing combinations.

You think you look professional, but you actually look unoriginal if…

You choose monochrome or bland two-tone colour schemes, often combinations of black, grey, navy, and white.
You opt for conservative, unimaginative uniform-style dressing.
Your shoes seem clunky and are neither comfortable nor stylish.
You lack eye-catching accessories of any sort.

Solutions:

Move away from black! It can suck the life out of your appearance.
Including patterns and textures will increase the interest of your look while retaining a more corporate-friendly colour scheme.
If you’re going to wear more conservative clothes, picking a more powerful colour will keep it modern.
Have suits tailored to fit your shape so that you look elegant instead of generic and boxy.
Wearing shoes with practical heels but elegant toes will offer the best of both worlds.
Jewelry is a great way to add personal flare and distinction while keeping your outfit refined.

You think you look sexy, but you actually look sleazy if…

You wear big gaudy heels or over-the-top boots.
You have an exposed midriff.
Your clothing tends to be too tight or too short.
You wear partially transparent garments with underwear showing through.
You tend toward elaborate accessories that look tacky.

Solutions:

Keeping your underwear out of sight will make it a pleasant surprise when finally revealed. The old adage less is more is best!
Fitted but not too-tight tops will accentuate your curves without exposing every bump and fold. Also try V-necklines that draw the eye down – it’s sexy and refined without giving everything away.
You can still wear high-heeled shoes but keep the toe rounded – this will amplify your figure while retaining an air of elegance.
Show off your legs, but keep the length of your skirt respectable.
Chic tights are a great way to draw attention to your legs without showing the entire length of them.

You think you look trendy, but you’re actually trying too hard if…

You look like a walking advertisement.
Your clothing pieces are mismatched and uncoordinated, brought together solely by the fact that they both bear fashionable labels.
You choose pieces that aren’t selected for fit, creating an unappealing silhouette.
You opt for unnecessary ‘bling’ and fur trim.

Solutions:

You can still wear designer clothes but use your discretion! Mix them up with other pieces to create a more dynamic, interesting look.
Ditch the showy “must-haves” that appeal to those with no originality.
Vintage pieces can be a great way to offset up-to-the-minute label items and make them seem more playful and original.
Look for design, not logo – it’s more sophisticated.
Designer jeans are a great way to wear something sharp without having a label or name written all over it.
Add unique accessories to amp up your personal style but don’t go overboard – if you’re wearing a big necklace, keep your belt subtle and visa-versa.

You think you look old, but you actually look much older if…

You wear matchy-matchy colours, often in bland pastel tones.
You choose high necklines that seem stiff and matronly.
You like formless, baggy cardigans or sweaters.
You wear high-waisted skirts and dresses, often with pleats.
Your shoes are boring, practical, flat lace-ups.

Solutions:

Show a bit more skin, even if you’re flat-chested.
Wear cuts that emphasize the torso just below your breasts – it’s always the narrowest area of a woman’s upper body.
Pants with wide trouser legs look more modern.
Non-floral patterns can add some pizzazz without looking like a granny cliché.
Classy slip-on shoes and sandles such as ballet flats are timeless and practical.
Wear jewelry, but mix up how you place it. Read current fashion magazines for ideas and mix older pieces with new ones for a fresh feel.

INTRODUCTION

Clothing broadcasts many messages about you. We rely on it to make quick assessments of each other so when we dress unintentionally, we risk being pigeonholed before we even speak. By aligning our clothing with our personal and professional goals, we can change the kind of attention we get and the way our actions are interpreted by others. Here are a few ways you can makeover the messages your clothing may be sending.