Your image opens doors to your career

2. You are in charge of the one thing
you have complete control of –
the way you dress for your business.

3. Your clothes are an instant messaging system
to help people predict your behavior.

4. Your success is directly related to
how people connect to you.

5. Our clothes subliminally
communicate our role.

6. But how do we react when
we don’t understand the cues?

8. “Humans persistently make biased
decisions based on minimal, misleading
and misunderstood first impressions.”
Amy Cuddy,
Social psychologist and
TED talk “power pose” advocate

9. Who do you need to be today?

10. “Projecting your message” is getting across
on the outside the best of who you are
on the inside.

11. Sadly, your work
does not speak for itself.

12. What you wear represents
your credibility and builds
trust.
And you represent the
character of your industry, your
company, and your business.

13. Are you a brand?
It’s the look and the behavior people can expect from you EVERY day.

14. Do YOU look like a manager?
Do YOU look like a leader?
Do YOU look like an authority - an expert in your
field?
“Your brand is what people say about you when
you’re not in the room.” Jeff Bezos, Amazon

15. The halo effect
What you wear directly affects the way you think, the way
you feel, the way you act, and the way others react to you.

16. Your business wardrobe strategy
Look:
• Pulled-together
• Put-together
• Polished
• Effortless
• Smart
EVERY DAY

17. lev·er·age
ˈlev(ə)rij
use (something) to maximum advantage.
"the organization needs to leverage its key resources"

18. The Plan

19. Leverage your clothing image for advancement
Choose colors that mean business for your foundation pieces
Darker colors are more authoritative than lighter
• Medium to dark navy blue
• Medium grey to charcoal gray
• Black
• Medium to dark burgundy/wine
• Camel, khaki, or taupe

20. Use bold colors as contrast or to
purposely attract attention and
send a message.

21. What’s a color palette?
A limited range of colors used in a visual medium
that are visually appealing.

22. Choose classic business design elements as
reflected in your company’s dress code
• 2-piece business suit
Or
• Coordinated jacket and pants or skirt
Or
• Sheath and jacket
You represent the company brand, so plan your
business wardrobe style around it. Yes, it’s possible!

23. Classic jacket shapes
Chanel,
Cardigan,
Bellboy
Blazer,
One-button Military Motorcycle Double-breasted
The tailored structure of a jacket’s design
subliminally asserts your power.

24. Pant styles
Leggings Skinny ankle Straight-leg Slacks Flare-leg

25. Choose solid color fabric accented by small,
abstract patterned fabrics
• Solid colors imply formality, believability, and professionalism
• Patterned fabrics should still look professional. Florals imply informal.
• Fabrics need to be checked to be certain they are not too sheer for
office credibility.

26. Choose a solid color or small-patterned
blouse or top
Keep in mind, the less skin shown earns more respect – anywhere
credibility is important. This guideline is global, encompassing all
industries, government and religious buildings.

27. Accessories accentuate the outfit
adding a final touch of style
Jewelry should ADD to the overall outfit not merely draw
attention to itself. If it distracts attention from your face
you’ve blown it. (see below)

28. Real-life example: Anna

35. A few examples:

38. The goal is to look professional and credible.
Is make-up really necessary?

39. Great, but how do I do this for myself?

40. Start with a color story

41. Navy suit
Start with a
basic piece
in a neutral
color

42. Add one seasonal color to build on

43. Makes it a casual look

44. Next season

45. Cardigan takes the
look to casual

46. Gray suit

47. Cardigan takes the look
to casual

48. Cardigan takes the
look to casual

49. Add additional interest with textures
Knits
Grain
Leather or
patent
leather
Mohair/wool
Tweeds
Leather belt

50. Marlene Dietrich - Hollywood femme fatale
1930
“I dress for the image -
not for myself, not for
the public, not for
fashion, not for men.”

51. Build an intentional wardrobe that
consistently tells people who you are in your
business life – and watch what happens.

52. Get on your stairway to greatness today
with a strategic plan to win

53. Strategic Style Group
832.707.9339

55. • Target
• H&M
• Zara
• Banana Republic
• Ann Taylor
• Loft
• Talbots
• Modcloth
• J.McLaughlin
• Nordstrom – Classiques
Entier line
• Macy’s
• White House/Black Market
• J. Crew
Where to shop
Always ask, “Do you offer free alterations?”
• Brooks Brothers
• Saks
• Karen Millen
• Bloomingdales
• Hugo Boss Black
• Pendleton
• Theory
• MM.LaFleur
• Lafayette 148
• Nina McLemore
• Daniel Lawson - 35dl.net
• Armani