Feng Shui from the Head Down!
Part Two  By Lori Dawn

Welcome to the 2nd part of this three-part series on your overall look and discovering you! 

In part one, we discussed the right hairstyle for you and your face shape.  Some of you realized a need to change your hairstyle.  Now we’re going to see if you need an update or change in your wardrobe.

No matter what style you are trying to achieve—classic, bold, edgy or professional—you want it to reflect your personality.  It’s a creative way to express yourself.  Most of the time, you don’t need a complete overhaul—just a few updates like new accessories.

Both men and women can get stuck in a time warp—not only with hairstyles but also with attire.  The overall style may have got stuck in whatever period one liked.  Can you think of anyone who still wears 70’s or 80’s fashions?  Maybe that reflects their youth, so it’s hard for them to come out of that era.  This is very common for men—especially divorced.  If you hear from your children, girlfriend/boyfriend, or spouse, “You aren’t going to wear that—are you?”  You could be called a PERIOD PIECE.

Overweight people also get stuck in wardrobe malfunction.  If you are just slightly overweight, clothes can become tight; but if you can’t bring yourself to buy bigger sizes, your weight is even more emphasized.  If you are largely overweight and wear ‘tent’ dresses, this emphasizes your weight as well.  Some people try to hide.  You blend in better if you wear clothes that fit your body and personality.  When wearing clothes that fit, you will draw less attention and will feel better about yourself!  If you find yourself wearing clothes that are too tight and your gut is rolling over your jeans, you definitely are a  MUFFIN TOP.  If you are wearing tent dresses to cover and hide, you might be a CAMPER.

A common faux pas is dressing too young or old for your age.  No one wants to admit youth may be slipping away, so some people dress inappropriately younger.  Please don’t dress old or frumpy to overcompensate for the people who dress too young.  There is an age appropriate way to dress.  If you’re constantly borrowing from your teenager—or dressing older than your age, you may be a POSER.

If there isn’t a dress code in the office, know there are unwritten rules of professionalism.  Some people get too relaxed.  Others dress too sexy.  If you wear clothes that you would wear on a date to impress, or to the beach, you may be a FLIRT or a BEACH BUM.

Some offices require their employees to wear black only.  If so, show off your personality by accessorizing.  It’s a misnomer that wearing all black is professional.  Most people prefer not to wear black all the time, so they skimp on spending money on new black clothes.  Continually recycling the same black wardrobe leads to faded and tattered instead of sharp and professional.  Money goes for colorful clothes that can be worn on days off.  If you think wearing all black is more professional, you might be a FUNERAL GOER.

Undergarments?  When did it become cool to see bra straps and whale tails?  In interviews, you’ll notice celebrities aren’t showing off their undergarments.  Businessmen don’t walk around with underwear hanging out of the top of their pants.  Take note: celebrities hire stylists to help them dress.  Stylists know what is in fashion and acceptable in public.  Watch the pros!

This is a great exercise to look more current.  Involve your teens.  If you don’t have teenagers—borrow some!  Ask them to go shopping with you.  Have them pick out clothes for you.  Rule #1—Try on what they pick!  Rule #2—Be nice to them!  You’re asking for their help.  Trust me on this one!  Teenagers do NOT want you to look stupid or out-of-date!  Nor do they want you to look like them.  This exercise builds rapport and trust.  However, if you need to dress highly professional, avoid teen mentors—they rarely wear suits.

It’s time to take a look at what you want your image to say about yourself.  Do you need an image change?  Are you changing careers from Starbucks to the Office?  Do your clothes match your personality NOW?  In short, does your wardrobe celebrate YOU?

Go ahead, give yourself permission to update, change, or be professional.  Your wardrobe can be another great expression of you!  Let your personality out.  After all, there is only one you, and the world needs to see it!  If you don’t know how, hire someone to help. There are great image consultants available.

For a change in your overall look, please contact Lori Dawn—Image Consultant & Master Hairstylist—at the Beauty Studio—33353 Temecula Pkwy, 951-3302-4800
HairByLori.com