Earlier this year I went to a women’s networking event. I joined a conversation of two other women and ended up talking to a “20 something woman,”who was a graphic artist. The only thing I can remember about this young graphic artist besides her profession was the blouse she was wearing. She apparently had gained some weight and her blouse was too tight. Horizontal creases had formed where her blouse was especially tight over her bust area and the buttons down the front of her blouse were so strained they looked like they were about to pop open.
My eyes kept being drawn back to those “about to pop buttons.” She had unknowingly created a focal point with the strained buttons and the horizontal creases of her shirt. I was looking for a graphics artist at the time but this young woman’s appearance kept me from trusting her. I never told her I was looking for a graphics person.
My automatic thought was “If she isn’t willing to take the time to put on clothing that fits her, she is not going to take the time to do good art work.” She had managed to “instantly discredit herself,” by wearing clothing that was was too tight.
Wondering what will give you instant credibility? Here are four suggestions.
- Create visual harmony by repeating hair, eye and shades of your skin color in your clothing
- Wear three layers. This means a jacket or vest over a shirt or blouse. (This will make you look more authoritative and if the jacket or vest follows your body line it can hide figure challenges.) If you have a defined waistline choose a jacket or vest with vertical darts. If you do not have a defined waistline choose a jacket without darts that is not fitted. For a more “relaxed,” jacket look, use a cardigan or an unbuttoned blouse over a shell top.
- Before you leave the house look in a full length mirror and make sure your face and eyes are the focus point.
- Wear clothing that fits you, not too tight and not too loose.
Do you have any tips to share on how you create ” visual credibility?”
Nancy Goldblatt, the “Wardrobe Wizard of Baltimore,”was professionally trained by Color 1 Associates as a “Personal Image Consultant.” She specializes in teaching people how to shop in their own closets first before they purchase new clothing. She uses color analysis, as well as face and body shape analysis to teach her clients how to create “their own best looks.” She can be reached at Nancy@WardrobeWiz.com/ 410-513-9496, Her website is www.WardrobeWiz.com/ She works with both individuals and groups. She is now offering “Online Makeovers.”