Do you look as good as you could? Do you believe people see you, as the person you really are or are your clothes sending a different message? Unfortunately you are judged by how you look as soon as you enter a room and long before you get the chance to show the real you. Would you like to be seen as smart, elegant, classy, self-confident, knowledgeable or, common, careless, plain and unnoticeable? The good news is that you have a choice simply by choosing to dress in a way that looks appropriate, suits the situation and the image you want to portray.

Knowing how to be a smart dresser does not mean that you have to look like a super model, be slim, rich or even have great looks. It does mean that you know yourself, your assets and how to accentuate them. Knowing and wearing the latest styles and designer labels will not assure that you will gain an edge in your career nor will it automatically create a favorable image. Constantly dressing in the latest fashions quite possibility could create an image of an empty, attention seeking personality. This is not an image that will propel you forward in your career.

Here are a few suggestions to start you in the right direction:

1. Choose a wardrobe that works for you (your activities) and suits your personality. Dont try to be someone else or keep up with the latest trends. Start by wearing styles that suit you (not fashion models everything looks great on them, thats why theyre models) and accentuate your assets.

2. Get to know the colors that look great on you. Wearing the wrong colors (a mistake most women make) will make your skin look sallow, drab and lines and wrinkles will stand out. Before you purchase an outfit decide if this is a color that will make you look vibrant or sick.

3. Wear appropriate clothing. While at work dress professionally which means not wearing tight pants or skirts, low cut tops, short skirts, stiletto heels, lace or metallic blouses or heaven forbid fishnet hose.

4. Casual dress does not mean sloppy or that you have a license to wear anything you throw together. Even when you dress casually always look polished and well groomed.

5. The main ingredient in creating a smart image is attitude. A graceful walk, a soothing voice and pleasant personality are essential. Those who treat others with respect and respect themselves are on the way to creating an image that is impeccable.

Copyright2005 Sheila Dicks