Dressing for Success

The Significance of Image

Prepared by Shauna M. Heathman

Mackenzie Image Consulting

Mackenzie Image Consulting

 Why does image matter?

You only have 30 seconds!

Poor personal appearance is #1 reason to

reject interview applicant

55 opportunities to feel good or bad

Mackenzie Image Consulting

 Barriers to a polished image

Mackenzie Image Consulting

 Maintain your uniqueness

What message do you want to send to the public?

 Job Industry/Career
 Location
 Look through the eyes of your potential client, audience or potential
employer

“What is the message I want to be sending?”

“What is the perception I want other people to have of

me?”

Mackenzie Image Consulting

 Your three perception words

Cutting-edge Organized Trustworthy

Solid Warm Rational
Competent Creative Approachable
Attractive Intelligent Casual
Centered Original Formal
Artistic Precise Free-spirited
Elegant Friendly Responsible
Dependable Expressive Assertive
Fun-loving Logical Authoritative

Mackenzie Image Consulting

 Using color effectively

Color is often the first thing people notice

Three easy “right” colors for your personal attributes

 Eye Color
 Lip Color
 Hair Color

Identifying your warm or cool undertones

Mackenzie Image Consulting

 Selecting the “ right” colors

Mackenzie Image Consulting

 The psychological effects of color

Gray: Orange: Violet: White: Brown:

strong work Clean,
Attracts People, Creative, Refined, Purity, Good Listener,
ethic,
Fun, Energetic, Sensitive, Innocence, Humble,
passive, Extrovert, Mysterious, Morality, Inspires Secure,
mature, efficient, Adventurous Self-confident Trust, Open to Supportive,
wise, refined Change Practical

Yellow: Blue: Green: Red:

Radiates Joy, Trustworthy, Calming, Stable, Demands
Attracts Dependable, Down-to-earth, Attention, Power,
Attention, People Calming, Loyal, Hard- Confidence,
Oriented, Approachable, working, Energy, Courage,
Optimistic, Conservative, Nurturing, Attracts and
Creates and Intelligent Helpful Excites
Emotional Lift

Mackenzie Image Consulting

 Building a core wardrobe

Analyze what you currently have

Clothing mistakes – 50% waste:
 A famous name brand item purely because of the logo
 An unusual color that coordinates with nothing or is the wrong color for
your personal coloring
 Fabric that is worn, stiff, itchy causing discomfort to the wearer
 Styles that are overly trendy
 That irresistible mark-down item that doesn’t quite fit … but is
rationalized by “I’ll lose a few pounds”
 A discount store purchases that is faded, shrunk or doesn’t quite lay
right
 A style that looked great on the mannequin but not for your body type

Mackenzie Image Consulting

 The four rules of shopping

Rule 1: Love it or Leave it

 Would you pay full price for it?

Rule 2: Color first, style second

 It’s faster to spot color than a style

Rule 3: Cost per wear

 Initial cost / # of lifetime wearings = CPW

Rule 4: If it doesn’t fit, it isn’t for you

 Prepare ahead of time

Mackenzie Image Consulting

 The 4 steps to success

Does this piece complement my personality, enhance my

body shape and flatter my features?

Will this piece go with three different things I already

own?

Can I wear this piece to three different events?

Can this piece be worn three years stylishly?

Mackenzie Image Consulting

 Where to start

Mackenzie Image Consulting

 Capsuling a core wardrobe

A capsule is a group of 6 to 12 garments selected to work

together in multiple ways

Mackenzie Image Consulting

 Pull your look together - accessories

Accessories put the final touches on your outfits

 Shoes

 Neutral color shoes that match skirt/pant

 Basic pump with closed toe and heel
 1 – 3” heel
 Invest in repairing

 Hosiery
 Wear it!
 Sheer skin-toned or black

Mackenzie Image Consulting

 Last but not least - grooming

Hair
 Appropriate for lifestyle and occupation

Skin
 Tailor a skin care regime for your skin type
 Clean, tone, exfoliate, moisturize

Make-up
 Always wear it!
 A natural look is easy to achieve
 Keep colors in mind

Mackenzie Image Consulting

 Questions?

“ One of the greatest moments in

anybody's developing experience is
when they no longer try to hide from
themselves but determine to get
acquainted with themselves as they
really are.”
- Norman Vincent Peale
Mackenzie Image Consulting