Lisa's Blog

How do you feel about yourself and what are you communicating to others? What you wear and your self image is a powerful tool, you can be creative and use it to express yourself and communicate your power and your message.  Know the power of the image you are projecting.  What is the message you would like to send out to the world?

"It's all about Image!  Underestimate it's power and be prepared to suffer the consequences." Says Anne from Reset, Reshape, Restyle

Anne Noonan, Professional, Personal and Business Stylist since 1998, has prepared 10 key tips that highlight the importance of image and perception in the way others receive you.  The power in this is that you can use your personal image as a tool to get noticed by those who matter to you or to express yourself in ways that are important  to you, deliberately rather than accidently sending out the wrong message.  The bottom line is the way you dress sends a message out... what would you like it to say?  Whether it’s the boss, that special someone, you want to look good whatever your shape and size, or you just want to make more of an impact in your chosen field, consider these points.

1. Image is a perception – Think about how others perceive YOU!

What others say, and how you leave people feeling after you deal with them is a sure barometer.

2. Know what colour works for you as it can be powerful.

Black is safe, but colour speaks volumes.  It can make you look healthy, vibrant and welcoming when chosen well or pastey, lethargic and ill when it’s not.

3. Know your unique body shape!  It’s far simpler than you think.

No, it’s not all about columns, goblets and bells.   Body shape is simple and when you know your unique features, dressing it well will save you literally thousands.

4. How’s your grooming and hygiene.

Nails, hair, skin, makeup and fragrance.   Believe me, people notice.   Judgements are made immediately on grooming alone – don’t let them be the wrong ones.

5. Body Language speaks louder than words.

I’ve seen deals broken because of lousy eye contact, handshakes, conversation and general nervous behaviour at crucial moments.

6. The written and spoken word on business cards, email etc.

Your emails, letters, business card and your presence on social media all add up to an image of YOU.  Bad grammar and spelling might reflect a cute personality, but in a world where image is everything, it’s too risky.

7. What shows on the outside is a reflection of what’s going on inside.

Your personal state of health will show in your skin, your posture, your eyes, your nails, your hair, your teeth.   Your personal nutrition and health program will show in your image.  How’s your digestion?  What’s going on in the gut will show more than you think.

8. How do you network and who do you network with?

You are judged on your relationships.   The office grapevine and political network is a jungle – and we haven’t even touched on social networking! 

9. Behaviour and Etiquette.

Best not choose the office Christmas party to let the boss know how unhappy you’ve been all year.   It’s the social events where you’re observed more than ever.

10. Dress for your audience whether it’s one person or many!

If the audience expects a suit, wear one.    If soft knits or casual dresses are more expected, then wear them.    But never, ever, ever, ever dress down to come to another level.   Always be a step above.