Image consultants and stylists are asked all kinds of fashion questions in the never-ending quest to feel confident about the way we look.  Without a doubt, knowing you are “doing it right” and looking good  increases your confidence.  Here are the five most frequently-asked questions.

(1)  Should my socks match my shoes or my trousers?

The established “rule” is that they should match your shoes. This comes about because most men wear black dress shoes with their dark suits, so they wear black socks with their navy blue, black and grey suits. However, the question arises with brown suits. Let’s assume you are wearing tan trousers and brown shoes. If your look is more professional, wear brown socks to match your shoes. However, if you’re wearing khakis and a polo, you might be wearing Dockers, so you can opt to wear socks that simply blend in between the shoe and trouser color.

(2)  It is okay to wear open-toe shoes to the office?

It depends upon where you live and your profession, plus the established formality of your office. If you are in a sector where formality is the norm, the answer is a firm No. This includes law firms and those involved in financial services, such as banks and mortgage lenders.

(3)  What is the rule for wearing stockings/hose to the office?

As with the above question, it depends upon the city in which you live, your profession, as well as the established formality of your office. However, throughout the country, more and more women are going bare-legged to the office these days. My rule of thumb is this:  if your legs look like you are wearing stockings, then go bare legged. However, if your “imperfections” are prominent – bulging veins, discolorations, broken capillaries at high arches, spider veins, etc. – then you would be wise to wear very sheer stockings to prevent them from being a distraction.

(4)  Can you describe Business Casual attire for men?

The term “business casual” is actually contradictory, because you’re either dressed for business or for casual activities. Offices that permit casual attire actually risk hurting their credibility, because their employees send the message “my comfort is more important than impressing you.”  A “dressed down” look for the office would be dark trousers, a crisp French blue shirt (white is formal, so it is meant to be worn with a suit) and a great tie. You needn’t wear a jacket, and you can loosen your collar until the moment you meet with a client. In studies over 20 years, large corporate audiences have voted (when shown a slide with two photos of the same man) that the man in the shirt and tie looks more credible and dynamic than the one in the navy blazer, dress shirt and no tie. You’ll dramatically lower your credibility with khakis and polo shirt.

(5)  Can you describe Business Casual attire for women?

It can’t be said enough that “business casual” attire is an oxymoron, because “business” and “casual” imply two entirely different activities and states of mind. Furthermore, university studies have proven that employees who dress casually are less productive and less ethical, so dressing down can hurt your career. A proper “dressed down” look for the office would be a pantsuit that looks less formal, comfortable low heels or flats, and smaller earrings and other accessories. An alternative is low heels worn with a skirt and blouse; but give it a professional look by adding accessories like a leather belt and chunky hoops or other great earrings. Club attire or anything that looks suggestive must be avoided, as gender bias experts say it will destroy any chances of getting ahead, because you’ll be labeled a bimbo.



“Inside Fashion” magazine asked my advice for an article about corporate wardrobe. Results of a recent survey, the article stated, found that corporate uniforms increase trust and credibility in the eyes of consumers and may also increase productivity among company employees.  I agreed.

But it’s the type of corporate “imagewear” that a company chooses which will convey the level of trust, credibility and productivity within these interdependent circles.  Like cogs in a machine, a company’s “silent” messages need to churn behind the scenes with precision and clear directive, for once a label is stamped the product or service is branded.

The photo above depicts Apple’s corporate message: We’re cool, casual, and all about mixing fun into the day. That may be the perfect identifier of the brand that’s charged with bringing the coolest new gadgets to up-and-coming generations just as they peek over the fence between childhood and infinite virtuality.  But would it be acceptable in your business?

Other contributing experts concurred regarding my statement that “Business casual has morphed into business casualty.”  Reportedly business owners have taken note of the disconnect between what they’d like to say and what they’re actually saying when it comes to branding, and of the impact these mixed messages have on customer loyalty and end revenues.

The good news is that it’s really a simple concept: as I always say, “The way you look announces the outcome other people can expect from you.”  And it’s really a simple fix, too.  Just develop a mind and an eye for the basics–color and line–and for the little details that pull it all together.  There’s more good news, you can read it all here: http://www.theimagearchitect.com/press_articles/UniformsINSIDEFASHION.pdf Learn how “refreshing” your company’s imagewear is touted as one of the most cost-effective ways to remodel.

As always, I love to share in your feedback and insights.  Comment here!

CNN’s Rick Sanchez

Rick, you’re such a pro, and a charmer as well, that’s why I must tell you that the floral tie you’re wearing is wimpy.  Floral prints just don’t go with the “business” look that an anchor must convey.  Also, I would suggest a tie in burgundy, red or raspberry to create beautiful contrast with your fabulous grey suit.   Here are some examples:

CNN Correspondent Paula Newton

Red is a wonderful color for you, Paula, and it always goes well with black. However, my advice:  The line of the wrap dress/blouse worn underneath doesn’t harmonize with the crisp lines of the blazer jacket.  I’d suggest wearing a neutral, scoop-neck top next time.

Readers, what do you think?

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Both my parents died of cancer, so I’m a big supporter of this month’s cancer awareness campaign! I read an article today by an image consultant who advised that women wear the shade of pink this month that was perfect for them.  She would insist that I, being a fair-skinned blonde, wear Baby Pink.

Blondes fade out completely in baby pink!

It’s about time image consultants noticed that the Emperor isn’t wearing any clothes. There’s so much misinformation about color out there, and the average person looking for good information is simply being fed the latest trend or advice that they match their superficial appearance.

Here’s the real scoop: Skin trumps hair and eye color. The pink that suits YOU is the one that makes your skin look the best, and that includes letting dark circles disappear, along with furrows and grayness.

My 30 years’ experience suggests that the majority of people fall into the category that would have their best shades of pink include fuchsia and magenta; and that very few truly wear baby pink successfully. Once you have a trained eye, you’ll see for yourself.

Do this quick test:  Drape yourself snugly at the neckline with a baby pink garment or fabric and keep it in place. Then cover the baby pink with fuchsia or magenta; then raise and lower the magenta fabric/garment slowly a few times while looking in the mirror. You should be able to detect a dramatic difference in your appearance between the two shades of pink. About 80 percent of all people will look more healthy, vibrant, dynamic and “alive” in the darker.

Please note that if you’re wearing a washed out baby pink lipstick, the magenta may appear “too strong” at first glance. This is another instance in which many image consultants get off track. Just add lipstick in a soft fuchsia and your “dislike” of the magenta will go away.

Let me know your results; leave a comment here!

Jeffrey Gitomer (above) came to town for one of his renowned public seminars.  People drove three hours and longer to hear “the one and only” Jeffrey.  The “sales guru” always finds time to conduct a pre-event workshop for fellow members of the National Speakers Association (NSA) and, as usual, I got a million-dollar tip or two from Jeffrey.   If he’s ever anywhere near your city, don’t miss him.

Jeffrey always brings his wonderful staff with him.  Here I am with Heather Singletary (left) and Sara Riggenbach, “Princess of Public Events” (right).

Which tie is more powerful?

Take the quiz, click here

Read Christina Binkley’s article about Business Casual (better known to Sandy as Business Casualty)

Now is your chance to ask me anything– and I do mean anything about Image, Makeup, Hair, Celebrities, Politicians, ANYTHING! Submit your questions here or email them to me at sandy@theimagearchitect.com and I’ll choose a few a week and answer without reservation. This is a chance to find out what THE Image Architect really thinks!

With a few timeless basics, you can look polished and professional without breaking your back (or the bank!). Finding what colors suit you best is a start. Start with a few well-made staples like a great skirt or pair of pants that fit your body type. Choosing the right accessories can also go a long way to completing the perfect look that will have heads turning when you walk into a room! Pointy-toed shoes simply appear more elegant and professional than round-toed ones, but they must be well made and in the correct size. They should not pinch or squeeze the foot. To prevent injury, never wear a heel higher than 3” – and a 2” or 2 ½” inch heel will produce the same classy looks. Even if you wear a lower heel, find one with the right shape, giving your leg an elongated elegant look. When it comes to handbags look for a great shape and a versatile color so you will get more mileage from it! There’s no need to carry a bag larger than necessary, because your handbag will wear you! Take time to find the right bag.