German Chancellor Angela Merkel stands out from the crowd with her bright red suit (left photo). She looks dynamic, even special. On the other hand, in her beige jacket (right photo), she appears washed out and ordinary. Branding for People© is the same as product branding; you must distinguish yourself from the competition. Men are taller than women, have broader shoulders and deeper voices, so in order to level the playing field, women need to look dynamic and resist the tendency to go for “understated” looks. Which woman looks the most dynamic and successful?

What are your thoughts?

“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!

A conversation at Vibrant Nation (http://www.vibrantnation.com/our-blog-circle/menologues/clothing—it-could-be-the-biggest-single-menopausal-issue-/#replied-74012) prompted my response to the plus-size wardrobe dilemmas shared by so many:

“Isn’t it nice to see that none of us is alone?  In 30 years at the forefront of the image consulting industry, I’ve learned (and teach) that color and line are the cornerstones of image and the keys to a dynamic overall look.

“The lines of an outfit must fall correctly and enhance your shape–whatever your shape–rather than distort it. The right lines honor a woman’s curves. Great lines have to do with cut, stitching, details and the substantiality of the fabric . . .

“Two things I can tell you simply, right off the bat: the right colors will make your skin look beautiful, and framing your face with the right collar, jewelry and colors in fabric and makeup will keep the attention on your face rather than on your hips, legs, etc.  They say the eyes are the windows to the soul.  I’ve never heard it was the waistline.”

Heading into spring, a  season that typically evokes  sense of vitality and newness, I want my clients and readers to feel good about their overall images and I thought a little Plus-Size Primer might be useful to many.

Notice the differences between the two outfits above (Stein Mart).  The one on the left looks rather boxy, though, to be fair, we cannot tell from this photo whether or not the blouse is cut for a tailored look.  A tailored look is what we want; the cuts respect and enhance feminine curves.  I admit that I like the collar on the left, but the pattern is a bit overwhelming and creates an overall focal point of the torso, maximizing its size visually.

Notice how slimming the outfit on the right appears–regardless of the fact that the model is wearing white pants.  It’s a myth that larger women “shouldn’t” wear white.  This is a great example of the power of “line.”  The cut of the jacket is nice.  The detail at the collar helps to frame the face–though I think a bold necklace and some chunky earrings are also in order.  The long ruffle along only one side helps to elongate this woman’s body visually.  The fact that the ruffle is the same color as the jacket means it doesn’t detract from the face.  And of course, the jacket’s opening furthers the “slimming” effect by creating a solid thin line that merges with her legs.  Hips and upper legs are minimized by the “V” of the jacket’s bottom.

Overall, which look do you prefer, and why?

Sandy Dumont, The Image Architect
921 Botetourt Gardens, Norfolk, VA 23507
Tel: (757) 627-6669; Fax: (757) 627-4044
sandy@theimagearchitect.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Sandy Dumont’s Office                                                                                      sandy@theimagearchitect.com
757.627.6669

Norfolk, Virginia

Sandy Dumont to speak at prestigious

Ninth Annual Eurasian Media Forum

Held in Kazakhstan, April 27 and 28

Sandy Dumont, The Image Architect, has been invited to speak at the closing session of the Eurasian Media Forum in Almaty, Kazakhstan, taking place on April 27 and 28, 2010. She will talk about the use of image and celebrity in politics.

The country’s president, Nursultan Nazarbayev, will present the welcome address at the opening ceremony of the conference. It is significant that the oil-rich country is also the 2010 chair of the OSCE (Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe).

Other speakers include Secretary General of the OSCE; William Courtney, former US Ambassador to Kazakhstan; Lord Fraser of Carmyllie, British MP; Konstantin Zatulia, Member of Russian Duma; Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia; David Merkel, National Security Council of White House; Ata’ollah Mohajerani, former VP and Minister of Culture, Iran; Senator Robert Wexler; plus bureau chiefs of major TV and newspaper media..

Sandy Dumont, a.k.a. The Image Architect, is an international leader in the field of corporate and political image throughout the world. She teaches CEOs and notables how to dress for success and best present themselves in a critical setting.

A sought-after lecturer, coach and author, Dumont is also a member of the National Speakers Association and past president of its SE Virginia chapter; she is president of the National Association of Women Business Owners, SE Virginia Chapter; and founder and Managing Director of the Impression Strategies Institute.  Visit www.theimagearchitect.com for more information about Miss Dumont.

NOTE:  Sandy Dumont wil be in the Netherlands and Belgium from March 18 – 28, 2010. To arrange an interview and for details about her schedule contact: Stephanie Lewis (info at top) before March 17. After that date, contact Miss Dumont on her mobile telephone at 001.757.621.9555.

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Katie, now that’s a great suit. The details on the collar are beautiful and the tailoring is superb. Love the colors, also; blue and brown together are wonderful.

I’m glad to see you’re wearing bolder earrings, and I noticed your hair is getting a little longer. I do hope you will let it grow out–I loved your chin-length hairdo.

This is not her “Daddy’s jacket.”  Ladies, Pendleton has the right idea with this worsted wool suit. This fabric is sturdy and substantial, implying the same of the woman who wears it, yet drapes nicely along the lines of her body.  The top-stitching and cuff design add nice detail. And notice the lapel, which is the feature closest to the face and therefore sends one of the strongest messages of the whole ensemble. The curves in its cut and folds honor the femininity of a woman’s figure. This dark grey is a more “powerful” choice than light grey. Paired with the fuchsia blouse, the overall message is powerful and dynamic.

One thing I might change is the “buttoned-up” look. And you know I’d also add bolder earrings.

Your thoughts?

Charlie Sheen’s role as Charlie Harper on the show “Two and a Half Men” isn’t one to be emulated, unless you want to look like a dork or a geek. That bowling shirt is multiplying like rabbits, and it’s a pity. Get over it fellows, you’re making a big mistake to copy anything about Charlie Harper.

Sandy can’t stand Charlie Harper’s shirts. She loves Charlie Sheen’s blue shirt, and you will, too. Here’s why.

First of all, that “billowy” shape suggests you have love handles or a beer belly to hide. Secondly, soft fabrics cling to the body and reveal every bulge you have instead of hiding them.

Cotton shirts like the blue one above actually flatter a man’s figure. They are made of a substantial fabric, so they remain crisp, not limp like a bowing shirt. Lastly, the epaulet-like  shoulders of a cotton shirt in a business style will make the shoulders look squared and strong. Bowling shirts make the shoulders look droopy. In fact, everything about Charlie Harper’s shirt is droopy; the fabric, the line and the patterns. The pattern on Charlie Harper’s shirt takes the attention down and away from the face. Not a good idea.

Charlie Sheen, you look handsomer, slimmer and much more classy than Charlie Harper!

Recently, a number of experts weighed in on the issue of whether or not high heels help or hurt women in the workplace. Fashion experts agree that stilettos are tawdry and should be avoided. However, experts in other arenas thought all heels made women too sexy looking. Wrong.

When it comes to looking “sexy” you can’t be overt; however, you can be covertly sexy. Women’s legs are sexy simply because of their curvy shape. So, are women to be relegated to pants that hide the legs and good sturdy walking shoes that are matronly? The last thing women need is to go back to the “miniature man” look of the “dress for success” eighties where any hint of femininity was forbidden.

Which of the two women above (wearing the same heels) looks “too sexy” for the workplace?  My feeling? Both look covertly sexy! The woman on the right has a friendly and wholesome smile, while in the photo to the left, she has a bit of a “come hither” look, so she could be judged to be more sexy by some.

Ultimately, heels under 3 inches (7.5 cm) will look professional, unless the style is gaudy; and classic pumps (court shoes) always look polished and professional. The Chanel-style shoes in the photo above are also professional.

This handsome rock group cleaned up beautifully–both at and for the 52nd Grammy Awards–but they look a little gloomy for just having won Record of the Year.  It’s all that grey and black.  Nice suits, but no bold contrast, no dynamic colors to enhance their natural skin tones–though I will say that the man on the left is a step ahead with his French blue shirt.

A complimentary raspberry, royal blue or even bold yellow in the ties would have added some pop to these rockers.  Replacing the shirt in the tie-less black-on-black ensemble with yellow would have done the trick for that gentleman.

Gentlemen, when it comes to your own individual good looks, each one of you has “got it.”  Don’t be afraid to “flaunt it” by adding great color to your wardrobe!

By the way men, I’d love to hear it from you:  What holds you back when it comes to using color?

Prior to the 52nd Grammy Awards, when asked how he felt about his six–count ‘em, SIX–Grammy nominations, Maxwell let his eyes do some of the talking.  “It’s an incredible experience,” he said, and his eyes reflected a humble, sincere and hopeful spirit.  “It’s an honor that I can’t even express to you in words . . .

“If I won . . . I would be beyond joy . . .”

Then he won two Grammys!  And he seemed almost at a loss for words during his acceptance speech (who wouldn’t?).  But I’m sure there was an expression worth a million behind those dark glasses!  Only wish he would have shared.

I wanted to see “beyond joy” in this man’s eyes–the joy behind 13 years of hard work, integrity and determination having paid off in the bestowal of this great honor by those within his own industry.   Not only did Maxwell appear overwhelmed by the extraordinary moment, but he unfortunately appeared overwhelmed by his own attire–black suit, not much color or contrast in his shirt and tie combination, and a large pair of dark sunglasses–all working to further understate this handsome man’s otherwise dynamic, creative and now deeply overjoyed persona.  What a missed opportunity for viewers.

Your thoughts?