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!

Matt, you always look sophisticated and businesslike.  My recommendation: Wear ties in bolder colors when you’re wearing a grey suit.  Grey can sometimes look a bit on the sad side unless it’s worn with a bold and happy color.  Think about red, burgundy, raspberry or yellow!

Readers: Based on what you’ve learned about image, any other thoughts?

Anderson,

You are such a man about town – all over the channels and keeping ‘em honest.  Bravo!

Love the fact that you can go from casual attire to suits and still not betray your persona.

My advice: stick to dark-colored suits like black and navy.  They show off your beautiful hair the best.  Forego the grey suits.  Grey is such a wish-washy color — like a grey area or a grey lie.

I’d drop the solid blue ties that Bush favored.  Too “Deep South” country club!  Not powerful enough for you.  Go for power colors in the red family, including regal colors like raspberry.

Nice three-piece, Ethan. Very British. My advice: this color is too much like your hair color, so it doesn’t create enough interesting contrast.  Also, brown is “Dad” or “Mother Earth” so it’s more nurturing than distinguished; more safe than sexy.  Go for navy blue.  You’ll look sexy and classy.

Dr. Oz, you look fabulous – and your raspberry tie is just dynamite (and elegant) with your dark grey suit and blue shirt.  You get a 10!

Readers, what do you say?

Ellen,

Congratulations! You’ll be dynamite on “American Idol.”  I’d love to see you dress in bolder colors that will make your beautiful face pop.  Think about fuchsia, magenta, and royal purple.  They are such regal colors.

My advice: stay away from those earthy tones and army fatigue colors, because they drab the skin and hair.

Anderson, you are a handsome man with beautiful hair.  My advice: show it off with a black or dark navy blue suit; the grey suit doesn’t do your hair justice.

That’s a really nice dark tan suit you have there, Keith.  My advice: This isn’t actually your best color, since it clashes with your hair.  I’d also suggest a tie with more contrast.

Consider wearing a French blue shirt with this suit to harmonize better with your hair – and change those yellow-green stripes of the tie to navy blue ones – it’ll look classier with the tan suit.

It’s no secret that “fashion” looks get men compliments. However, when it comes to menswear, there are “fashion” looks and there are “business” looks. One bestows immediately credibility while the other diminishes it. Which man would you choose to handle your investments?

Grant was asked about his elegant and refined style, when he responded, “All it takes are a few outfits. And there is one secret, the simpler the better.”

The “rules” of men’s fashion are sometimes very rigid. First of all, white shirts suggest purity, hence, honesty. Dark shirts worn with ties suggest Al Capone. Furthermore, the tie is there to “make a statement” about its wearer, and a tie that blends into a shirt cannot even be seen.

Recently, matching shirt and tie sets have been popular, but “fashion” looks are not “power” looks. A man’s power tool is his tie. It should never blend into his shirt or suit.

Ultimately, the man (see above two color photos) in the white shirt and red power tie looks more polished and professional than the man in the dark blue “ensemble.”  Furthermore, pinstripe suits are the most conservative of all suit patterns, so the “gangster” shirt and tie are inappropriate with such a conservative suit. The best way to “lighten up” a conservative pinstripe suit is with a tie in a bold color such as yellow or red.

In the humble opinion of this  image consultant, that purple is great, Katie! My only comment pertains to the neckline of this silk shirt:  Jewel neckline blouses worn with blazer jackets create a hard, straight line. A top with a tiny bit of a scoop at the neckline is much more feminine and flattering.

Love that color, though. Please wear this purple again soon!