Modern Dress For Success & to Impress

For the modern mid-life woman

Modern Dress for Success and to Impress

Were you aware that the first thirty seconds of meeting is all it takes to make an impression? Wow, that is about three blinks of an eye! So we must put out all stops to make the most of that eensy weensy bit of time and make a great impression.

It is vital that you present yourself in such a manner, with your appearance, confidence and also communication to formulate that first impression. The image you wish to portray to those you meet is that you are switched on, smart, sensitive and of course, savvy.

Depending on whether you are dressing in the corporate world, attending a cocktail party with business associates, or hosting a party for your family and friends, your image will be affected by the clothes you choose to wear, how you decide to fix those clothes, accessories, shoes, make up and just as importantly, your attitude.

As we enter our 40’s, our option for selecting clothes is diminished due to the lack of availability and variety on offer. The many boutiques for the younger generation crowd every shopping mall, and then there are a small number of stores catering to the ‘grandma’ era. Unfortunately we, women in our 40’s and 50’s seem to be left behind, unless we opt to either doll ourselves up in the ‘hip’ gear of youth, or decide to ‘age gracefully’ and feel dowdy and frumpy with matronly attire.

Regardless of how well we have looked after our body shape, how fit and toned we are, we often look silly and the term ‘mutton dressed up as lamb’ is the reference given when we wear something that our daughters love. However, wearing current clothing is vital to avoid appearing older when in our 40’s, so make sure you choose your wardrobe wisely.

Modern Dress for Success and to Impress

When in the corporate world, always dress for success and to impress. Project the “I’m in charge” image and you will automatically be in control.

• A tailored suit, polished shoes, tidy hairstyle and a good manicure all add up to the positive, confident and savvy business person that says “I will solve your problems, I will attend to your needs. I am the one you must talk to.”
• It is important not to distract from this corporate vision with tacky jewellery or accessories. Embellish the suit with a subtle brooch or hatpin on the lapel, or a smart scarf to add contrast. A smart lacy camisole, or pretty top under the suit will allow your femininity to shine. You really want to avoid anything giving off ‘tarty’ impressions as it would only downgrade your standing.

  It is a fact that women are not taken seriously when earrings dangle, bangles clang, flimsy straps fall from the shoulders or sandals flip flop across the floor.Slinky sexy outfits may cause a snicker from the opposite sex, and even an invitation for a drink, but they will definitely not help you succeed in your business endeavours.

• Another vital aspect in dressing for success and to impress in the corporate world is to keep your breasts covered. Although men love to ogle, you will be regarded less favourably when showing too much cleavage. This is not a time to flaunt them.
• Keep the colours subtle. Professionalism is best portrayed by a darker suit, with light or brighter colours underneath your jacket to contrast. In the majority of cases, try to avoid the brighter coloured suits unless your position is that of a newsreader or similar.
• On the other hand, when we socialize, many women in mid-life tend to go for the little black number. Our skin becomes paler and looks a bit washed out at this time in our life, and wearing black close to our face can accentuate the signs of ageing. Instead it is advised to wear colours that suit our skin and hair, and actually attract attention to our face, especially the eyes, and give us a healthy glow.
• As we age, it is often recommended that a collar be worn. Have it stand up at the back and taper the corners down in the front. The collar worn in this way trains a person’s eye up to your face, and the collar often covers the ageing skin of the neck and jawline.
• Try to avoid wearing blouses that need to be tucked in at the waistline. It is at this stage in our life that we are thickening around the middle, and we surely don’t want to attract attention to that. A longer, draped shirt to the upper hipline is far more flattering as it elongates the line of the torso.
• If you do wear open toed, strappy shoes or sandles, make sure you have given yourself a pedicure. Neatly trimmed, painted toenails will camouflage ageing feet, and distract from unsightly corns and bunions. Stick to subtle tones in nail polish.
• Make sure the clothing you wear as modern mid-life women fits properly! There is nothing worse than seeing women squeeze into outfits that are two sizes too small. The buttons popping, and the blouse gaping in the front, or trousers stretched so tight across the bum that they would probably split if the wearer tried to sit down. Or just as bad is the reverse. If the clothing is too large, you will look bigger, frumpy and certainly not very savvy or successful. You may be impressionable, but at the wrong end of the scale.

Finally, and just as importantly as the clothing and accessories you wear, is your attitude. Posture is crucial to impressions of success. Stand tall, shoulders back and pull in those abs. alk tall, sit tall and act tall. You will look taller, and defy the shrinking that takes effect as we age.

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