Here are a few key points on bare legs at work: - In most professional environments, bare legs are considered inappropriate. Pantyhose or tights are usually expected, especially in conservative fields like law, finance, etc. - Bare legs may be acceptable in some creative industries like design, media, tech - but it depends on the specific workplace culture. - Age can be a factor - bare legs are more likely to be acceptable for younger women in their 20s versus women in their 50s, where hosiery is usually still expected. - The style of dress also matters - a skirt or dress that hits at the knee or longer is more likely to be acceptable without hosiery versus a

1. www.FirstImpressionStyle.com
Copyright First Impression Style LLC 2013

2. 
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
Certified Image Consultant & Personal Brand Strategist
My company: First Impression Style since 2006
Services:
› image consultations, closet and style makeovers, personal
shopping, corporate training and personal branding

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Personally trained and selected by Stacy London to be
part of Style for Hire.
Prior career -- 18 years in the Financial Service Industry
as a Marketing and IT professional.
MBA in International Business.
Married with two children.
Board of NW NJAWBO and member MCCC

3. Me at age 7 – First Communion

4.  Power
of First Impressions
 Why Image is Important
 What is Personal Branding?
 Defining Your Unique Personal Style
 Understanding Professional Dress
 Case Study
 Q&A

5. Do first impressions matter?
 Does what I wear really matter to my career
advancement and financial success?

 The Answer
Is….

6. YES!!

First impressions are comprised of many
elements:
› appearance (hair, face, smile, race, height, clothes)
› body language, eye contact, hand shake, posture,
› mannerisms, speech (tone, what is said and
vocabulary)

7. 
Research shows that within the first few seconds (even
nano-seconds!) of a person meeting you, they have
made judgments about your profession, education,
income, intelligence and personality.

They base these judgments on the way you dress,
speak and carry yourself.

Appearance counts for 55% of the impression we
make. (38% Body Language; only 7% on what we say.)

8.  Once
the first impression is made, it
is lasting and is virtually irreversible.

9. 
Is “beauty” an advantage or disadvantage in
the workplace?
› Advantage, except if you are “too” beautiful
› How you put yourself together is more important than
being conventionally “pretty”
› More than 1,000 studies of how we react to beautiful
and not-so-beautiful people. The conclusion: Looks
do matter, more than most of us realize.
› “Halo Effect” - we equate good looks with positive
characteristics (smarter, more confident, friendlier.)
› Workers of above-average beauty earn 10-15% more
than workers of below-average beauty.

10.  Image
IS about:
› The way you think, feel and act and how
others react to you
› Using clothing and appearance as a tool to
help you achieve your desired goals
› Being Authentic

11.  Image
is NOT about:
› Being Perfect, or
› Being the next “It” girl, or
› Looking like you have stepped out of a
magazine fashion shoot, or
› Wearing expensive designer clothes.

12. Believe
Think
CONFIDENCE
React
Feel
Act

13. Dress
 Grooming
 Body Language
 Etiquette


14. 
Personal Brand = Your Unique Promise of Value “UPV”
›
›
›
›

Where to Start? -- Get Feedback
›
›
›


How do others perceive you?
What is unique or special about YOU?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
How do you differentiate yourself from others?
›
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
Process of how you differentiate yourself or stand out from the crowd.
Consistent message and image.
To achieve a specific goal.
Be an expert in their field.
How do you communicate your message?
360Reach assessment test and coaching*
Create your Personal Brand Statement and Bio
Be found on-line
›
›
›
›
Linkedin – Bio and Picture
Google+
Own personal website
Blogging or writing articles

15. Personal Branding is not about creating a
false image!
 It is about being authentic and delivering
value to those around you.
 “The key to personal branding is in its
authenticity. It works with your inherent
values, attributes and passions to create the
persona that YOU want the world to see”

Carolyn Curtis

16. As an image and personal branding
expert, trained by the best in the business, I use
my expertise and corporate experience to inspire
executive and professional women such as
lawyers, financial advisors and sales professionals
on how to:
 Express their unique personal style;
 Boost their confidence; and
 Dress their personal brand in a fun, hassle-free
way

17. 
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'Style is a way to say who you are without having to
speak.' – Rachel Zoe
Your Point of View – Who Are You? – Your Vision
Authentic
Deliberate
Consistent (beyond the first impression)
Mirrors Your Message
›
›
›
›
Who are your clients?
What is your industry norm?
What message do I want to convey?
Is there a disconnect between my appearance and my
message (abilities, values, personality, skills, profession?)

18. Classic/Traditional
Modern/Classic
Creative/Bohemian
Preppy

19. Creative/Trendy
Modern/Trendy/Edgy
Modern/Trendy
Sporty/Trendy
Ladies Who Lunch
Edgy/Trendy

20. Power Dressing - Level 4
Design Elements:
Dark colors
Straight Lines
Tailored
Matched
Fitted
Firm Fabric
Solid
Classic
Traits:
Authoritative/Expert
Credible
Formal
Stable
Clothing Choices:
Matched Suit (tie for men)
Business Casual - Levels 3-2
Classic
Trendy
Untailored - Level 1
Light Colors
Curved/Rounded Lines
Untailored
Unmatched
Unfitted
Soft Fabrics
Patterned
Classic/Functional
Approachable
Unoffficial
Relaxed
Temporary
Jacket
Collared shirt
Closed-toe, Leather Shoes
No Collar
Sandals, Sneakers, Work Boots
Pantyhose
Bare Feet/Legs
Typical Industry:
Financial/Banking/Insurance Advertising/Media
Law
Fashion
Pharmacutical
Retail
Technology
Hospitality
Teaching
Construction
Factory
Recreation
Casual
Durable/Uniform
Environment
Conservative
Creative

21. Level 4

22. Levels 3 and 2

24. Alicia
Diane
Kalinda

25. YOU
+ Function
+ Figure
+ Fit
+ Foundation
+ Filosophy of Color
+ Finishing Touches
x conFidence
- Frustration
=
UPS

26. 
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What are your lifestyle and clothing needs?
What is my Unique Personal Style?
Are the contents of our closet in alignment with
your life?
Do you have the appropriate outfits to wear for
the key moments in your life?
What “roles” do you play?
Identify three key roles or situations where you
need a certain type of clothing or “look”.
If you have a gap, you need to fill it!

27. 
Silhouette is defined as the outline or general shape of
a body. It is created by the relationship between the
shoulders/chest and waist/hips.
› To Emphasize: Repeat Silhouette
› To Camouflage: Counter the Silhouette


Women: Hourglass, Rectangular, Tubular, Triangle,
Inverted Triangle, Rounded
A universal characteristic of beauty is symmetry and
balance.

28. 
Accentuate the Positive
› Light/bright colors
› Shine/sheen
› Frills, ruffles and embellishments
› Large/strong prints
› Show skin

Minimizing the Negative (real or perceived):
› Dark Neutral colors
› Matte textures
› No embellishments
› Small/muted prints.

29. Ideal: 6 - 8
Tubular: Size 0-4
Rectangle
Hourglass
4
4
Rectangle: 10- 14
8
Triangle
10
10
Variation Hourglass
6
8
Inverted Triangle
10
8
Rounded

30. Body Silhouette
Clothes Recommendations
Tubular bodies
Visually add volume and curves.
Hourglass
Showcase waistline and feminine curves.
Rectangular
Create feminine curves for their boyish
shape.
Triangle
Balance upper-halves and draw attention
upward toward face. Darker colors on the
bottom.
Inverted Triangle Balance lower half with fluid lines. Darker
colors and more skin up top.
Rounded
Wear tailored and structured silhouettes.
Camouflage your feminine curves.

31. As women, we also need to let go of the
notion that clothes are suppose to fit “off the
rack”.
 To achieve the perfect fit, tailor your clothes.

 Buy
the best you can afford.
 Quality over Quantity.

Invest in maintaining your clothes and
accessories.

32. Rules:
1. Make sure you wear them.
2. Make sure they fit.
›
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Have a bra fitting
VPL
Wear the right color.
3.
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›
Nude/skin tone under white
Black under black
Take advantage of body shapers.
5. Don’t let them be seen at work!
4.

33. 
Be in Harmony – “Color Quality”
› The first thing someone notices about you.

Warm vs. Cool: Skin Tone, Eyes and Hair
› Warm: Yellow based. Red, orange, yellow. Orange is
always warm.
› Cool: Blue based colors. Greens, blue and violets
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Color Value: Light vs. Dark
Contrast: Low, Medium High
Manage your Message
Express your Personality
Everyone can wear every color; it is how you wear it!

34. Wardrobe Neutrals – Wardrobe Builders
› Black, White and Gray.
› Dulled, muted tones – Navy blue, burgundy,
brown, tan, ivory, taupe, olive, forest green,
teal and plum.
› Coordinates easily for a variety of outfits
 Accent Colors & Accessories: bright and bold
colors.


35. Psychological effects of color:
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Red:
Hot, dangerous, angry, passionate, sentimental, excit
ing, and aggressive. Power color.
Orange:
Lively, cheerful, joyous, warm, energetic, hopeful, an
d hospitable
Yellow:
Bright, sunny, cheerful, warm, prosperous, cowardly,
and deceitful
Green:
Calm, cool, fresh, friendly, pleasant, balanced, restful
, lucky, envious, and immature

36. Psychological effects of color:
Purple:
Regal, dignified, powerful, dominating, dramatic, my
sterious, wise, and passionate
 Pink: Feminine, gentle, approachable
 White: Innocent, youthful, faithful, pure and peaceful
 Brown: Stable, earthy, continuity, boring, safe and
unsophisticated
 Black:
Mysterious, tragic, serious, sad, dignified, silent, old,
sophisticated, strong, wise, evil, gloomy
 Gray: Modest, sad and old


37. 
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Accessories: scarves, jewelry, handbags, shoes
Keep jewelry more simple for the office
Easiest and cost-effective to spice up an outfit
Best way to incorporate the current trends without
spending a fortune on a new wardrobe
“Statement” accessories are the best way to let
your Signature Style and personality shine through
Use accessories as a way to add or “correct” color
Keep your body type in mind

38. Believe
Think
CONFIDENCE
React
Feel
Act

39. Clean-out your closet!
 Build your wardrobe
 Create a work “uniform”
 Make purchases only if they coordinate with
other pieces in your “wardrobe cluster”
 Plan your outfits for the week
 Hang them out the night before with
accessories
 Organize family “to-dos” the night before


40. 

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
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
Start with Wardrobe Basics (75%)
Add Trendier Pieces to remain current (25%)
Add Accessories
Create a Wardrobe Cluster: 5–12 pieces of
clothing that work together.
Organize and Simplify! Find a look or
“uniform” that works!
Make sure your “uniform” compliments your
message and environment.

41. 4 jackets+4 bottoms+4 tops =40 outfits
 Three coordinating solid colors; one print
 Three piece suit great start
 Start with your best wardrobe neutral
 Add color to be in “harmony” with your
personal coloring
 Develop a Signature Style
 KISS!


43. 1 basic
+1 interest piece
+1 completer piece
(dark jeans, pencil skirt, basic top or bottom)
(color, pattern, texture, shine)
(jacket, cardigan, belt)
+ accessories (bag, jewelry, clutch, shoes)
= FABULOUS!

44. 
Research the industry and position
› What do people wear? Is it conservative or
trendy? Is it analytical or artistic? What is the
location?
Be prepared for multiple interviews.
 Organize your closet. Know what fits!
 Plan your interview outfits including
accessories. More than one!
 Be prepared for last minute interview
opportunities at any time.


45. 
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Professional dress level “4”
Conservative and well maintained shoes and accessories!
Make sure you can walk in your shoes! Keep heels 3” or
less. No sandals or peep toes.
Carry only one “bag” either a brief case or handbag. Not
both. Keep portfolio in bag until need.
Hair well groomed and nails manicured.
Make-up -- wear some, not a lot.
Wear sheer nude or black pantyhose.
Look modern, not dated.
Show some personality. Be memorable for the right
reasons!

46. Too much cleavage

Studies show that women who dress in sexy attire in a professional environment are
more often passed over for promotions than women who dress more conservatively.
Too-short skirt

Wearing a micro-mini may send the message that you're trying to compensate for
skills you lack in other areas.
See-through clothes

Summer materials such as organza and liquid jersey look and feel cool and
pretty, but in the light of a staff meeting, they can reveal the outlines of your legs-and much more. Always wear transparent blouses over camis or under jackets;
transparent dresses and skirts should be layered over a slip or leggings. Buying
clothes with lining--especially white pants and skirts--is always a safe choice.
Undergarments showing

With the plethora of specialized undergarments available to consumers (clear and
convertible bra straps, for example), there is no excuse for bulging panty lines and
peek-a-boo bra straps or thong tops. Wear nude undergarments under white.
“Hollywood tape”.

47. Bringing the beach (or the gym or the bar) into the office

Sundresses, spaghetti straps, flip-flops. Nothing makes you look less professional
than coming to the office like you're dressed for the beach.
Over-accessorizing

A rule of thumb when it comes to accessories in the workplace: Less is more. A
boardroom-ready look includes one show stopper plus subtle accessories. That
means if you're going to put on a chunky beaded necklace, stick to minimal earrings.
Ill-fitting clothes

The classiest outfit can give the wrong message if it is too baggy in the bum or if a
button at the chest is pulling. Be sure that your clothes have mobility--no too-tight
pants or too-narrow skirts. If your current closet doesn't fit because you've gained or
lost weight, seek out a neighborhood tailor to adjust it. Just a few tweaks to a poorly
fitted pantsuit can take you from frumpy or bumpy to authoritative.

Bare legs at work?? A fashion do or don’t??

Do the “rules” change if you are in your 20s vs. 50s?