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EtiquetteStylish Looks

Dressing For Success

by artofmakeover

Why Does It Matter?

Dressing for success has long been a topic of interest in the professional world. The concept revolves around choosing attire that aligns with your goals, aspirations, and the image you want to project. While the definition of “success” and appropriate dress codes have evolved over time, the impact of clothing on our confidence, perception, and performance remains significant. 

Whether it’s making a positive impression during a job interview, emulating successful colleagues, or simply feeling more self-assured, our clothing choices send powerful messages about who we are and where we aim to be. So, even as workplaces become more diverse and casual, the idea of dressing for success continues to matter in subtle yet impactful ways.

Because No Matter What, First Impression Counts.

The Myth of Sacrificing Personal Style

Before we go on, let’s debunk a myth: maintaining personal style doesn’t mean compromising professionalism. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Your style—whether it’s a classic blazer, a statement necklace, or a well-chosen tie—adds color to the monochrome canvas of office norms. Whether you’re a minimalist fashionista or a maximalist trendsetter, the key lies in striking that delicate balance and doing it with elegance and poise.

Here are some key areas to take note when it comes to dressing for success.

1) Understanding Dress Codes

When it comes to workplace attire, striking the right balance between professionalism and personal style is an art form. Let’s delve into how you can dress for success while expressing your unique flair:

Business Formal:

  • Reserved for high-level corporate settings, board meetings, or formal events.
  • Think tailored suits, crisp shirts, and polished leather shoes.
  • For women, a well-fitted blazer paired with a knee-length skirt or tailored pants exudes elegance.

Business Casual:

  • A more relaxed yet professional dress code.
  • Here, you have room to infuse your personal style.
  • Opt for slacks, blouses, cardigans, and closed-toe shoes.
  • Men can skip the tie, and women can explore dresses or skirts with modest hemlines.

Smart Casual:

  • A step down from business casual, smart casual allows for creativity.
  • Men can wear collared shirts with chinos or dark jeans.
  • Women can mix blouses with tailored pants or skirts.
  • Add a statement accessory to elevate your look.

Casual:

  • Some workplaces embrace casual attire.
  • However, casual doesn’t mean sloppy.
  • Jeans, polo shirts, and comfortable shoes are acceptable.
  • Avoid ripped or overly distressed denim.

2) Quality Over Quantity

Invest in Wardrobe Staples:

  • Prioritize quality over quantity.
  • A few well-made pieces can create numerous outfits.
  • Consider a classic white button-down shirt, a versatile blazer, and well-fitting trousers and skirts.

Tailoring Matters:

  • Even the finest clothing won’t shine if it doesn’t fit properly.
  • Tailor your clothes to suit your body shape.
  • Hem pants, adjust sleeves, and ensure a flattering silhouette.

3) Accessorize Thoughtfully

Subtle Accessories:

  • Accessories allow you to express your style without overpowering your professional look.
  • A silk scarf, a tasteful watch, or pearl earrings can make a statement.
  • Avoid excessive bling or distracting accessories.
  • Less is more.
  • Choose one standout accessory rather than piling on multiple pieces.

Footwear Matters:

  • Shoes complete the ensemble.
  • Invest in comfortable yet stylish footwear.
  • Polished loafers, classic pumps, or well-maintained brogues convey professionalism.

4) Grooming and Hygiene

Beyond Clothing:

  • Dressing for success isn’t solely about the clothes you wear. It extends to personal grooming and hygiene.
  • Regular showers, clean hair, and well-maintained facial hair (if applicable) are essential.
  • Neatly trimmed nails and well-kept hands contribute to an overall polished appearance.

Fresh Breath Matters:

  • Bad breath can leave a negative impression.
  • Regular dental care, including brushing, flossing, and mouthwash, is crucial.
  • Keep mints or gum handy, especially before meetings or networking events.

Hair and Skin Care:

  • Well-groomed hair reflects attention to detail.
  • For men, a neat haircut and facial hair maintenance matter.
  • For women, consider hairstyles that are professional and easy to manage.
  • Skincare routines help maintain healthy, clear skin.

5) Adapt to Company Culture

Know Your Environment:

  • Every workplace has its unique culture.
  • Some organizations embrace individuality, allowing employees to express their personal style.
  • Others follow strict norms, adhering to specific dress codes.
  • Observe how colleagues dress and adapt accordingly.

Observe Senior Colleagues:

  • Pay attention to senior colleagues.
  • They’ve navigated the company culture longer and understand unwritten rules.
  • If they wear business casual attire, it’s a cue for you to do the same.
  • Learn from their choices and blend in while maintaining your authenticity.

Balance Individuality and Conformity:

  • Strive for a balance between expressing your unique style and fitting in.
  • While individuality is valuable, avoid standing out for the wrong reasons.
  • Adapt your wardrobe to align with company values without compromising your identity.

6) Color Psychology

  • Colors evoke emotions and perceptions.
  • Opt for classic neutrals (black, navy, gray) for a professional look.
  • Add pops of color strategically (e.g., a vibrant tie or a statement blouse).
  • Here’s a brief guide on the meaning of colors and the emotions it can evoke:
  1. Red:
    • Associations: Passion, energy, love, danger.
    • Impact: Red grabs attention and evokes strong emotions. It’s often associated with urgency (think stop signs) and can stimulate appetite (common in restaurant logos).
  2. Blue:
    • Associations: Calmness, trust, professionalism.
    • Impact: Blue is soothing and promotes a sense of stability. It’s commonly used by banks, tech companies, and healthcare institutions.
  3. Yellow:
    • Associations: Optimism, happiness, caution.
    • Impact: Yellow is cheerful and attention-grabbing. It’s used to convey positivity (think smiley faces) but can also signal caution (like caution signs).
  4. Green:
    • Associations: Nature, growth, balance.
    • Impact: Green is calming and associated with health. Brands related to eco-friendliness or organic products often use green.
  5. Purple:
    • Associations: Royalty, creativity, spirituality.
    • Impact: Purple is mysterious and luxurious. It’s used by brands that want to convey elegance and uniqueness.
  6. Orange:
    • Associations: Energy, enthusiasm, warmth.
    • Impact: Orange is vibrant and attention-grabbing. It’s often used in promotions or to create a sense of excitement.
  7. Black:
    • Associations: Sophistication, power, mystery.
    • Impact: Black is timeless and elegant. Luxury brands often use black in their logos and packaging.
  8. White:
    • Associations: Purity, simplicity, cleanliness.
    • Impact: White creates a sense of openness and simplicity. It’s commonly used in healthcare and tech industries.
  9. Gray:
    • Associations: Neutrality, balance, practicality.
    • Impact: Gray is versatile and can be both conservative and modern. It’s often used in corporate settings.
  10. Brown:
    • Associations: Earthiness, reliability, comfort.
    • Impact: Brown feels grounded and dependable. It’s used by brands related to natural products or outdoor activities.

Remember, dressing for success isn’t about rigid conformity; it’s about strategic choices that enhance your professional image while respecting the context. Your attire speaks volumes about your professionalism and attention to detail. Express your style while respecting the workplace norms, and you’ll exude confidence and grace!

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Healthy Thoughts

Social Media Etiquette In The Workplace: A Top 6 List

by artofmakeover
Top 6 Social Media Etiquette in the Workplace

Ever since social media has become an essential part of our daily lives, social media etiquette is probably one of the most important things to learn in this day and age, especially if you are building your professional image or aspiring to be a lady of class.

With the myriad of social media tools out there such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Tik Tok, these tools are no longer just for personal use to stay connected with friends and family but are also widely used for work and business.

Every day, tons of people share news and information, their thoughts, comments, and opinions on almost any subject imaginable.

When words get out of hand, social media can become a source of tension and discomfort instead. This can be especially sensitive in the workplace and business, which could result in serious implications that might cause harm to an employee, employer, or organization.

In this article, we will explore the basic etiquette rules on social media usage in business and the workplace, so that can you create a positive, civilized, and beneficial experience for everyone on social media.

1. No Offensive Posts (#1 taboo in social media etiquette!)

First and foremost, it is important to remember that social media is a public forum. This means that anything you post on social media can potentially be seen by anyone, including your colleagues, boss, and clients.

Therefore, it is crucial to be sensitive and mindful of what you post and how it may be perceived by others. For example, you should avoid posting anything that could be seen as offensive, inflammatory, or unprofessional to others.

This includes things like making inappropriate comments about co-workers, sharing confidential information, or posting offensive jokes or memes.

It is also important to avoid posting anything on social media that could be seen as detrimental to your professional reputation or that of your employer. This includes things like sharing sensitive or confidential information, making inappropriate comments about your job or company, or engaging in activities that could be seen as unprofessional or illegal.

2. Be Respectful

Another important rule of social media etiquette in the workplace is to be respectful of others. This means not only avoiding offensive or inappropriate content but also being considerate of others’ feelings and opinions.

For example, if you are engaged in a heated debate or argument on social media, it is important to remember that your words may be perceived as hostile or confrontational by others. In such cases, it is best not to take things too personally, but instead, suggest taking the conversation offline and discussing the issue in person.

Remember, when it comes to creating or maintaining our public image, it is all about consistency in what we say and how we behave. If we are respectful to others in person, we ought to be respectful to others online too.

3. Watch out for your ‘tone” online

It is important to be mindful of the tone and content of your online communication. Just as you would in person, be respectful, professional, and courteous in your online interactions with coworkers.

4. Seek Permission

In addition to being mindful of what you post, it is also important to be mindful of how you interact with others on social media. This includes things like avoiding excessive tagging or tagging without permission, spamming others with unsolicited messages or invitations, and not engaging in cyberbullying or harassment. By following these basic rules of social media etiquette, you can help create a positive and respectful online environment for everyone.

5. In-Person Communication (extending social media etiquette to offline)

One of the key benefits of social media is its ability to connect us with others and facilitate collaboration and communication. However, it is important to remember that social media should not be used as a substitute for in-person communication.

For example, if you have an issue or concern with a coworker, it is best to address it directly with them in person rather than airing your grievances on social media.

6. Draw Clear Boundaries

Another important aspect of social media etiquette in the workplace is to maintain a clear boundary between your personal and professional lives.

While it is perfectly fine to share personal information and experiences on social media, it is important to remember that your colleagues and clients do not need to know everything about your personal life. Knowing how to filter your posts on your personal life and not over-sharing is key to the key to maintain a good image and profile online.

In conclusion, social media is a valuable tool for staying connected and communicating with others. However, it is important to remember that our online actions and interactions can have real-world consequences.

This includes being mindful of what we post and how it may be perceived, being respectful of others, maintaining clear boundaries between our personal and professional lives, and using social media as a tool for collaboration and communication rather than a substitute for in-person interactions.

By following the basic rules of social media etiquette in the workplace, we can help create a positive and productive environment for all employees!

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Stylish Looks

How To Dress For An Apple Body Shape

by artofmakeover

Apple body shape is the most common and natural body shape. Apple shaped women have a top-heavy torso with a smaller waist and curvier hips. They might also have larger busts and rounder waists in comparison to their slimmer hips. This body type is also characterised by a rounder face and thicker arms. Hence, wearing clothes that fit well to create balance and avoid drawing attention to the waist is key. To dress an apple body shape, here are 7 great tips to follow:

1. Choose clothing and accessories that flatters your top to chest area.

Empire-waist tops and V-neck tops

These are great choices for the apple body shape. They draw attention to bust area in a flattering way and away from the mid section. However, a caveat here is to avoid tops with low necklines that reveal your cleavage or has excessive detailing around the bust. These will emphasise your chest instead of flattering it.

Choose tops with interesting details

Tops with interesting details, such as those with pleats, laces or ruffles on the shoulders can draw the eye away from your midsection. Consider wearing jackets and cardigans that are slightly cropped or have wider shoulder seams to create the illusion of a smaller waist.

Use accessories to draw attention to neckline.

You can also accessorise with bold statement jewelry or brightly color scarf to add visual interest to your neckline area.

2. Create a waistline

One of the best ways to flatter an apple body shape is to choose clothing that cinches at the waist, such as a peplum top, or wear a wide belt to create an illusion of a smaller waistline.

3. Avoid clothing that is tight around your midsection, or too baggy overall

Avoid skin tight clothes

Wearing a skin-tight top or dress will only accentuate your problem area. Instead, opt for a top of clothing that is loose or flowing in order to help camouflage your trouble spots.

Avoid baggy clothes

On the other end, you might think its easy to just camouflage your problem area with baggy clothes. This is one of the greatest misconception because wearing baggy clothes will add on even more volume to your existing frame, and “increases” your size by 2 or 3 times, depending on how baggy your clothes are. Try to avoid baggy clothes at all cost.

4. Choose bottoms that are flared or wide leg

This will create more volume around your lower half body, which then gives an illusion that will balance out your top half. For instance, you can go for wide cut pants or A-line skirts.

5. Avoid bags that add more volume to your midsection area

It is easy to add volume to the wrong area with bags. Make sure that your bag do not end at your midsection area when you carry it, as this will add only emphasize your problem area.

Go for bags with wider and shorter handles

Instead, go for bags with wider and shorter handles that will either sit above or below your midsection. For example, tote bags with shorter handles, or hand held rectangular bags with short top handles, such as bowling bags.

Avoid cross body bags

Avoid going for a cross body bag as this will emphasize your midsection, or small bags like a small clutch because it will give an illusion that you appear larger than you are due to the contrast in size of the clutch against your body.

6. Wear well-fitted undergarment

Wearing a well-fitted bra that creates better silhouette and proportion on the top can draw attention away from your midsection. You can also consider wearing a girdle to better define your waist. With new technology, girdles now are more affordable and comfortable to wear than ever before.

7. Making colors and prints work for you

Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors and prints to create a look that is uniquely you! You can go for darker colors to look smaller but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it has to be black only. You can still go for other colors in darker shades, such as deep turquoise or deep purple.

Go for smaller prints

Always go for smaller prints as bigger prints will enlarge you.

Go vertical

If you are going for lines, go for vertical lines to elongate and balance out your body instead of horizontal lines, which will only make your look larger.

Go nude or transparent

This applies to your shoes. Wearing nude color or transparent shoes can really help to elongate your legs and make you look taller as they create an illusion of additional height from your ankles.

By following these tips, you can dress well and confidently for your unique shape and look well put together in no time!

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Healthy Thoughts

How To Be A Classy Woman

by artofmakeover
successful multiethnic business colleagues in modern office

Do you want to know how to be a classy woman? Contrary to popular beliefs, being classy is about more than just dressing well or having expensive possessions. There are many different facets to being a classy woman. In this article, we will discuss some of the key characteristics of classy women and provide tips on how you can emulate their behavior. So if you’re ready to learn how to walk, talk, and act like a true lady, keep reading!

Have Self-Control

One of the most important things to remember when trying to be a classy woman is to always act with dignity and grace. No matter what situation you find yourself in, it is important to maintain your composure and show respect for others, even if you disagree with the other party. The last thing you want is to engage in an argument or a nasty exchange of words which may result in a loud and heated manner. This can be difficult to do, but self-control is a key part of being classy.

Be Gracious

Another important aspect of being a classy woman is being gracious. This means always behaving in a polite and respectful manner, even when you don’t feel like it. This means that they are never rude or unkind, even to those who may deserve a good scolding. This is what it means to be gracious, which is showing grace to someone who don’t deserve it. It is about knowing how to handle yourself with poise and dignity, especially in difficult situations.

For example, if someone cuts you off in traffic, you might feel angry but try not to act on it. Instead of scolding the person or showing a rude hand gesture, take a deep breath and let it go. Show grace to the person, as it’s not worth getting yourself worked up over something so minor. Try to reframe your thoughts in situations like this. For example, it helps to imagine that the person might be rushing to see a loved one is in hospital. When you do that, you will switch from being angry to becoming empathetic.

Be Considerate

Another important aspect of being a classy woman is having good manners. This means using please and thank you, holding doors open for others, and speaking kindly to those around you. Good manners show that you are respectful and considerate of others, two very important qualities in a classy lady.

Don’t Boast

Classy women are humble and don’t feel the need to boast about their accomplishments. They let their actions speak for themselves. If you’ve done something worthy of praise, others will notice and there is no need to bring attention to it yourself. This also comes back to being considerate of others – bragging can make people think more highly of themselves, hence unknowingly making others feel conscious or feeling lesser of themselves.

Be Generous

Classy women are generous, both with their time and with their possessions. They are always willing to lend a helping hand and are happy to share what they have with others. This doesn’t mean that you should give away all of your belongings – rather, be generous in the way you treat others and be willing to help whenever you can, even in small ways or in small amount. For example, you can be generous with your words, in being encouraging and speaking kind and positive words to others. You can also give your time to help a neighbour in need (e.g. caring for their plants when they are away).

Be Stylish

Lastly, a classy woman always dresses and carries herself with sophistication. This doesn’t mean that you have to wear designer clothes or spend a lot of money on your wardrobe. It simply means that you dress in a way that best suits your body and your personality. Your clothing should bring the best out of you and should also be appropriate for the occasion and something that makes you feel confident. When you look good, you feel good about yourself and this reflects positively in the way you carry yourself.

That said, this doesn’t mean that you can’t let loose and have fun from time to time. However, there is a time and place for everything. But in general, you should always be kind, gracious, and elegant in your behavior.

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Stylish Looks

What is Romantic Dressing Style Personality?

by artofmakeover
What is romantic dress style personality?

The romantic dressing style personality is a feminine and delicate style that is often associated with soft colors, flowing fabrics, and intricate details.

A woman with romantic styles tend to have a gentle, feminine, and romantic nature, and they express themselves through their clothing choices.

It’s all about the soft fluid curves and loose fabric that drapes, floral dresses, soft colors, vintage dresses, laces, ruffles, and all. Think about romance and what women will wear on dates and on their wedding days – just like a princess!

When it comes to hair and makeup, women with a romantic personality style tend to have a delicate and feminine appearance. They may have soft curls or loose waves in their hair and tend to wear natural-looking makeup with a focus on rosy cheeks and pink lips.

What are the signs that you could be one?

Well, you have a romantic style if you:

1. Love soft and pretty colors like pink, lavender, baby blue, coral, and peach

You may have a romantic dressing style personality if you tend to go for color palettes that are soft and feminine, featuring shades of pink, peach, lavender, and cream.

Romantic Style Fashion Personality-Color Palette

2. Have a thing for floral prints, flower accessories, or bags with flower embellishments.

You are often drawn to nature and enjoy spending time outdoors, surrounded by flowers, trees, and greenery. You probably have a love of flowers, beauty, and aesthetics and may be drawn to vintage fashion, antique furniture, and delicate jewelry.

Romantic Style Fashion Personality-Casual Wear Outfit

2. Into clothing with lace, ribbon, tulle, and ruffle details.

The romantic personality style is also characterized by soft, flowing fabrics such as silk, lace, and chiffon. Your clothing tends to be fitted at the waist and often features intricate details such as embroidery, ruffles, and bows.

Romantic Style Fashion Personality-Semi-Casual Wear Outfit

3. A penchant for soft fabrics like chiffon, satin, silk, velvet, and cashmere

You may have a strong preference for soft and flowing fabrics that create a delicate and feminine look. Fabrics such as chiffon, satin, silk, velvet, and cashmere are commonly seen in their wardrobe choices.

These fabrics feel luxurious to the touch and drape beautifully on the body, creating a sense of elegance and grace. The delicate nature of these fabrics also allows for intricate details such as lace, embroidery, and beading, adding to the overall romantic and ethereal feel of your outfit.

Romantic Style Fashion Personality-Formal Wear Outfit

4. Mostly go for skirts and dresses rather than pants

Women with a romantic personality style tend to gravitate towards skirts and dresses over pants as they embody the soft and delicate aesthetic that they are drawn to.

You love to display your feminine silhouette with a skirt or dress that accentuates your curves, or adds a touch of elegance to your outfit. From short skirts to long flowy dresses, you love to embrace your soft and feminine nature and create a sense of beauty and whimsy in your everyday lives through your clothing.

Romantic Style Fashion Personality-Skirts

5. You love accessories with pearls, cameos, dainty necklaces, and fabric brooches

You often choose accessories that complement your soft and feminine look, such as pearls, cameos, dainty necklaces, and fabric brooches.

Pearls are your classic choice that exudes elegance and sophistication, while cameos add a touch of vintage charm. You like dainty necklaces with delicate chains and intricate pendants because they add a touch of refinement and grace to your look. You probably will also like fabric brooches, especially those that are adorned with intricate lace or beading, as they add a unique and whimsical touch to your outfit.

Romantic Style Fashion Personality-Jewelry and Accessories

5. Personal Attributes

When it comes to personality, women who prefer the romantic personality style tend to be soft-spoken, gentle, and kind. You likely value emotional connections and tend to be compassionate, empathetic, and sensitive to the needs of others.

You might also love beauty and aesthetics and have a deep appreciation for the finer things in life. Sometimes, you might even be sentimental and nostalgic, often holding onto treasured items and memories from the past.

Lastly, you probably have a dreamy and whimsical nature and are often drawn to fairy tales and stories of true love.

Do you identify with most or all of the above? If so, then you are a true blue romantic female at heart!

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