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WOMEN EXPERT ADVICE...
Toss The Trends - Presenting Yourself with Poise & Authority
The door opens and you walk in. All pause to look your way. In the next 30
seconds you will be judged and categorized. Will you be taken seriously and
paid attention to? Or will you be shrugged off, deemed insignificant, as the
crowd turns back to what had occupied them earlier? That depends on you. How
are you presenting yourself? Is your personal image classic? Or trendy?
Which is better for your business?
As a woman entrepreneur, you interact with a wide variety of individuals on
a daily basis; your clients, your suppliers, your backers, your mentors,
your peers. Ideally, you would please all of these people all of the time.
The classic beauty appeals to everybody. Restraint in style and gesture
transmits authority. Elegance doesn’t offend anyone. In these days of faux
Louis’ and the ubiquitous presentation of labels, the dignified elegant
woman is like a breath of fresh air. Fads and trends change quickly, your
clients may want to think that you won’t. The classic beauty gives an
impression of permanence.
How to Carry Off the Classic Look from Tip to Toe:
Your Hair - Classic hair is always clean, and the right
hairstyle can make or break your look. A good hairstyle puts the perfect
frame around a person’s face to enhance and balance the features. Hair
stylists contend that there are six basic face shapes and styles that go
with them. Not sure what style would be best for you? Google “how to find a
hairstyle that suits your face” to find various websites that will help.
Remember that a great hair colour is one that looks as natural as possible.
Streaks should be subtle, as though the sun put them there. Purple and pink
hair is best on willowy young things with studs through their lips.
Your Teeth - Keep them clean and flossed. Visit the dental
hygienist regularly. Consider bleaching. Some women get spectacular results
when they bleach their teeth, but others don’t. If cost is an issue try a
drugstore bleaching kit first to see if yours are a shade that will lighten
up easily. To keep your smile bright try to avoid foods that stain the tooth
enamel. If you indulge in coffee, tea, cola, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar,
blueberries, red wine, cranberry juice and tomato sauce, brush your teeth
right away afterwards, or at least swish and rinse.
Your Makeup - Apply concealer and foundation sparingly.
Enhance your eyes subtly. Lips can be bold, red is a lipstick classic. Or
stay near your own lip colour for the natural beauty look. Make your lips or
eyes stand out but not both at the same time. Clean your face every night.
Moisturize with lotions specifically for the face. Research which ones
contain the best ingredients.
Your Posture - Spine straight, shoulders back. Thighs together
when sitting.
Your Clothes - Ditch the extremes, unless your business
depends on them. Banish any clothes that have exterior labels, unless you
are keen on advertising for that brand. Choose natural fabrics: cotton,
silk, wool and cashmere, in clean simple lines. Plain is perfect; if you
like patterns learn how to wear them properly for that classic effect. Check
Google for “how to wear patterns” to avoid loud mistakes.
Classics transcend time while trends are dependent on the style of the day.
Remember those huge shoulder pads of the eighties? The dirty coloured jeans
of the early 2000’s? Uh-uh, fun but done. For classic, think Audrey Hepburn,
sleek black dresses, gloves, clean lines. Think Charlotte from Sex and
the City for more whimsical yet still elegant style. Add a personal
touch with your accoutrements; a glittering hair barrette, peep toe shoes.
Own a few purses in shades that complement your clothes. Make sure each is
lovely and leather and well made. Don’t fall for the designer bags, and
definitely don’t carry a knock off. Men won’t notice and women won’t believe
it’s real (unless you are a proven major spender). Even then, it screams
conformity and an addiction to People Magazine.
Your Finger Nails - When you extend your hand for a handshake,
when you point out features on a paper, when you put a digit to your lip,
your finger nails are on display. They should be clean, filed smooth, and
not too long. If you like acrylic or silk wrapped nails (the French nail is
a classic), make sure that they are short and well maintained. Polish should
always be perfect, better au natural than chipped or flaking.
Your Feet - Spring for regular pedicures. Neat, smooth feet
and painted nails look charming peeping out of open toe shoes. I don’t know
if I’m allowed to say this but consistently the Vietnamese are incredibly
talented at hand painting tiny delicate flowers as a finishing touch.
Your Entrance - Walk in tall, stand up straight, make eye
contact. An aura of self-confidence will have an enormous impact on how
others see you. Make sure your handshake is firm and friendly, limp fingers
imply reticence.
If you feel insecure you can train yourself to be confident. Practice good
posture. Exercise. Eat simple and healthy foods. Endorphins and an erect
spine will signal alpha female. Walk more quickly. Speak up. Compliment the
input and effort of others. Be gracious, respect will follow. One day you
will realize that you really do feel confident, just from acting like you
do!
Keep in mind the definitions of Classic:
-Belonging to the highest rank or class.
-Serving as the established model or standard.
-Having lasting significance or worth; enduring.
Are these the attributes you want for yourself and your business? Then go
for it - be a classic beauty, strong and lovely - make that first impression
keep them coming back for more!
Helen Paris Riemer is publisher of The Single Woman’s Guide -
www.thesinglewomansguide.com - promoting independence, strength &
knowledge for all women, single or not. Also visit
www.helenparis.com
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