Category Archives: dress for success

Are you Rocking your Professional Presence?

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Picture this; imagine a woman dressed for work with hair in a simple ponytail, little makeup, stud earrings as her only accessory, chinos, dress shirts and loafers. Then picture the same woman with a chic hairdo, skirted ensembles paired with fitted jackets, slingbacks, accessories and makeup. Transformation, right? More importantly, the ‘Presence’ of a true professional in charge of her career.

In the professional arena, especially, our image can enhance or hinder us from our goals. The question to ask yourself is this: how much effort are you willing to invest in your career goals? Yes, you can be competent, brilliant, sharp as a tack, indispensable even, but if your image is not up to par with your credentials, you may find yourself being passed up for promotions or not elevating your business as fast as you desire.

Your image transmits a message about you at every moment, whether you are aware of it or not. And more importantly, once formed, it is difficult to erase those impressions others form about you.

What this means is that you have to manage your image in the same way you manage your finances or your family schedule. Your image is an asset which can effectively position you for the success you desire. You need to treat it like the valuable asset it is.
It is helpful to think of your image as a billboard advertising “you”.  Your image is “selling” you constantly: at work, at home, everywhere you go. The good news is that you have control over how you are perceived. You just need to be aware of the messages you are conveying with your appearance and refine accordingly.

For more ways you can perfect your professional presence, read the tips on my site, Elan Image Management HERE. For even more tips, you’ll want to get your copy of
Frumpy to Fabulous: Flaunting It. Your Ultimate Guide to Effortless Style. Chapter 9 is all about dressing for workplace success.

Natalie Jobity, The Image Diva

The Style Conundrum: Looking Casual yet Polished

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Many women struggle with looking pulled together in casual settings. They end up under-dressing because they’re worried about over dressing. So how do you present a polished and pulled together image while in a casual setting? Here’s the short answer: You can still be “dressed” without being “dressed up”. 

If you’re a business woman  and you’re attending a BBQ where you know you’ll meet other business professionals, how do you show up? Do you dress with the baggy T, shorts and flip flops which, while appropriate for the occasion, may not send that “dressed” signal to those you may want to impress? Or do you show up in a top that flatters you, a pair of well-fitting linen slacks or a cotton skirt, with a cute pair of sandals? Both are appropriate for the occasion, both are comfortable. But the latter is infinitely more effective in case you do bump into that person you’ve been dying to meet and for 5 minutes you happen to be talking business.

I don’t know about you but my policy is to be safe than sorry. More than that, my motto is really this:  NOT looking “polished” is never an option. Never an option. Why look “less than” my amazing potential, regardless of the context or situation or environment? I challenge you to ask yourself, why should you?

Be fabulous, regardless of the occasion!

Natalie Jobity, image consultant, President, Elan Image Management. Author: Frumpy to Fabulous Flaunting It. Your Ultimate Guide to Effortless Style

Dress to impress: 5 tips to dressing like a winner

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We’ve all heard the phrase “dress to impress” but when you get to the nitty gritty what does it really mean? Dressing to impress is more than just the clothes you wear. It is your total image presentation, including your clothing, how you accessorize, how groomed you are, your poise and posture, non verbal cues, and more. Because research has proven that people make first impression judgments about us primarily based on how we look, the “dressing” part of dressing for success is very critical.

Dress like a winner and you’ll find that the way the rest of the world interacts with you will change for the better. So how does a winner dress? Here are five tips.

 

  1. 1. They own their signature style. Your style is an integral part of who you are—it is your personal stamp. A woman of style has a particular way they carry themselves–it stems from confidence but its more than just that. It’s perhaps the ultimate physical manifestation of their self expression.
  2. 2. They understand the benefits of investing in high quality clothing. High quality is not mean the same thing as “expensive” or designer brands. You can find quality clothing at many price points. But the common denominator is that the clothing is manufactured well, holds up to multiple washings and wears well over time. Moreover it fits well because it is made with better fabrication and attention to detail.
  3. 3. They ensure their clothing fits them impeccably whether they are wearing a suit or a sheath dress. Have your clothing altered by professionals as needed or pay attention to the designers and brands that work well for your figure and proportions. When your clothing fits you well you feel better in it and are able to exude mire confidence.
  4. 4. They pay attention to the accent pieces that impact their image and make them a stand out. Accent pieces are like the bow around the wrapping of a present—it makes the gift look more pleasing to the eye, more polished. It is the same with your ensembles. Accents your shoes, handbag, jewelry and scarves punctuate your look and takes your image up several notches.
  5. 5. They look fabulous regardless of the occasion and know that the way they dress speaks loudly about the type of woman they are. They choose classic or timeless designs. They don’t follow fashion trends but instead invest in clothing uniquely appointed to reinforce their style, lifestyle and preferences. In many cases they are the type of women we all look up to and admire.

Natalie Jobity, Elan Image Management, an image consulting firm

Fashion Consultant: A Few Cool ways I Can Serve You- Styling & Skype

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I have had some really cool engagements with clients and it made me think this was a good time in the year to remind you of all the amazing ways I can serve you or your loved ones.  One of the offerings I have always had available is styling and wardrobe services for photo and video shoots. These can be for websites, book covers and book launches, professional photos or glamor shots.  So how exactly do I help you, you may be wondering? Well, I can help bring the team of experts together with a shared vision of making you look amazing. Typically, the dream team includes a photographer and/or videographer, makeup artist, hair stylist, and your very own personal image consultant–me.  I can help you select outfits in your best colors for the camera, which brings out exactly the essence you are trying to convey, in a way that flatters you and makes you feel at ease. I consult with you on how your hair and makeup should be styled and communicate the desired looks to those experts.

On the day of your shoot I am there as your advocate, making sure you feel at ease and of course look and feel fabulous. I loan accessories as needed as well.  In a time when our photos carry so much more weight because they are plastered everywhere-on social media sites like Facebook and Linked In, on your own website, as a representative of your company’s brand, and more often on the front or back of a book, you want to rest assured that your photo is representing you in the most favorable way. I would be delighted to be your fashion consultant.

I also want to remind you that I serve clients nationwide (and a few outside the US). In a world when we have so much fancy technology at our fingertips, it is really easy to be resourceful with a pc, phone and web cam. I have worked with many clients using Skype to critique their wardrobes, coach them on their image and even shop for them online. It’s amazing how much I can accomplish with neither of us ever physically meeting.  So distance is no longer an excuse for not investing in sprucing up your image. Neither is time, because tools like Skype make it really convenient for you to set your own schedule and relax in the comfort of your home while I refine and tweak your image.

Have questions? Give me a holla!

Natalie Jobity, Image Consultant, Elan Image Management.

What to Wear? Your Style, In Context

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I have been very excited about the responses to a thread of a Linked In group I’m a member of.  We’ve been discussing ‘what makes style’ and I want to share here one of my responses.

I conducted a dress for success seminar to a group of students on Friday and was explaining the point that how you ‘show up’ depends in part on the other person’s expectations–your example of dressing for a fashion shoot in corporate attire and almost losing your account is spot on. We need to express our style–that distinguishes us from everyone else and allows us to be authentic, creative and unique–all hallmarks of a great personal brand! But we have to express our style sensibilities also in context.

I am an image consultant and I dress and express my style differently depending on who I am interacting with and my desired outcomes. To speak to a group I usually wear an outfit in a power color for me that makes me feel confident and in command –meeting clients one on one, I dress more accessible and approachable. My goal then is to get them to trust and engage with me on an intimate level. My style is my style but it can be molded to suit the environment and goals I want to achieve.

Another point that is key in what you said is "poise". A person of style has a particular way they carry themselves–it stems from confidence but its more than just that. It’s perhaps the ultimate physical manifestation of their self expression–that ‘carriage’.

I don’t think everyone dresses with intent or an objective. This is one of the things I coach frequently about–many people unfortunately dress very haphazardly and do not realize the impact this has on the ability to achieve their goals.

More on honing your style in later posts.

Natalie Jobity, Elan Image Management, image consulting

‘Packaging’ your Personal Brand”: NAPW seminar for Women

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Is your image conveying the message you want it to convey? Are you an entrepreneur or professional who needs to step up her look so her image speaks the words aligned with her company’s brand? Then, join me on Thursday June 17th at 4:30 for a great networking event.

The NAPW (National Association of Professional Women) Annapolis Chapter, is pleased to invite you to attend a 90-minute interactive workshop with Natalie Jobity, image consultant, an expert in the areas of image, personal branding, and dressing for success.

Our image or personal brand speaks volumes for who we are.  It sends signals about our intelligence, competence, confidence, level of success, and a host of other unscientific output, which may or may not be true.  For optimal impact, we must be sure to make focused and conscious choices about the messages our image ‘business card’ is transmitting.

Here are a few of the highlights of this workshop:

*   Learn the key elements of an effective personal brand
*   Get smart on why dressing with intention and purpose can be a pathway to success
*   Understand the impact of first impressions and how to ensure yours are positive and lasting
*   Explore ways to use your signature style and image to reinforce your businesses brand image

Join other women like yourself for this engaging and valuable seminar at the Naval Reserve Club in Annapolis MD. To register and for further details please RSVP HERE.
Hope you can join us!

 

Elan Image Management, Image Consulting

Seven Secrets of Successful Well-dressed Women

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What is it about the successful well dressed woman that makes her stand apart from her counterparts? She looks the part and owns it. She knows who she is and what she stands for. Her inner core and outward presentation are perfectly aligned. She is acutely aware of her personal brand and executes upon its tenets every day, every time—consistently. I work with women like this as a personal shopper, image and fashion consultant. She gets it. She understands the power inherent in having an image that is a notch above.

If you want to be perceived as such a woman read these seven tips for guidance.

1. Have a Defined Signature Style
Know your signature style. Your style becomes part of your personal brand which in business is critical. Your personal brand is your advertisement about who you are and what you stand for. It must be credible, authentic and sustainable.
2. Invest in Quality
Well dressed corporate women understand the benefits of investing in high quality clothing. They are aware that quality is associated with success. They invest in themselves before asking others to invest in their company, product or service.
3. Utilize  Experts
Be clear about the limits of your own knowledge. Women who look fabulous don’t wing it. They don’t leave their personal brand to chance. They hire experts to perfect their image and mold a personal brand that is a slam dunk.  Many invest in stylists, image consultants, or personal shoppers to help them execute upon their brand.
4. Be Organized
An organized closet is one that is easy to work with. You see everything, things are organized by color, function, or item and you can mix and match with aplomb. A well-ordered closet is a key to creating polished ensembles and avoiding unnecessary wardrobe duplication.
5. Pay Attention to Detail
Not paying attention to the little details can be a deal breaker. The most high end designer  suit won’t send the right signal when paired with a scrappy handbag or when saddled with a pair of shoes that need to be retired.
6. Have outfits for every Occasion
Successful women own a well-rounded wardrobe that mirrors their lifestyle, personal style, personality and goals. So whether it’s a board meeting or a fundraiser, they always have the the right outfits to shine
7. Timelessness not Trendiness
Smart women focus on style and its impact, not fashion trends. They care less about trends and invest in clothing uniquely appointed to complement their image goals, figure and personal brand. They ensure they invest in timeless pieces that fit impeccably.

Your wardrobe is a mirror reflecting the woman you present to the world. If you aspire to be perceived as successful, then your wardrobe should be outfitted with items befitting the power broker that you are.

Elan Image Management Interviewed on NewsChannel 8!

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Elan Image Management, image consulting, was honored to be a guest on NewsChannel 8, Let’s Talk Live segment. The show is DC’s only live and local talk show. It was a privilege to share with viewers of Let’s Talk Live on Thursday at 12:15pm about the importance of first impressions and tips for pulling together an effective business look. My host Natasha Barrett was an awesome sport and the interview felt less like one, and more as if I was chatting with an old friend.

 

Being in studio live was a bit unnerving at first, but after a minute, I didn’t even notice. The time literally flew by and before I knew it we were done. There was SO much more to share–truly I was just getting started! But I appreciate the 7.5 or so minutes of camera time-more than I expected. And folks, it was so much fun!! I LOVE TV!!

I shared tips for dressing for success with viewers and showed makeovers of a few of my clients. 

Thank you to my clients who allowed me to show their photos–so we could add a visual to my words. And thank you News Channel 8 for having me as your guest! It is an honor to be a guest on the only live and local talk show in Washington DC!

In case you missed it on my home page,  watch MY INTERVIEW with NewsChannel 8 by clicking the link.

 

As always, here’s to purposeful presence!

The Image Diva, Elan Image Management