My typical male client wants to know what he should have in his closet for a put-together, polished, professional appearance. The answer may not be the same for every guy. What pieces are right for you depend on several factors: your desired brand perception at work and in social situations, your current role, your ultimate career destination, geographic location, and what style you like.

When I work with men and women, I start with an image assessment, brand values, and style elements to find out some pertinent information about who you are essentially, what you like, which colors are your best, and what items you will need for the head-to-toe appearance you want.

Then we take a good, hard look in the closet—checking what’s in the closet that has a current look and what we can edit out. Be brutally honest here, especially if you’re doing this yourself. What can you get rid of or donate that is worn, old, tired, doesn’t fit, was never right to begin with, or you just don’t like? Get some trash bags, fill them up and then drop them off at a charity thrift shop or donation box.

How do you know which pieces to keep, discard, or buy? First, everything has to fit your body as it is right now. Clothes should skim the body, not cling or sag. Guys, your shirts shouldn’t blouse out above the waist. If they do, they are too wide for you and can be either discarded or altered. Sleeve hems should hit 1/2 inch past your wrist—not your knuckles—when you’re standing with your arms at your sides. Pant hems should hit one inch from the floor, or at the top of the heel of your shoe. Most men wear clothes that are too big and baggy. You may need to bring some things to the tailor.

Another huge consideration is your personal style preference. What styles do you like, and how do you want to be perceived? Here’s an exercise I have all of my clients do, (yes, men do this too), so we can understand each person’s unique style:

Cut out photos from magazines and catalogs of clothes you like and could see yourself wearing. Find pictures of all kinds of clothes; suits, shoes, accessories, jackets, coats, eyeglasses, even hairstyles. They can be pictures of individual items or outfits. After you’ve accumulated 10 or 15 pictures, we’ll figure out what they have in common. How would you categorize the styles you’ve chosen? Is it classic, trendy, athletic, traditional, relaxed, or creative? Put these pictures on a bulletin board and we’ll use these looks to inspire you to put together your intentional image. Suggestions for magazines: Details, GQ, Esquire, Wall Street Journal, NY Times, Vanity Fair, The Rake.

Once we have the client’s personal style nailed, I create a shopping list from my Men’s Capsule Wardrobe™ document. With this document in hand, I’m able to pre-shop for the client, before they even come into the store. I pull all of the pieces on my checklist that we’ve agreed on, in the right size, color, and style. Then my client comes in and tries things on while I make recommendations—yea or nay.

Everything has been planned intentionally with direction and purpose, for a put-together, polished, professional image.

Depending on your role or title at work, the office environment, geographic location, and your career aspirations, you most likely need some or all of these items.

Men’s Capsule Wardrobe™

• One or two dark, medium-weight, worsted wool tailored suits

• Two tailored sport coats

• Six dress shirts in a variety of colors

• Six sport shirts

• Four casual shirts

• Three ties

• Three sweaters, pullover and/or cardigan

• Four pairs of business pants

• Jeans, and other casual pants

• Two pairs of dress shoes: lace-ups and slip-ons

• Casual shoes

• Boots

• Two dress belts, two casual belts

• Dark socks to match the dress pants

• Lightweight outer jacket

• Top coat or trench coat               

• Leather case or binder

• Current-style glasses (if needed)

An updated appearance helps you communicate a confident leadership image, head-to-toe, inside and out. Take an assertive approach to shape your brand intentionally, to project poise and authority authentically, and to communicate as a competent leader.

Upgrade to a polished, put-together, professional image, for increased influence and bold presence.

As a certified personal image consultant, I help savvy business professionals upgrade their personal brands visually, head-to-toe, and authentically from the inside-out, for increased influence and polished presence. Call for a Free 30-minute phone consultation at 720-933-9247.

Best wishes for much success,

Marian Rothschild

Does your new year’s resolution have something to do with getting serious about your business, full-out? If so, this post is for you.

When all the elements of your professional image are in alignment with how you wish to be known, you look and feel more confident, more authentic, more attractive, and more productive! And when you communicate that confidence, you are seen as a competent leader who can get things done, you have respect and influence, you have increased referrals, leads, sales and promotions. Does that sound like something you’re interested in?

Most highly successful professionals communicate their personal brand with intention, direction, and consistency. That means every aspect of their look – their visual correspondence, head-to-toe – is assessed, prepared, and polished.

Here’s are a few ways for women to get that put-together, polished executive look:

• Before you set out on a shopping trip, identify your target market and your desired message to that market to initially define your brand. What do you want them to “get” about you, think about you? What do you want to clearly communicate to them in that first, lasting reputation? These answers are important, because you’re going to use those brand values as a guide for what wardrobe and accessory pieces, in what colors and shapes, will clearly send your message. 

• Know what colors are flattering to your skin tone, eye and hair color. You’ll want to put a flattering color up by your face in a scarf, necklace, or blouse, because that’s where you want people to focus. If you have blue or green eyes, use that color. If you have very dark hair, try a touch of red. If you have very light blond or silver hair, aqua or coral will be great. 

• A jacket conveys a message of authority, so start with this solid wardrobe staple and build your outfits from there. Buy as good of quality as you can afford. St. John’s is my favorite go-to jacket for high-level executives for an exquisite look of solid trust, great quality, and polished presence. Other jacket brands to consider that don’t carry quite the price tag of St. John’s: Eileen Fisher, Lafayette, Boss, Elie Tahari, Theory, to name a few.

• A dress or nice blouse should go under the jacket in a light or somewhat brighter color than the jacket. Of course a dress or skirt and sweater don’t necessarily need a jacket, but the dress or skirt should be of firm material, nothing flimsy or light, definitely not see-through. A knit shift would be an ideal dress under a jacket, like the coral set, shown below.

• Slacks can be either classic trousers or the newer style of cigarette or tapered-leg slacks. Pants or skirt should be a dark color, but avoid black; it’s so overdone. Try instead: chocolate brown, wine, forest green, navy, charcoal gray, or French blue. Again, St. John’s is a superb quality pant, others that hang beautifully and will hold their shape are: Lafayette, Theory, Tahari, and the most inexpensive but good-looking is by Halogen, available at Nordstrom.

• Shoes should be classic pumps, if possible, or at least have a stylish, sleek look. My favorite pumps are 2 1/2″ or 3” heels, but flats look lovely too, if they are stylish and sleek, even if they have a slightly rounded toe. Comfortable shoes can absolutely be stylish, so don’t settle for boots or shoes that are mumsy, frumpy or childish.

• Colors also send messages. Light colors like tan, beige, or camel are very inviting, approachable colors. Black is the darkest and the heaviest color, and gives the message of formality, sophistication, authority, yet unapproachable.

• Accessories should be stellar and all metals should match. Every accessory should be predominantly classic and say quality rather than quantity. 

Here’s my Capsule Wardrobe Checklist (TM), and never before shared with anyone besides clients!

• 1 suit (depending on position and regional necessity)                     
• 2 pr. dress jeans (trouser jeans)    
• 4-6  pr. slacks; (4 dark, 2 neutral) 
• 4-6 skirts; knee length (2 dark, 2 neutral)          
• 3-5 dresses; knee length, appropriate for office 
• 6 blouses; light, neutral & accessorizing colors 
• 6-8 knit tops; light, neutral & accessorizing colors                
• 4-6 cardigan sweaters 
• 2-4 pull-over sweaters 
• 2-4 jackets coordinating colors w/pants & skirts
• 1-3 trench coat, light or medium weight 
• 1-2 winter coats 
• 3-5 pr shoes; 2 pr. flats, 2 pr. heels                                   
• 2 pr boots: flat & heels                                                        
• Accessories
• jewelry: necklace, earrings, watch 
• belts, scarves
• dark socks, skin-toned ultra sheer hose, dark tights
• leather hand bag and briefcase or tote
• updated reading glasses   

When you communicate your personal brand with intention, direction, and consistency, every conversation you have, every outfit you wear, and every meeting you attend is an opportunity to authentically communicate, engage, lead, teach, and influence everyone with whom you come in contact. 

Call me, 720-933-9247 to book your free 30-minute phone consultation to get started on your resolution today.

As a certified personal image consultant, I help savvy professionals upgrade their brand visually (head-to-toe), verbally, and nonverbally for increased influence and polished presence. Marian Rothschild, AICI FLC, email: [email protected], www.marianrothschild.com

Happy Holidays! Time to relax. Seriously, relax.

The other day in an office supply store, I overheard a woman on speaker phone, (actually the entire store heard the conversation because it was on speaker phone.) She and her friend were trying to plan a time to get together over the next few weeks.

The friend said that she is “simply slammed for the whole next week, and then things get really crazy.” The woman replied, “Oh, no kidding, I’m ready to pull my hair out!”

Is that what Christmas Spirit is all about?

Stress is not enjoyable and certainly not what anybody wants for themselves or loved ones, whether it’s The Holidays or not. Here are 10  tips to stay in the moment, destress, and enjoy this busy time.

1. Ask yourself how you would like this Christmas to go for you and your loved ones. How do you want to feel? Write it down. What steps do you need to take to make that happen? Write them down.
2. Make lists. For everything, write out what needs to be done, by whom. Make separate lists for each week, one for Christmas Eve and one for Christmas Day.
3. Delegate and ask for help. You can’t do everything yourself, no one can. If you try, you’ll just get stressed and crabby. That’s not what anybody wants. Ask politely, acknowledging their talents, effort, and time.
4. For two or three minutes every hour, sit with eyes closed, back straight, breathe deeply and relax every muscle in your body. This will rejuvenate and restore your energy, your stamina, and your sanity.
5. If anything needs to go to the dry cleaners, put it by the door now, to take it when you go out next. Plan outfits for get-togethers, using wardrobe pieces you already have in the closet.
6. Even if you have to go to bed 10 minutes later or wake up 10 minutes earlier, squeeze in at least a 10 minute vigorous walk or exercise routine every day. This will stimulate your blood circulation, boost your metabolism and give you an overall sense of health and vitality. What a gift!
7. Drink a big glass of water before going to a party or out to dinner. This will help you stay hydrated and help you sleep at night to feel good the next day.
8. At a party, don’t stand where the food is. If you see it, you’ll eat it, if you’re anything like me.
9. If it’s unrealistic to send out cards, pick up the phone and call loved ones you haven’t seen in a while. Tell them how much they mean to you and wish them well. Make calls with headset on while in the car. Or at least send a personalized email to let them know you care.
10. Sometimes we put too much emphasis on material things like gifts. Whether or not you are able to spend as much as you’d like on gifts, do something or say something that will mean a lot to your loved one. Give your time, your attention, and your presence, rather than simply material gifts.  Your efforts will be appreciated, and you’ll feel great for reaching out.

Best wishes for a safe, healthy, and mindful Holiday Season. See you next year!

When your professional image is in alignment with how you wish to be known, you look and feel more confident, authentic, attractive, and more empowered. I’m Marian Rothschild, AICI FLC, Certified Personal Image Consultant and executive coach. I help savvy professionals upgrade their personal brand for increased influence and polished presence. I consult and coach the A, B, C’s of image: appearance, body language, and communication. Take a look at my service packages, then call me for a free 30 minute phone consultation: 720-933-9247.

We just got our first snow here in Boulder, Colorado. How about you? Is your closet ready for winter? Here are some things to do now to prepare for winter in your closet, your calendar, and your life.  

• Pack up your summer clothes and store them in a spare closet. Be honest about what you want to keep, donate or bring to a consignment store. 
• Bring out your winter clothes from the spare closet and check for moth holes, wrinkles and anything needing repair. Make sure your clothes from previous years still fit like they did last time you wore them! If not, you might be able to have them altered at a good tailor. Be honest about what’s still in style and what you’ll be able to create new outfits with, wear for work and weekends.
• Dust off your boots and leather oxfords that you haven’t worn all summer. Give them a good polishing and check the heels for wear; heals may need to be replaced at the shoe repair shop. If you don’t have shoe trees in your leather shoes, get some of those now. 
• Take inventory of what’s working for you and what’s missing in your fall/winter wardrobe. Based on that info, start making a Holiday gift list of desired wardrobe and accessory items. Include colors and sizes of items. Let your loved ones know you’ve got a list, maybe even provide a catalogue or link so shopping is super easy.
• Take a look at your winter coats; they might need dry cleaning, or at least a good brushing. If they’re pretty well worn or don’t fit, get yourself a new winter coat in a color other than black, that fits really well and you really love. You deserve it.
• Budget for Holiday gifts, parties and extra expenses like food, wine and travel.
• Arrange with people at work for time off for family and travel needs during Holiday time. 
• Make travel plans for the dead of winter. You’ll want to get to a warmer climate to alleviate the winter blahs. But if you wait till after the Holidays to make reservations, air fare and hotels could be twice the price. Don’t forget your furry buddies, make reservations now for them, too, at a friend’s place or kennel.
• Are you happy with what’s in your closet, and are your clothes working for you? What are your challenges? If you’d like help to prepare winter wardrobe, shopping, professional image or personal branding, visit my website, www.marianrothschild.com, then call me at 720-933-9247 for a free 30 minute phone consultation. 

Wondering how to apply makeup for photos? Be camera ready in 10 minutes and look fantastic. Here’s how:

• It’s not just about putting on tons of eyeliner and fake lashes. It’s about using color and product in the right shade and correct placement. 
• Start by shaping and filling in the brow lightly to highlight the arch. 
• Now line the eye from the outer corner all the way to the inner corner, using either a dark brown or soft black pencil or brush and very dark shadow. Using a softer hand for a lighter effect, line under the eye, along the outer lid, from outer corner, about half way across. 
• Brush on non-clumping mascara to upper lashes and outer corner of lower lashes. 
• Dab concealer on the inner corner of the eye and along the trough line under the eye. Blend concealer well into the upper cheek area for a smooth, even  skin tone. 
• Swirl on mineral powder foundation to forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin. Set with pressed powder.
• Lightly brush pink blush into the apples of the cheeks and up on a diagonal for just two inches, toward the middle of your ear. 
• Apply lip color in coral, pink, or rose, finish with a dab of gloss. 

These are great tips for parties and informal get-togethers, or if you’re doing a presentation at work. But your professional photo needs to be polished in every way, including wardrobe, hair and makeup. For your LinkedIn, website, or company photo, don’t leave anything to chance; hire a professional. I’m certified personal image consultant Marian Rothschild, I’ve been doing wardrobe and makeup for photos for about ten years now. Click here for examples of my work. Call me to see if we’re a good fit: 720-933-9247.

• Whenever possible, have photos taken outside in the shade. If it’s cloudy, all the better. (Check what’s in back of you; make sure there’s no garbage dumpsters or industrial equipment that could ruin the scene.)
• Always face natural light, weather you are outside or inside. You should be facing the light source, and the person taking the pictures should face with their back to the light.
• If you are inside, do not stand directly underneath an overhead light fixture. The position of an overhead light will cast unflattering shadows on your face, giving you an aging and spooky effect.
• Know what colors are best against your skin tone. Gray, black and white do not look good in photos unless you’re a professional model and the photographer has professional equipment. 
• Wear a blouse, top or sweater the same color as your eyes; it will make them stand out and look gorgeous. 
• Stand or sit so your shoulders and hips are slightly on an angle, with your face directly to the camera.
• If you are standing, ladies, place one hand on your waist and bend one knee. This pose is flattering for women because it is very feminine.
• Or, stand with legs crossed at the ankle, like TV and movie stars do – this is super slimming!
• If you know that you’re going to photographed, prepare accordingly with slightly more makeup than you might ordinarily wear. Especially important is foundation and concealer, along with accent around the eyes.
• If you are caught without makeup on, at least quickly apply some lip color. The brighter, the better.
• To ensure that you don’t have a shiny face in pictures, apply pressed powder to forehead, nose, cheeks and chin.
• Don’t lean in to other people, even if there are several of you. You may need to move over a bit toward the other people, but always stand or sit up straight. (The one who leans, looks weak.)
• When the phones come out, check your posture. No one needs to know you’re doing this, just be discreet about it. Back straight, shoulders down and tummy in. Yes, so much better!
• If you seem to have a fake smile in photos, think of something very pleasurable (or someone!) just before the camera clicks.

There you go; terrific…every time!

Marian Rothschild is a certified personal image consultant, speaker and best-selling author. Her book, “Look Good Now and Always: a do-it-yourself style makeover for busy women” is available on Amazon.com. A former actress, dancer and model, Marian helps savvy business professionals go further, faster, by upgrading your personal brand for increased influence and polished presence. There are lots of ways Marian can help you, even for free. Visit www.marianrothschild.com to sign up for her free style tips newsletter.