Image Minute ~ Image info on the fly!

% Skirt length has always been up for debate. Long or short depends on your body and leg shape. Find what's flattering to you and wear it well.

%Trousers are the ultimate for comfort. Cigarette trousers (very tapered) are best on women with slim hips. For those who are more shapely, a wider leg is most flattering.

For Men:

%Jackets are the focal point of any wardrobe and it always lends itself to presenting a polished look. A few great closet staples:

Navy blazer (lightweight wool), single breasted is a great staple and can be worn with many different colors of trousers.
Linen blazer (for Spring and Summer only)
Camel Blazer
Tweed or other textured jacket
Three button (black or navy)
Four button (gives a younger look) in black, charcoal, navy or tan

%Pants are important not only in how they pair up with the rest of your casual wardrobe, but also how they fit your body. They should be comfortable and wrinkle free. Styles include both flat front and pleated

Flat front pants are great for men whose middle is just that - flat. Any type of protruding belly will not make this the most flattering style.
Pleats are good for those whose waistlines are not as boyish as they once were.
Cotton twill: khaki, tan, olive green, chino
Grey flannel (tropical weight wool - good for year round wear)
Slacks in navy, brown, dark green, chocolate brown

%Good shirts are vital to your wardrobe. Second only to the jacket, your shirt says who you are. Fit and comfort in your shirt are the primary components when choosing the right one. With or without French cuffs.

White buttoned-down
Woven shirts in other colors (i.e., pink, blue, yellow)
Golf shirts
Collarless (or banded collar) shirts
Chambray

%Shoes are the telltale sign of your image. They should be polished and well-heeled.

Loafers or slip-ons
Tie-ups in nubuck or suede
Short boot or bootie

%Socks are a must. The naked ankle is not meant for the office. Sock color should be the same tone as your trousers or your shoes (or both).

Remember, just as a product's packaging often determines its marketing success, your image serves as your packaging in the marketplace.

The Casual Affair

Are you casually challenged? The dilemma we face as we prepare for the Business Casual workplace is what to wear - or more importantly, what not to wear. Choosing business casual attire can be more trying than it has to be. While it's great being able to dress down - we have to be sure to not dress all the way down.

The purpose is to dress more comfortably and STILL maintain a posture of power and authority. In the fashion world, there are 4 levels of casual wear; however, only 2 are acceptable in the daytime workplace.

ü Career Casual - Appropriate for the executive or upper management level. This level always includes a jacket as the pivotal piece around which the outfit is coordinated. For men, this can be with or without a tie.

ü Basic Biz Casual - The level does not include a jacket and is appropriate for support and administrative teams. It may also include a uniform work shirt with the company's logo. Care must be taken with this level so that the look is always pressed, neat and well put together.

ü Weekender Casual - This level is NOT appropriate for the workplace. Clothing in this level includes torn or beaded jeans, loud prints, nylon, spandex and logo t-shirts. While these are great looks for the weekend, they lack authority, power and appropriateness in the office.

ü After-Hours Casual - This level works well when you have to attend business social functions, such as conventions or dinner with clients. Here, there are many choices, of which black is the most popular. Keeping a black jacket is always a good way to be prepared for most evening events.

Don't be a casualty of Business Casual!