Can Your Image Be Helped?
What’s Your Image?
Have you ever been asked the question, “What’s your style?” only to think, “Do I have a style?” Not surprisingly many women have this same reaction. With the popularity of television shows like “What Not To Wear,” women have become more accustomed to seeing “regular” women undergoing makeovers. That’s good because it’s changing the perspective that many women have that personal image consultants or fashion stylists (the two terms are used interchangeably) only work with the rich and famous. But today this is no longer the case as working women, stay-at-home moms, senior executives and retired women are all seeking advice about their wardrobes and personal style.
So, how do you know when it’s time to ask for help and purposely create a style you love? These questions will help you determine if seeking guidance from an image consultant can be helpful to you. Do you…
- Stare into your closet thinking, “How can my closet be this full, and yet I feel like I’m wearing the same thing day in and day out?”
- Walk into a store and begin to hyperventilate. You haven’t a clue as to how to begin and you feel instantly overwhelmed. (You often leave empty-handed or, worse, with something “passable” just so you can say you bought something.)
- Watch “What Not To Wear” and get excited but feel lost when you try to apply what you saw to your own body and lifestyle?
- Buy new clothes thinking they will be great but soon realize that something is still missing (and the outfit ends up hanging unworn at the back of your closet).
- Wonder why the things you are not wearing do not work. You know that if you just knew the answer you’d be able to get rid of them (or rework them) and not make the same mistake again!
- Have no idea what looks good on you so you stick to what feels safe but then you just feel bored.
- Know that there must be more out there to buy than just jeans and T-shirts but you don’t know what or where to find it?
So many women have given up trying to find a personal style they love. They feel like they have wasted so much money on things that didn’t work so they just stop trying!
Here’s the scoop: Every woman regardless of age, weight, body shape or lifestyle can love the way she looks. This is where an image consultant can make all the difference in the world – get you back on track, give you a boost of confidence and help you understand what your style is!
Let use Joanne as an example. Her wardrobe was colorless (her philosophy was that black is easy and slimming), she owned 15 white blouses (but only wore 3), and her casual clothes consisted of jeans and uninspired T-shirts. And, that doesn’t even begin to speak to the volumes of clothes she never wore (some with the tags still on them). But once she understood about how to integrate color, fit, interesting details, accessories as well as how to create a complete outfit, her wardrobe began to have personality – her personality — and getting dressed became less like a chore and much more fun.
Choosing a “style” is about understanding who you are and how to dress so that YOUR personality shines through. If this is your goal, consider selecting an image consultant by:
- Visit consultant websites and see which one gives you feel a connection to the philosophy and energy of the consultant. This is critical since you need to feel comfortable with her.
- Have a phone conversation to learn how she works with her clients.
- Beware of anyone who “tells” you how you “should” dress. You want someone who will listen to you and honor your needs (and help you step out of your comfort zone in a way that is fun and exciting).
- If you don’t have a referral from someone you respect ask for references.
One of the best ways to find an image consultant is to do an internet search for “image consultant” (or fashion stylist) and the name of your town or closest city. You can also check out the Association of Image Consultants International at www.aici.org.