May 03 Jackets: The power items in every professional wardrobe
The way you dress to present yourself as a leader or high
achiever sends messages to people and the jacket is the most powerful and
credible item in your wardrobe. When you wear a suit jacket, modern jacket, sports
coat, or blazer you send a silent 
message that you are “the expert.”
The right jacket also communicates to others that you care
about how you are perceived as a professional. Nothing conveys influential and
trustworthy qualities like a great jacket – and in a tough economic environment
where our prospects don’t know whom to trust that becomes an essential wardrobe
asset. That’s why the jacket is key. I always suggest to my clients that they
build their professional wardrobes around a selection of jackets made from
exquisite fabrics. Invest in a few tailored styles and a few that are more
modern and contemporary for the flexibility to easily add to and enhance your
business casual ensembles.
You always want to feel authentic in your clothing choices. So
you should shop for jacket styles that resonate with your unique personal
style.
- Whether you are a man or a
woman, a tailored classic jacket in a modern cut will always work for you
to convey a classic-modern style – if that’s the look you want to wear. - If you are a female who
wants to show a little bit of her romantic side at work, try to shop for a
jacket collar with a small ruffling around the lapel. - Want to be slightly more
on the cutting-edge of trends to show your passion for fashion while
maintaining that professional image? Men may want to check out the new
2-button sport coat trends this season, in a navy pinstripe or a charcoal
grey subtle print. - Meanwhile ladies can look
for a modern “wow” jacket that is stylish and sassy but in a great power
color like navy or taupe.
Next time you step into your closet, look at your jacket
collection. Are they professional and versatile to give you multiple wardrobe
options? If your closet is bare of this power piece then I suggest you begin
shopping for a few basic jackets. They will give you the look of expertise and
power you need today to attract more clients and prospects, and your jackets
will be your new secret to silently influential image messaging.
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Sarah Hathorn is a professional image
consultant, certified personal brand strategist, speaker, and author.
Her company, Illustra Image Consulting, works
with high-achieving future leaders and large businesses by enhancing their
corporate and personal brand image to take their businesses and careers to the
next level.
Blog, Ezine & Website:
www.illustraimageconsulting.com
Copyright 2010, Sarah Hathorn, AICI CIP, CPBS
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Sarah Hathorn, CEO of Hathorn Consulting Group, is the go-to-expert in working with leaders and companies to create successful corporate DNA. As an executive coach, consultant and speaker she collaborates globally with clients and brands such as Deloitte, McKesson, Kimberly-Clark, Sherwin-Williams, Home Depot and other leading organizations.
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