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By Kate Mayfield and Malcolm Levene
Each time we leave our doorsteps, we send messages about ourselves via our clothing. Answer these questions to discover what your own fashion choices may be saying about you.
Does Your Wardrobe Look Like That of Your Parents?
Who chose your clothes for you when you were growing up? The influence your family had over the way you dressed when you were a child was enormous, and many people don't realize that they are still choosing clothes based on their mother's offhand comments about colors and styles. Some people obviously rebel or slowly slip into their own sense of style, but many don't. Just whose messages are you sending with the way you present yourself?
Is Your Style Younger Than You?
Our youth-driven society tells us that we can look 20 forever, and sends us daily messages that we should try to look as young as possible. Does your wardrobe say, "I'm trying very hard to look youthful?" Or, are you an individualist that is working to celebrate who you are today?
Are You Just Trying to Fit In?
Especially if you're a businessperson, you may have been conditioned to believe that you must be invisible, that it is not "PC" to have a personal style. The message you're sending may thus be one of an ill-defined image, one lacking individuality. A well-defined image in the workplace sends a message of authority and confidence. Being part of the crowd doesn't mean you have to look like the crowd.
Are You Frozen With the Fear of Change?
The most common message people send with their clothing is that they are afraid to move forward, that they are stuck. This is the No. 1 reason why makeovers are still so popular on television and in magazines. It often takes someone else to get us to change something about our appearance.
Realize that you don't have to make sweeping dramatic changes to step into the current year. Even the smallest change can be dramatic. For example, replacing just one item of out-of date clothing in your wardrobe with one in a new and current style can really wake you up.
Do You Exude Confidence?
You don't have to have a closet filled with trendy designer clothes to send a message of high self-esteem. However, your clothes must be clean, fit well, be in good condition and, if possible, be current. This does not mean that your clothes must be the height of fashion, but you must convey that you are making an effort. If you're a "jeans guy," then fine, but make sure your jeans look clean and current. Otherwise, your message is that you don't care enough about yourself to present yourself in the best way possible.
Are You Consistent?
If you are sending very different messages every day via your appearance, people will begin to wonder who you really are. This is not to say that you shouldn't wear lots of different pieces of clothing, but some thread of your personality should be consistent with each "look." If your image is reliable, then it is likely that you will be, too.
What Do You Want to Say About Yourself?
The way you choose to dress sends messages that tend to categorize you in very definitive ways. Look through the following list to see if you think you match any of the descriptions.
I'm creative.
I'm hip.
I'm sexy.
I'm a fashion victim.
I'm super trendy.
I'm very classic.
I'm sporty.
I'm young.
I'm trying to look young.
I'm dramatic.
I don't like my body.
I love, love, love my body.
I'm a mess and I don't care.
I'm confused.
I'm very neat and proper.
I'm interesting.
I'm eccentric.
I'm special.
I want your attention.
Now ask yourself if your wardrobe is projecting these same messages. Does your style match what you want to say about yourself? If not, then know that by reviewing your wardrobe and by taking a good look at your hairstyle, makeup and grooming habits, you can change the messages that you send through your image.
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