By Nicholas Boothman
Author of How to Make Someone Love You Forever in 90 Minutes or Less
Clothes are far too personal an issue for me to give specific advice that would work for everyone. Instead, here are seven key points, based on what I learned in my years in the fashion industry, that will help make your clothes work for you. None of this is new: It's tried and true, and it works. Above all, remember the golden rule: Keep it clean and simple.
1. Wear Clothes That Fit
Many people wear clothes that don't fit correctly -- they're a little too big, a little too small, not the right shape, a bit too short, a tad too long. But fit makes all the difference. The goal is for your clothes to skim your body and hang well. Remember, size doesn't matter; fit matters. If you're not sure whether your clothes fit correctly, ask friends. If you're shopping, ask the sales help. A well-fitting, tailored jacket is the ultimate power garment for every wardrobe. Be honest with yourself. If you need help, ask a good tailor or dressmaker.
2. Accessories Make a Big Difference
The right accessory can make you look better dressed than you are. If you can't afford the most expensive and best quality when it comes to your wardrobe, splurge on accessories. Buy the very best belt, shoes, purse or scarf that you can afford. And remember, don't overdo it. Let one or two carefully chosen accessories make your statement. You want to avoid superficial distractions. The same goes for your jewelry -- for men, a tasteful watch is all you need. For women, a simple necklace and carefully chosen earrings and you're set.
If you want to wear more, just make sure that all your pieces are working together. In the end, you want to be remembered for your conversation, rather than for what you're wearing.
3. Make Sure Your Clothes Aren't Out of Date
The upside of following trends -- that you look fresh, tuned in, and of the moment -- is also its downside. When your clothes are out-of-date, you are out-of-date. So if you're going to wear up-to-the-minute fashion, stay abreast of the fads. Otherwise stick with more traditional fare. Or invest in some classics along with your "now" pieces so you don't have to replace your wardrobe every season.
4. Wear a Well-Coordinated Outfit
Make sure your clothes blend well together -- and I don't mean simply avoiding pairing green and yellow stripes with pink and purple polka dots. Make sure your fabrics, colors and styles all match; that they blend well together and are in the same family of casual or formal. And don't forget to factor in your accessories: A too-casual belt or pair of shoes can throw off an otherwise perfect outfit. The idea is to attract, not distract. If you're in doubt about your look, ask for help. You'll get it for free at any decent clothing store.
5. Dress for the Occasion
If you have trouble deciding what to wear, it's better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. When in doubt, choose an outfit that you can dress up or down with jewelry, a scarf or a jacket. That said, the best thing is to determine in advance what clothing would be most appropriate for where you're going. Call your host or hostess, or, if it's a restaurant, poke your head in a few evenings before and check out what the patrons are wearing.
6. Make Sure Your Clothes Are Clean
This sounds so obvious, but it's important. Really check for subtle stains and spots. Sometimes you don't realize that you put your elbow in the chocolate mousse the last time you wore that sweater, or that a drip of coffee fell in the lap of those gray pants, or that your favorite white shirt has finally gotten too gray to wear. Check your shoes as well, making sure they're clean and polished.
7. Pay Attention to Your Grooming
Make sure your hair is well-groomed (and not growing where it shouldn't) and your nails are clean and manicured. The last thing you need is a potential date staring at your fingernails while you talk. Pay attention to oral hygiene -- there's no bigger turnoff than getting a waft of secondhand cabbage or cigarette breath. Be clean and sweet smelling, but don't overdo the perfume or after-shave. And remember, women generally have a better sense of smell than men.
Excerpted from the book How to Make Someone Love You Forever in 90 Minutes or Less by Nicholas Boothman. Published by Workman Publishing. All rights reserved.
Nicholas Boothman knows how to make a great first impression and build it into a lasting relationship. He is a consultant to individuals, groups and corporations, and teaches communication skills to people who want to connect with others and express themselves with confidence. He is the author of three books, How to Make Someone Love You Forever in 90 Minutes or Less, How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less, and How to Connect in Business in 90 Seconds or Less. His Web site is www.nicholasboothman.com.
