Dress the Part

It’s a fact: Some people just dress funny.

Maybe they don’t know better. Maybe they do, and just don’t care.

But if you want to make a good impression, it’s important that you learn to dress properly. When you dress the part, you send the message that you care what the other person thinks. And while you don’t have to have an incredible selection of clothes in order to impress, there are a few simple guidelines you can follow.

Christy Taylor — licensed aesthetician and cosmetologist from Nashville, TN — has made it her passion to know fashion and to make people look good.

Because women have more of a natural bent towards fashion, sometimes it’s harder to offer constructive criticism to them. But Christy has timeless tips that even women can’t oppose.

1. Get measured. You should know the size of your bust, waist and hip measurements. It is crucial to know your measurements in order to purchase properly fitted clothing.

2. Look for stores with knowledgeable staff. Good customer service is imperative for the latest trends and help with putting together looks.

3. Find a good pair of jeans that fit correctly. Jeans shape your body; they can either complement it or make it appear less flattering. You can also dress up your jeans with a pair of heels and a string of pearls.

4. Tuck your shirt in to show off your waistline.

5. To shorten a long neck, wear high-collared shirts.

6. To appear slimmer, wear vertical lines, and/or black.

7. Use print patterns to enhance or detract. Wear a larger print pattern in an area you want to draw the eye to, like a slim waist or a large bust. Wear a smaller print pattern in an area that you don’t want attention, like a larger mid-section. Also, prints around the neck and shoulders make the shoulders look wider.

8. Wear clothes that fit. Often women who have some weight to lose will wear oversized clothes to cover their figure, but clothes that are too large actually make an individual look larger.

For the women as well, Christy has composed a “Things Not to Do” list:

1. Do not wear jogging pants and T-shirts if your goal is to impress.

2. Do not wear horizontal stripes if you are trying to minimise a larger frame.

3. Do not wear belts, unless you have a slimmer waistline.

4. Do not wear tight blouses with sleeves on the pockets that fall right at the bust line.

5. Do not show too much skin. If you want to show off your shoulders, keep other areas covered up. Showing too much skin diverts from the look.

6. Do not wear thick fabrics, unless your goal is to look heavier.

Christy reminds us, no matter whether we're male or female, it’s important you don’t neglect the way you dress. The reason is simple: People notice when you dress the part. Make them look twice and take you seriously.