Image can make, or break, a career

by Denise Perrault

reprinted from Providence Business News April 6-12, 2009

As much as some women may balk at the notion, the way a woman looks in the business world, especially in the upper echelons, can make or break her career.

And, to a certain degree, the same is true of men.

Concentrating on the basic components of a workday wardrobe and saving money by taking a fresh look at what's already in your closet are two pieces of advice that a New York City fashion designer and a Barrington consultant say can help a professional woman improve her image without necessarily spending a ton of money.

"The way you present yourself visually - your hair, your jewelry and your shoes - makes a very fast and lasting impression," said Nina McLemore, founder, CEO and designer for the Manhattan-based Nina McLemore line of fashions for female executives and career-oriented women.

"If you don't present the right image, it's very difficult for someone else to get past that image," McLemore said. "It's very important to dress so that you look like you're successful."

According to McLemore, studies have shown that some employers make hiring decisions within the first 30 seconds of an interview, based at least in part on how the applicant looks.

"You want to spend money on your basic pieces because these are the pieces you want to last," said Margaret Batting,an image consultant certified with the Association of Image Consultants International who runs her business, Eleve´Image Consulting, out of her Barrington home. She works with both male and female clients, and will present at a R.I.Economic Development Corporation workshop on image in June.

Basic pieces of a woman's wardrobe are "building blocks" that would include such clothes as a neutral-colored or black suit, trousers and cashmere sweater, Batting said, to which blouses, jackets, jewelry and accessories can be added. "Accessories are a great way to update your look very inexpensively," she advised.

McLemore, who presented a workshop on "presenting a first and lasting impression" at the 2009 Women's Summit March 12 at Bryant University, is the founder of Liz Claiborne Accessories and former chair of The Fashion Group International. Stores that sell her designs are in at least 14 states, but not Rhode Island. McLemore said she has a consultant in Newport and is looking to retain an independent consultant in the Providence area.

She discussed what a professional woman can do to improve her image, starting from the top down. "Hair is one place where I believe women have become lax," McLemore said, noting that a woman's hair always should be clean, neat and nicely cut because "other people want to be around people who are neat and clean." Owning one or two pieces of "very good jewelry" is a must, she said. "It doesn'thave to be real,but it needs to look it."

She generally recommends a jacket of a solid color or small pattern, but nothing too florid for the workplace, with red, some shades of blue and jade green as examples of "power colors" that can enhance a woman's professional stature. "The jacket must fit properly," she added. "Most men wear tailored suits, so they are very conscious of fit." Trousers for women should be neither too tight nor too baggy, and shoes are bestwith a slim "feminine look" rather than clunky, McLemore said.

Batting started her own business in April of last year, after toiling for more than 20 years in the corporate world of major retail companies, most recently as vice president of merchandising/special initiatives for Staples Inc., where she had worked for almost 16 years. She studied couture at the Paris Fashion Institute and also studied at image institutes in London and New York City.

She suggested that most people,both men and women, wear only about 20 percent ofwhat is in their closets. Clean out your closet, she urged, take every piece out, try it on and keep only "what is still instyle that fits and flatters you." Then, see how the pieces you have left can work together. "I guarantee you," she said, that as you review the clothing left, you will spot pieces that you never before realized can go well together. Accessories for women, such as handbags, jewelry and shoes can be used to introduce strong color to the wardrobe of a woman who may not look her best dressed in bright bold shades.

Asked if her advice regarding reviewing your own closet would apply to men, too, Batting said it would, but "men need more help going through the process. It's even harder for a man to go through his closet." When working with men, Batting said she asks about their lifestyles and careers, "how they want or need to be perceived in the work place," and "as we go through their clothes, I ask if these clothes communicate the messages hey want to be sending."

When it comes to a man's image, much depends on the work environment, Batting said. A man must dress "very formally" in a suit and tie for positions in financial institutions, for example. "In retail or marketing, men have a lot more flexibility," she said.

"Men understand the need for quality clothing, tailored the right way, in the colors and styles that suit them the best," she said.

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Want to learn more about how to create your professional image? Come to Margaret Batting's workshop Image, Impression, Impact on February 3rd. Register by January 25th to save $25 on your registration fee. Space is limited, so reserve your seat now.