In The Now

Fashion refers to styles of especially dress (but also including cuisine, literature, art, architecture, and general comportment) which are current in any given culture at any given time. Such styles may change quickly, and “fashion” in the more colloquial sense refers to the latest version of these styles. Inherent in the term is the idea that the mode will change more quickly than the culture as a whole.

The terms “fashionable” and “unfashionable” are employed to describe whether someone or something fits in with the current popular mode of expression. The term “fashion” is frequently used in a positive sense, as a synonym for glamor, beauty and style. In this sense, fashions are a sort of communal art, through which a culture examines its notions of beauty and goodness. Why are we so enamored by fashion?

Two Words - Fashion Week!

A fashion week is a fashion industry event, lasting approximately one week, that allows fashion designers or “houses” to display their latest collections. Catwalks/Runway shows are typically the highlight of fashion week. The most prominent fashion weeks are held in the fashion capitals like Milan, Paris, London, and New York. In the early and mid 2000s, fashion weeks sprang up around the globe to draw attention to designers elsewhere.

The earliest fashion week, held in New York City in 1943, was designed to attract attention away from French fashion during World War II, when fashion industry insiders were unable to travel to Paris to see French fashion shows. Fashion publicist Eleanor Lamber organized an event she called “Press Week” to showcase American designers for fashion journalists, whose innovations had been previously neglected.

Buyers were not admitted to the shows and instead had to visit designers’ showrooms. Press Week was a success, and fashion magazines like Vogue, which were normally filled with French designs, increasingly featured American fashion. Yet, where did it all begin?

History In The Making

The interest in fashion isn’t new but has been a part of world culture for thousands of years. But the industry we know today didn’t emerge until the late 1800’s. Couture fashion came about with the invention of the Singer Sewing Machine with its continuous stitch by Isaac Singer and a popular dressmaker of the time, Frederich Worth.

Prior to the 1800’s most clothes were hand sewn and women’s fashion was dictated by the climate of their environment, community, and country. When trade routes surfaced, new finer materials became available to those who could afford them. From then on, the way a person dressed denoted wealth and stature the same as it does today.

You Wear It Well

Most people love to look good and receive compliments on the way they dress. This enhances self-esteem and generates an interchange of positive energy which flows from one person to the other. Since our outfit is impeccable, our hair and makeup must go right along with it if we’re a female. If male, facial hair must be groomed perfectly.

Humans crave attention even before we’re born and in our mother’s belly. When we hear our mother talk we bounce around kicking and moving for her attention. After we’re born, it’s a continuation of that very same thing; it doesn’t cease. Why? We love being noticed.

As we grow older, our own personal style and taste begin to take shape. My niece began picking out what she liked to wear at 3 years old. She gravitated towards a certain outfit or color because it made her happy and she felt good wearing it. Today, more than ever there is a resurgence of fashion, or as fashion mogul Kimora Lee Simmons says, ‘Fabulosity’. And we love it!

Music and Fashion

Teenagers tend to get their style of dress from musicians that they like. Singers and songwriters have always set the tone for fashion trends. The music and fashion industry have become so intertwined that recording artists are now using their fame to sell their own fashion line of clothing.

Jennifer Lopez, Sean (’P-Diddy’) Combs and Gwen Stefani are just a few entertainers that are cashing in on the ‘marriage’ between music and fashion. Who can forget Run DMC’s fashion phenomenon ‘Adidas’. The shoe went right along with the Rap Song and shoe sales skyrocketed which lead to massive sales of their other clothing such as hats, track suits, t-shirts, and more.

Sleeveless Rock Band T-Shirts became very popular sense awesome bands like AC/DC, Metallica, Poison, Ratt, Ozzy & others made them all the rage. The band Nirvana brought the Grundge look to the masses in the 90’s. Although this look started out in the city of Seattle, U.S.A., it quickly became a popular fad because of music.

Kangol’s in the 80’s became a big fashion statement after rap star LLCool J sported this hat as his trademark. Madonna, the queen of the trend setters came on the scene in the 1980’s and changed the way young girls dressed forever. She was beautiful, bold, fun and uninhibited. Girls as well as guys loved her and wanted to dress like her. The calf-length black leggings, head bands, bangle bracelets, granny boots, ballerina skirts, net spandex tops and large earrings all became the new style for girls fashion. There is one television network that’s responsible for bringing us the stars and their fashion statements: MTV

Seeing Is Believing

Music Television Videos, better known as ‘MTV’ came on the scene in 1981. It was the first time that a station was exclusively dedicated to music and today is still one of the most watched channels of Cable TV. This is so because the world is obsessed with celebrities. We want to know where they vacation, who they’re dating, what’s they’re latest project and most importantly, what they are wearing. MTV has given us this and more.

When MTV was launched, no one could fathom what an iconic status it would generate among the youth. It was new and fresh. People could now put a face to the music they listened to on the radio without paying for it at a concert. MTV has brought music and fashion to the world without us having to leave our homes.

When MTV launched, music suddenly became marketable and music videos became the front runner in the entertainment industry. Artists such as Michael Jackson, Duran Duran, Madonna and Whitney Houston became household names and their fashion was taken and replicated by teens and young adults alike. Who can forget the jackets legendary Michael Jackson wore on his music videos ‘Beat It‘ & ‘Thriller‘ and don’t forget those penny loafers! Also, the peter pan boots Simon LeBon of Duran Duran wore on the music video ‘Hungry Like The Wolf’.

Listen Up For Fashion

If you pay an even slight attention to popular songs, you’ll hear brand named clothing mentioned quite regularly in the lyrics. For instance, the song ‘Vogue‘ sung by Madonna, mentions a number of iconic actors and actresses who people modeled their wardrobes after. Listed were Grace Kelly, Jimmy Dean, Fred Astaire, Jean Harlow, Lauren Bacall, & Katherine Hepburn. They had ’style and grace’ as the song says and brought their own style of fashion to many homes. On a subconscious level this would relate the song Vogue with the popular fashion magazine of the same title, generating even more clothing sales.

Hip-hop fashion is a distinctive style of dress originating with the African-American and Latino youth in The Bronx (New York City), and later influenced by the hip-hop scenes of Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, East Bay (San Francisco Bay Area), and The Dirty South, among others. Each city contributed various elements to its overall style seen worldwide today. Hip hop fashion complements the expressions and attitudes of hip hop culture in general. Hip hop fashion has changed significantly during its history, and today it is a prominent part of popular fashion as a whole across the world and for all ethnicities.

Black nationalism was increasingly influential in rap during the late 1980s, and fashions and hairstyles reflected traditional African influences. Blousy pants were popular among dance-oriented rappers like MC Hammer. Fezzes, kufis decorated with the Kemetic ankh, Kente cloth hats, Africa chains, dreadlocks, and red, black, and green clothing became popular as well, promoted by artists such as Queen Latifah, KRS-One, Public Enemy, and X-Clan).

In the early 1990s, pop rappers such as The Fresh Prince, Kid ‘n Play, and Left Eye of TLC popularized baseball caps and bright, often neon-colored, clothing. Kris Kross also established the fad of wearing clothes backwards.

Gangsta rap pioneers N.W.A. popularized an early form of gangsta style in the late 1980s, consisting of Dickies pants, plaid shirts and jackets, Chuck Taylors/Converse sneakers, and black Raiders baseball caps and Raiders Starter jackets. Starter jackets, in addition, were also a popular trend in their own right during the late 1980s and early 90s. They became something of a status-symbol, with incidents of robberies of the jackets reported in the media.

Hip hop fashion in this period also influenced high fashion designs. In the late 1980s, Isaac Mizrahi, inspired by his elevator operator who wore a heavy gold chain, showed a collection deeply influenced by hip hop fashion. Models wore black catsuits, gold chains, big gold nameplate-inspired belts, and black bomber jackets with fur-trimmed hoods.

In another fashion show, they wore long black dresses, accessorized with heavy, padlocked silver chains. (These silver chains were remarkably similar to the metal chain-link and padlock worn by Treach of Naughty by Nature, who said he did so in solidarity with “all the brothers who are locked down.”)

Tommy Hilfiger was one of the most prominent brands in 1990s sportswear, though Polo, Calvin Klein, Nautica, and DKNY were also popular. When Snoop Doggy Dogg wore a Hilfiger sweatshirt during an appearance on Saturday Night Live, it sold out of New York City stores the next day. Hilfiger’s popularity was due to its perceived waspiness, which made it seem exclusive and aspirational. Moreover, Hilfiger courted the new hip hop market: black models featured prominently in the company’s advertising campaigns, and rappers like P-Diddy and Coolio walked during its runways shows.

Music in shopping malls, as well as other stores and boutiques, makes for a pleasant shopping experience, but also seems to be no accident. When we’re shopping and hear a song by a certain musician, it takes us back to their video or when we saw them on a talk show or on Saturday Night Live. We remember what they sang but we also remember what they wore, which just might make us gravitate towards that style of fashion and purchase it!

Self Worth

As the saying goes, ‘you never get a second chance to make a first impression.’ When you meet someone for the first time, before you even speak, people have pretty much summed up how you feel about yourself by what you wear.

Of course, this would depend on the circumstances. Usually, if you’re slovenly dressed, with unkempt hair and wearing dirty shoes, people tend to think that you don’t care much about yourself, which can also be reflective in other aspects of your life.

It could be that since you’re not dressed well, your home is in disarray and your office is unorganized, and life may be chaotic in the sense of no structure, balance or order. Because these things are not a priority, the last thing you need to worry about is the way you dress. This nonchalant attitude about life becomes evident in the way you dress. If this is the case, deeper issues of self esteem would need to be addressed to tackle the problem within, resulting in a better outer appearance for you. But what if the choices you make regarding your dress are deliberate?

Cause and Effect

Prostitution is an age-old profession that has been around for many years. Prostitutes attract their potential clients by dressing provocatively. Veterans of this profession even teach those who are just starting out what clothes to wear and how to wear them.

Confidence is needed to follow through and complete their task. Dressing in a way that exudes confidence helps adjust their attitudes, making them feel more sure about themselves, and even fearless. Even if this isn’t their initial reaction, dressing provocatively masks their reluctance which makes them play the part according to their dress. How are they treated?

Because prostitutes’ attire is usually ‘fantasy inspired’ they are treated as such - a fantasy. When clients pick them up or meet them at their leisure, they expect a fantasy. They feel as though they can treat them disrespectfully, verbally and physically abuse them without incident. They are looked upon at times as inhuman - not real. So, this automatically changes the attitude of their clients, making them insensitive and relentless towards them.

Black Tie Event

If you’re attending the Oscars it is required you wear elegant attire, whether it be a black Armani suit or a Versace dress. Why? Because it is a dignified event full of prestige and honor. Also, we tend to step up our attire when we attend or participate in a wedding. Weddings are special occasions in which friends and family, some of which you haven’t seen in years, come around, and we all want to look our best for them.

Both of these occasions change our attitude in preparation for the event. Some in good ways, and some not so good. Preparing for the Oscars for women can be stressful. You want to make sure you’re comfortable, elegant, beautiful, and not on Joan and Melissa Rivers ‘worst-dress’ list. Men seem to be more relaxed and have a bit more lee-way when it comes to making their outfit fun.

Weddings have to be one of the most stressful times in a bride and groom’s life. Families fly in from all over, children as well as adults must be counted. Flowers, music, bands or DJs, photographers, and caterers all have to be accounted for; money is stretched to the max, and at the end of it all, you have to chose what the bridal party is going to wear.

Choosing the wedding dress would be top priority for the bride. This decision will even break or make her attitude about the whole wedding because the wedding is planned around the bride’s dress. She’ll feel depressed, stressed and/or happy depending on the outcome. Also, the type of dress, halter, A-line/princess, empire, column, ball gown, and mermaid depending on the style she chooses, will help her make the decision of what she wants the wedding day to feel like.

What You Wear - The Choice Is Yours

We are what we wear. Most people would agree that how we dress affects our attitudes and actions. It’s a known fact that people dress according to their preference which is according to the way they feel or how they think they’re going to feel when they put them on.

If clothing makes us feel more powerful, outgoing, beautiful, handsome, mysterious, quirky, or humorous, it will subconsciously reflect in our personality. We choose clothes because we want to feel a certain way and clothes help us to achieve that goal.

Dress and the Less Fortunate

Why is it that schools are demanding children wear uniforms in places where it’s hard enough for families to get food for the day? Water is by far the most important nutrient needed for the human body to survive. Water in some countries is not even suitable for drinking. Priority is food and water; clothing is an afterthought.

In some areas of the United States, low income families have to buy children uniforms every year or every few months depending on the individual growth of a child. This can be costly. Government assistance is available in the U.S. for single parents with children but what about those who are living right above the poverty level where sometimes assistance is needed but isn’t granted?

Parents are put in a position to sacrifice a small piece of their child’s potential excitement for a cool new outfit by replacing worn out school uniforms that have had their run. In the process, school uniforms also become their primary wardrobe even when the child isn’t attending school. Are school uniforms necessary?

The Effect of Dress

The government pumps more money into schools that are thriving academically. School is for learning. If the child doesn’t learn, he/she can not help the economy in the long run. Statistics show that when people dress well they perform well. So dressing a child to improve self-esteem can bring positive results. How so?

When children are teased or bullied at school for the way they dress, this lowers their self esteem, can inadvertently make them become introverted, and isolate themselves from others. This can cause them to feel lonely, sad and afraid. They may even become physically ill at times and start having problems with their homework.

Since children can be distracted from learning because of being bullied for their dress, their education can suffer if their clothes are not ‘approved’ by their schoolmates. Parents do not want their children verbally or physically abused for any matter, especially for their wardrobe. Why? Because this may be an attainable adjustment that can help their child feel and perform better at school.

Safety in Dress First

Many supporters of regulated dress believe that if everyone at school dresses similarly, there will be less school violence. They maintain that there is a definite connection between clothing styles and violence. For many students, an image-or sometimes stigma-is attached to certain styles, most notably gang-style clothing. Students have become targets of intentional or unintentional violence simply for wearing a particular type of shirt or cap or color combination affiliated with a particular gang.

A child’s hunger to be fashionable brings another dimension to the connection between clothing styles and school violence. Children may envy other kids’ clothing and lack the financial resources to purchase similar styles. Subsequently, children have been violently injured or even murdered for their designer clothes, sneakers, or professional sport-team paraphernalia. School uniforms may reduce these occurrences.

Students who feel safe, secure, and free from threats of violence naturally perform better academically. Enhancing academic performance is another argument in favor of adopting dress codes or uniform policies. Proponents believe that dress codes in general and uniforms in particular help students focus on their schoolwork, instead of on what they and others are wearing. Clearinghouse on Educational Policy and Management College of Education University of Oregon

Benefits of Dress Code Regulation

Although dress code regulation isn’t necessary for good education, the benefits of such are undeniable. Parents are less stressed because the standard dress code regulation relieves them of purchasing expensive garments for each individual child. Instead of worrying so much about what the next guy/girl is wearing, children can focus more on schoolwork, homework, extracurricular activities, community inspired projects, and more.

Supporters of dress code regulation polices have compiled a list of four basic benefits:

1. Enhanced school safety
2. Improved learning climate
3. Higher self-esteem for students
4. Less stress on the family

The Male Psyche

Most men don’t like to fuss over much, especially when it comes to their wardrobes. They tend to have the ‘less is more’ mentality. Pondering over aisles of clothing in different colors, sizes, and style may make their heads spin so they usually stick with the basics: jeans, slacks, a suit, a tie, tract shoes, and a pair of dress shoes. There’s nothing wrong with these basic pieces in themselves, it’s the incorrect way of mixing and matching them that can cause a fashion disaster.

Some men feel that to fuss over what to wear is a waste of time and is unmanly. Social cultures may have something to do with this way of thinking as some men are conditioned to think that dressing well is unmanly. Because the fashion industry is geared more towards women, designers have more creative independence and freedom when it comes to their designs for creating women’s fashion.

There was a time, namely in the Renaissance period, where men took an interest in their dress just as much as women. They wore tights, wigs, skirts, Capri type pants, heels, frilly shirts along with vibrant colors. Men wearing these sorts of garments today would right away be labeled as ‘gay’ or as a male who puts a little more attention into the way he dresses: ‘metro-sexual’.

The stigma attached to males who care about the way they dress could cause other males to reverse their own attitude by dressing ‘down’ or as basic as possible. Fortunately, there is more variety in stylish dress for men. And because basic pieces are all that is needed for a man to be considered dressed well, there are several tips from fashion stylists to make even the most ‘homely’ male look fabulous, from going to the game with friends to taking their significant other out for to dinner.

Clothes Make The Man

Blazers

Blazers can be worn with just about anything from slacks to jeans, a fun Tee, dress shirt and tie. They can be worn in practically any color depending on the weather. Darker colors are always in: black, brown, green, and blue. Make sure it matches the colors of the rest of your outfit, especially the shirt underneath it.

Jeans

Jeans are a must have for anybody in every age group. They are classic and never go out of style. The darker jean is the way to go. They are casual, comfortable, and durable. Blue and black are universal favorites; you can also go with khaki color depending on your mood, the atmosphere, and your environment. Try to get the right length and always go longer than shorter. If you need to get pants hemmed, go to a professional. Boot cut is the most classic as you can wear them with sneakers, loafers and of course, boots.

Suits

Every man should own at least one nice suit. Suits will always come into play at some point in life. They are formal and always welcomed at weddings, upscale parties, black-tie events, and less festive occasions such as funerals. Dark suits are best to have. They dry-clean well and you can wear a quality tailor-made suit over and over again for many years. Make sure that it is a classic basic 3 or 2 whole button suit in black or dark blue. If you’re adventurous and have the body for it, try for more of a trendy look like the suits Brad Pitt wears in all of the Ocean’s movies.

Ties

Full Windsor and Half Windsor knot are most classic. This knot evokes confidence and assurance in your style. Do not wear a tie that stops above your belly button - bad length. Make sure that the tie is a medium width in conjunction with the width of your shoulders. Stick to wearing bow-ties only with a tuxedo and stay away from novelty ties which scream ‘immaturity,’ that is unless you’re actually attending a masquerade party or are in a circus show. Remember, rich colors and patterns such as diagonal prints can dress up a suit quite nicely.

Loafers or Dress Shoes

Loafers are a necessity in a male wardrobe. Even if your work and play doesn’t require you to have a pair, they should be a part of your wardrobe. This is because women take notice, and it tells them you not only know how to play hard, but you also know how to work hard. It makes them think about the more serious side of you, your goals and aspirations. You may not have thought it to be that serious, but it is. The best example of this is Michael Jordan. He is the most poised, athletic, well-spoken performer of his game and has been on the ‘best dressed’ list several times. Need I say more.

Shirts

Shirts are very important to a man’s wardrobe and the right shirt can make all the difference when it comes to attracting the right type of attention. Classic is key: The classic long-sleeved shirt is a must have for any man. It makes a strong confident statement. It is clean, crisp, and goes with just about everything in your closet. White and lighter colors such as blue will compliment most males if the fit is right.

Long-Sleeved Polo Shirt - is another eye catcher. It’s great in almost any color from light to dark such as dark blues, reds, whites, creams, etc. They’re great to wear for cool spring nights and great to wear with jeans, slacks, or khakis. Make sure they’re solid in color and not buttoned, or the top button left undone. Short-Sleeved Polos - same rules apply. Steer clear of the 1980’s turn up collar - over and done.

Classic Crew Neck T-Shirt - This shirt can be tricky and for those with ‘washboard’ stomachs only because it is fitted and is best worn hugging the male shoulders, chest, arms, and stomach. You can choose from many colors in cotton but black will make you look sexy and cool. White is also a good color for those endless summer nights.

No Short-Sleeved Dress Shirts - Stay away from these unless you’re part of the ‘geek-squad’. Most of the time women are not attracted to men who wear short-sleeved dress shirts. If you want to be cool for the summer and have to wear a dress shirt to work, roll up the sleeves of a long-sleeved classic shirt. This will draw the attention you want to get and not be a turn off.

Hats - Hats can be difficult to pull off so be careful when you’re selecting a style. Make sure the style is right, whether cowboy, baseball cap, poster-boy, or apple hats. If the hat doesn’t fit your own personal style, don’t wear it at all.

Tips:

• Wear fun print Tee’s under a nice dark blazer, dark jeans, and classic sneakers such as Addidas, Sketchers, or Chuck Taylors. This look says you’re fun, comfortable, yet stylish.

• Try a diagonal print tie with a solid classic long-sleeved shirt and dark suit. This look will say you’re ready for business and not a stranger to pleasure either.

• The Skater-boy look is a comfortable, yet young and fresh look. The fun printed Tee over a long-sleeved cotton shirt in another color. Best with jeans or cargos. Of course only wear with sneakers.

• Boot-cut dark jeans, loafers with a long-sleeved cotton shirt, and crew-neck T-shirt underneath can be a great look for any weather. If the weather gets hot, you can always take the long-sleeved shirt off and wear the crew-neck by itself.

• Speedos are a no-no - Unless you’re filming for some movie that requires it, stay away from speedos for the beach. Wear fun, classic beach shorts.

• Sweaters - they come in different styles, some are bulky and others fit the body. Make sure your sweater fits the style of your bottoms. Exp: Large sweaters = baggy pants

Before You Dress - Groom

Eyebrows: Squash the unibrow. This is when two eyebrows appear as one. Get them plucked and shaped professionally at a salon. This is becoming more and more common for men.

Hands and Feet: Make sure your hands are clean and nails manicured. We use our hands to express ourselves even subconsciously, so nails should be clean, filed, and maintained. Even if your feet won’t be seen, get a pedicure. Nasty toe nails are a complete turnoff. Make sure your hands and toe-nails are not long, keep them trimmed. Go to a professional manicurist/pedicurist if needed.

Haircuts: Get a haircut at least once per month. If using hair gel make sure the gel isn’t greasy. If your hair is short and above the neck, make sure the nape of the neck is lined; women tend to notice this often untouched secret. Beard and mustache must be groomed as well; no one likes to see big foot outside of the wild.

Cologne: This is tough. Although women like the smell of cologne, make sure it’s not overpowering or fighting with your aftershave lotion. If so, wear one and leave the other alone.

There are no hard and fast rules to dressing. If you’re not that interested in the way you dress, follow basic classic looks that endure through time, be neat as well as clean and you’ll be fine. Always choose the style that looks best on your body and never pick clothing that doesn’t speak your personality.

More Ways to Shop

Shopping has taken on a new meaning. There was a time when you had to drive to the store, browse the racks, and purchase your clothing. Nowadays you can shop on the Internet, via a cell phone, and on television. Women are no longer left with one way of shopping. Product manufacturers are paying more attention to style and form, and marketers are shifting away from TV ads in favor of promotional efforts in venues women trust: reviews in women’s magazines and spots on TV shows like Oprah and Extreme Makeover -Home Edition.

Online is one of the fastest growing ways for purchasing retail because it can be done from the comfort of your own home or anywhere there’s an Internet connection. You can browse catalogs by choosing departments, size, colors, styles, and more. You can also pay by credit or debit card, making it even more convenient for practically anyone to purchase just about anything.

Clothing can be delivered to your door or you can arrange to have it picked up at your job or the store nearest you. Even if it is not the right size or fit, you can return the item to the store, and have it shipped back to your home. Stores will usually exchange it without you paying twice for shipping and handling. But there is one item women are known to shop for more than anything else.

If The Shoe Fits

Women have shoes for just about every occasion under the sun, from work to play and everything in between. For every dress, skirt, slacks, cargo pants, jeans, shorts, and bathing suit, a woman will have or search for the perfect shoes to match. Women need several pairs of shoes for employment depending on the outfit and the nature of the job. Also comfort-ability plays a major role in shoe selection for employment.

There is no doubt that women love shoes. Even when they are shopping for other items, they end up in the shoe department. ‘Shoe sales’ are like a ‘mating call’ for women. They tend to scour the aisles grabbing as many pairs of shoes as they can carry, trying on each pair one at a time while picking the first pair and all others that follow.

High Heel shoes are possibly the most sought out shoe for women because magazine and television ads are relentless in putting women in high heel shoes while wearing an evening gown or a bikini. Either way, they make a woman look taller and sexier, and control her walk, which helps her posture to straighten. Heels give the woman a statuesque feel and subconsciously give her more confidence. The shoe fetish is summed up in the hit HBO television series ‘Sex in the City‘ which is a theme that runs throughout the series. High heels lend curves, length, and muscle definition (especially in the calves which are in a perpetual flexed state) in all the right ways to accentuate constructed feminine sexuality.

A Natural High

In a poll of 1,000 women participants, it was found that 61 percent would rather abstain from sex for a month than lose their favorite article of clothing. Women have a strong desire for shopping because anticipating a new garment or favorite garment makes their heart beat faster, their palms sweat, and adrenaline increases. It seems they often feel the same excitement when anticipating their ’sweetheart’.

Choose You

Choosing the right outfit that fits your personality is important because if your outfit doesn’t work for you, you won’t feel good wearing it. An outfit is supposed to bring out your personality not take away from it. Your personal style and taste is at risk if your wardrobe doesn’t fit who you are.

The first thing people notice when they meet you is your appearance and you want to convey the right ‘you’ behind the outfit your wear. A person with dingy sloppy clothes may convey the message of ‘I don’t care’ even when it’s unintentional. On the other hand, a woman who wears a low cut, high slit dress above her knee may be looked at as, ‘I’m available any time’.

Textures and lines of clothing can also transmit silent messages. Soft textures in attire tend to invite human contact and closeness, while crisp textures may indicate that a person wants to be regarded as efficient. Lines of clothing, whether they are flowing or strict, can provide some indication of how rigid one’s personality is.

Clothes are the only visible clues to our personalities. Even when other indicators are more apparent, clothing continues to make a statement. “Our mode of dress may also reveal anger, aggressiveness, uncertainty or depression,” says Dr. Shirley A. White, MBA, EdD

All Clothes Are Not Created Equal

Clothing helps you to get into the mind set of who you are and what you want to be. If you want to be a rock star and are dressing as if you are a rocket scientist, chances are you’re not going to make your mind over into becoming a rock star. What if you are a rocket scientist but dress like a rock star? Nine times out of ten, people will treat you like a rock star. Although this is being judgemental, humans unfortunately are prone to this initial reaction and have to train themselves to think otherwise.

Certain styles of clothing that look good on the runway and on different celebrities may not fit your personal body type. This could detract from your personality. If you’re middle aged and wear something that actress Miley Cyrus wore on the red carpet, people may think that you’re having a mid-life crises. If you’re a pre-teen and wear something you saw singer Beyonce wear in one of her videos, others may think that you’re immature and trying to deliberately dress well beyond your years.

Be realistic about your figure and your age. Don’t buy a size 4 when you’re a size 10 and think that it’s going to make you more attractive to others. If you’re a male and want to attract a well educated, beautiful spiritual female, dress in attire that is a step up from what you normally wear. A good example of a male who dresses well is actor Taye Diggs. He knows his body type and dresses accordingly.

Hallie Berry is an actress that is never on the worse dressed list. Her secret is that she knows her body well. She has actually said this in interviews. She knows which style of dress looks good on her and she only chooses those things.

Even if you are full figured or plus size you can wear attire that makes your personality stand out. No matter what size you are, you must make clothing choices that fit your body, age and your personality. You should never wear fashionable clothing just because they’re fashionable. If they do not fit your personality, then you can alter them to make sense to you.

How To Do You

Before image consultants and style experts assist you in choosing your wardrobe, they spend time with you to find out what your personality is. Style analysts divide wardrobe personality into four categories. They can also be mixed and can be adjusted as your personal style change.

Style Categories

1. Dramatic - They opt for clothes that get them noticed and have a strong definite image and are not afraid of making bold statements. They tend to gravitate toward designer labels but most express their individuality by going to second hand shops. They want to be the center of attention but have to be careful that this doesn’t send out the wrong signal.
2. Classic - Classics seem to have a quiet self confidence. Their choice of clothing tends to be conservative and reflective of their personality. They will more than likely purchase more expensive traditional clothing that will last many years. They opt for clean lines, well-cut clothes and blended colors. They are usually well groomed at all times. For a classic, dignity is everything because it makes them feel in control.
3. Romantic - Romantics adore expressing their femininity. Romantics love to look attractive and rather than opt for clean lines and minimal detail like their classic counterparts, they are attracted to soft luxurious fabrics, beading and detailing, and to anything that communicates luxury and expense. For a luxurious romantic indulgence is the key to happiness but they must be careful not to overspend or overdo the details. Artistic romantics are creative and sensitive and express their flair through choosing ornate detailing, beautiful fabrics and textures. Their appearance is more artistic than the luxurious romantic.
4. Natural - Naturals are most comfortable in practical clothing. Their personality is easy going, down to earth, and friendly. Naturals are not materialistic; they see formal clothes as too restrictive and fussy accessories as pointless. A naturals wardrobe is minimal and practical and many live in jeans or tracksuit bottoms. They tend to be physical people and may lead very active lifestyles. Extreme naturalists though can lack self esteem to express themselves and do not prioritize themselves as being important enough to indulge. They must be careful about presenting themselves poorly.

Your wardrobe can either attract or detract from your personality. Choose clothes that reflect the person you are inside or the person you want to become. Whatever way you choose, make sure it is you.

Wear What You Mean

Many psychologists agree that close to 90 percent of what people remember about an encounter is related to nonverbal communication, a large portion of that being your overall appearance and demeanor. When people first meet, they immediately begin making judgments about each other based on appearances alone. In most cases, people make a decision about a stranger in less time than it takes to blink an eye. Many times, if that one moment is sqandered, you will have to work very hard to undo that first impression.

In job hunting first impressions are critical. Do research on the company and dress accordingly. Remember, dressing in casual clothing for an interview will not impress the employer. Dressing conservatively is usually the best choice because it will give the employer the thought that ‘you care about the way you dress; therefore you may care about doing a good job.’ Try not to overdo it.

Dressing too formal or under-dressing can send the wrong signal, as if you’re trying too hard or not trying hard enough. Again, do research before looking at wardrobe options or call the employer’s human resource department and ask what would be the appropriate dress for the department you’re interviewing for. For a company that is casual, choose a dressy casual attire such as khakis, button down shirt, leather belt and loafers.

What Not To Wear

Most people want to look their best when they go on an interview. There are certain things you should stay away from when choosing interview attire.

Spit it Out - no, gum chewing or candy.

Piercings - no visible body piercings such as nose and eyebrow rings.

Keep the change - no change in pockets or money bulges.

Bearded - no beards, because you could look ‘unkempt’ to the interviewer.

Rings - no rings other than wedding band or college ring.

Colored nails - no nail polish unless it is clear or conservative; nails should be groomed.

Earrings - women should wear one set of earrings only and men should not wear them at all.

Make it up - women should wear natural makeup that is not too noticeable.

Hose it down - wear hosiery with no runs.

Smell nice - avoid cologne, perfume, or after shave lotion that could be overpowering.

Cells - Turn the cell phone off. This could be distracting to you and the interviewer if a call comes in.

Purses - Clutches and purses should be left out.

Interview Attire For Women

1. Suits (gray, navy blue, or black) Make sure the skirt is at least knee length or below.
2. Hair combed and pulled up or back. If wearing hair losely make sure you check it in the mirror before interview.
3. Neutral hosiery for your skin tone is most appropriate. Bare legged is usually too casual.
4. Makeup and perfume should be kept to the minimal, or not worn at all.
5. Jewelry should be small and not gaudy.
6. Portfolio or briefcase in dark colors such as black.
7. Shoes should be a conservative height and clean.
8. Fingernails should be clean and manicured.

Interview Attire For Men

1. Suit (navy or dark gray).
2. Shirt should be long-sleeved in basic white or matching suit.
3. Socks - dark, no white or athletic socks.
4. Nails neatly trimmed.
5. Portfolio or briefcase in traditional black.
6. Hair and mustache groomed.
7. Belt in Leather.
8. Conservative tie - not a bow-tie.

Clothes For Identification

Uniforms are worn by a number of professions such as nurses, doctors, maids, doorman, waitresses, police officers, and fire fighters to name a few. Uniforms help identify a person’s employment. Undercover police work is so successful because most people can’t identify the police without their typical uniform.

Retail employees wear uniforms so that customers can locate them easily when they need help finding a particular item for pricing, gift wrapping, delivery, and so forth. Waitresses wear uniforms for similar reasons. They wear uniforms so that customers can identify their availability for ordering food, making adjustments in seating, substitutes in the menu, or delivering the check to the table. Some uniforms, however, do not inspire a pleasant experience.

Uniformity

Prison uniforms in the United States mostly consist of a bright orange jumpsuit or a black and white horizontal striped uniform which makes it most visible and harder for inmates to escape since the uniforms are easy to identify. The striped black and white uniform was abolished in the 20th century. In some facilities inmates are allowed to wear sweat pants and shirts in the colors of blue, orange, and gray. In recent years a trend to use uniforms as a measure of punishment has become increasingly popular.

Tennessee police in Lincoln County came up with a plan to change uniforms when an inmate escaped in his bright orange uniform and no one called the police. Why? Because Lincoln County is right in the middle of the University of Tennessee and their fans wear colors that are similar to inmates uniforms. So in order to deter prisoners from escaping, the sheriff’s department changed the color of inmates’ uniforms to pink.

Polygamist style of dress was inspired by the garments worn by the original Mormon pioneers who settled in Utah. The puffy, pastel-colored dresses also incorporate elements of original 19th century and 1950s style. The dresses are meant to show modesty and conformity: They go down to the ankles and wrists and are often worn over garments or pants, making sure every inch of skin is covered.

John Llewellyn, a polygamy expert and retired Salt Lake County sheriff’s lieutenant, says the women cover themselves “so that they’re unattractive to the outside world or other men.” Enforcing a uniformity of dress was one means by which members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints had their behavior controlled. Girls who thought of fleeing one of the FLDS compounds were discouraged by threats that outsiders would force them to cut their hair and wear makeup.

In 2001, the ruling Taliban movement in Afghanistan planned to require all non-Muslims in that country to wear distinctive symbols or clothes. Maulawai Abdul Wali — the Taliban minister for the promotion of virtue and the prevention of vice — told the Pakistani-based Afghan Islamic Press that “non-Muslims should have a distinctive mark in their dress so that they can be identified. We have asked for a fatwa [a religious decree] from the ulema [a group of Islamic scholars] for the full implementation of this. When a fatwa comes, a complete law will be made.”

In Nazi occupied Europe Jews were forced to wear an identifying mark of the Star of David on their clothing. This process of discrimination was the beginning of them being viewed as outsiders, different, less human and unequal, which ultimately led to the extermination of six million Jews in concentration camps.

Attention Getters

People love attention and their pets are no exception. If you don’t believe this, try giving someone else attention while your pet is present. If it’s a dog, he will bark and jump up for it, if a cat, she will purr and pounce around.

Pets will get your attention in one of the best ways possible: when a stranger or danger is near. Dogs bark, cats may run around and meow and birds chirp all in an unusual fashion to let you know you’re in danger. So not only do our pets give us joy and happiness when we see them, they also protect us in dangerous situations. But is there such a thing as too much love?

Pet Houses

The times of the snoopy dog houses seems a rarity. People are going the extra mile these days by buying their dogs homes that are insulated with cedar wood, heating, and air conditioning. There are also selections of wood-paneled, rock, stone, or brick siding.

Cats also have the option of living in a ‘cat condo’ or playing in a ‘cat post’ with plenty of scratching room made with plush carpet to fit the curves of the post. They can also be built window height for the cats easy access to the outdoors.

Pets now travel in style in luxurious totes, designer airline approved travel bags that can be tailored to fit your pets size. These totes come with extra padded bottoms and insides for pets protection, reinforced zippers, inside leash rings, and washable liner.

Birds are not left out as they have a variety of cages to fit almost any pet bird. There are stainless steel cages, aviaries, stackable breeder cages for flocking together and mating. Also, small and medium bird cages for Love Birds, Cockatiels, Parakeets, Senegals, and Lories. Now that they have loving owners and a great house to play in, what will they wear?

Pet Dress-Up

Children like to play dress up in their parents clothing and jewelry or costumes. They like to play ‘house’ and pretend that they are taking care of children and the household. They may dress up baby dolls and venture to dressing their pets.

Dressing pets, however, spills over into adulthood for some. People have the innate desire to feel needed but to also take care of others. Some feel this need is fulfilled when they have a child. For those who don’t have a child, they tend to put more attention toward their pets. Paris Hilton brought pet dressing back into the spotlight as she is often seen with her Yorkshire Terrier and a female Chihuahua

Instead of going shopping for children’s clothing, they shop for their pets. There is more on the market today when it comes to pet clothes than the old ’spiked dog collar’. There are dog jackets, personalized dog collars, hats, shorts, pants, sweaters, shoes, dresses, swim wear, diapers, and more.

When it comes to dressing your pets, ‘to each his own’. If you feel a need to put your pet in tiny little outfits or an outfit matching yours, it’s your decision. It may not be to the liking of some, but no one can deny the attention you and your pet get when dressed in their darling little attire.