Get that professional look

Grooming and appropriate dressing sends
messages about you without you realising it. If you are a professional, your image should establish the 3 Cs - Credibility, Competence and Confidence. Here are few points one to show forth a credible, polished image.
. Lighter colours are more approachable, but can sometimes be misunderstood as they project inexperience and youthful image.  
. Choosing the right colour contrast strategically for business and situational dressing would be useful. Dressing in low contrast-colour combination, makes a person look affable. A low-contrast combination in well cut and tailored clothing will enhance visual credibility. Go for beige with white or powder pink with ivory.
      Medium contrast is primarily approachable and trustworthy and appropriate in business meetings. Go for powder blue with navy blue, or grey with powder pink or blue.
A high contrast colour combination is appropriate to look authoritative. Young people going for a job interview should opt for high contrast.
. A well-tailored jacket is an international professional garment, it's polished and credible. Choose fashionably current styles, not high fashion or very casual. Two must-haves are navy and grey. Women have the luxury of opting for red, purple, pink or even ivory. There is no need to stick to just black and blue.  
. A symmetrical knotted, well-placed scarf, that contrasts a shirt, renders an up-end authority.
. Fabric plays an important role for a credible first impression. Opt for smooth wool, silk and refined fabrics in solid colours.
. Large floral prints, stripes and other designs project low authority and decreased visual credibility. Solid and small designs are considered more credible. For men, plaid shirts or striped ties should be avoided for a formal business environment.
. For ladies, a subdued matte make-up creates a warm look. Freshly blow-dried hair will help update this look to showcase a more credible image. Keep hair colour closer to natural.
. Well-manicured, well-groomed hands and nails are a must for both men and women. Nail art, glitters  and so on are complete grooming faux pas and looks less sophisticated.
. Sandals, that show toe cleavage, or very high heel or block heels with open toes, look comparatively less credible compared to high shine, closed toe, peep toe and a sling back. Men should invest in a pair of Oxford, moccasins and loafers.
. Refined jewellery like a simple pendant or ear studs looks classier. An elegant wedding band and a good watch looks credible and gives an image of trustworthiness on men.
If you have any queries, please write in. Till then #beextraordinery  
wknd@khaleejtimes.com
Konkana Bakshi is Founder, Savoir Faire Academie and former Miss Elegance World