April 2018

Q: As a manager of a local corporation, I find it difficult to confront staff on their appearance. Not only is it awkward situation, but, as a male, discussing this sensitive issue with female staff can be misconstrued. What would be the best approach?

A: First, I can completely relate to the sensitivity of the issue. Hopefully, your company has a written and specific dress code expressing not just what not to wear but also an outline with descriptive examples of the company’s preferences regarding staff appearance. If a company does not have these guidelines documented, or if they do but it’s outdated, TeeMcBee can address that as well.

Secondly, as a consultant, supporting businesses like yours is important. Engaging with TeeMcBee to tailor a presentation to a group of staff will remove the awkwardness of a manager having to call out specific individuals on their attire. A group presentation can be built around your written dress code and can include the following:

Why personal appearance is important
The impact of an image
What an employee’s image says about your company
What attire is expected in today’s market place
The power of color
Your company’s dress standards document for each staff member
One-on-one personal shopping for key staff

When working with human resources management, I often hear stories of talented individuals who have invested in higher education and skills that the company values, but the employee’s image does not represent the company well. These companies have invested in my consulting services and the individual invested in the wardrobe that we selected together.

ABOUT TRACI MCBRIDE: TRACI IS THE WARDROBE STYLIST AT TEEMCBEE IMAGE CONSULTING. SUBSCRIBE TO HER NEWSLETTER, SCHEDULE A STYLE STRATEGY CALL, OR REQUEST TEE SPEAKS TO INFUSE YOUR ORGANIZATION WITH PASSION AND STYLE.

Q: It’s been more than a dozen years since I’ve done anything new with my hair or clothes “style,” if that is what I can even call it. I’m wearing pretty much the same thing every day, only in a different color. Basic black, with little splashes of color. I’m bored and stuck. Where do I even begin?

A: Well, please know this: It’s realizing you are bored that is the very first step, so you can check step one off your list.

Next, please don’t compound the situation by “doing” something that causes you to run out and spend. At least not until you have a realistic road map. This should be a plan of self-discovery. Begin by looking at what is going on in all the retail catalogs. Either order them to come to your home or look online. This is the safest place to begin; not in the store, where you might be tempted too soon.

As for hair, maybe it’s time to work with a new hair stylist. I recommend actually setting up a consultation with someone who was referred by a friend whose hair you admire. Have the stylist share what options they see with the type and texture of your hair. Bring photos if you have ideas and want to know if they are feasible styles for you. Develop a relationship before just jumping in with both feet.

Identify what you like … and why. Is it the color that you’re drawn to in a garment or the cut?
Look at store catalogs that you never have before. You want to step outside of the usual retail.
Notice the figures of the models. Is it a similar shape to your own or aren’t you being represented in the catalogs?
Decide how you want others to perceive you in all aspects of your life: a polished professional, modern, detail-oriented, relatable, fun, easy-going, or sexy. Now look at those catalogs again while keeping those style words in mind and identify the garments that express that word.
Cut out or print photos to attach to a “vision board.” Doing this with clothes, accessories, and shoes will really help you define your personal “signature-style recipe.” You will see colors and patterns begin to emerge. Go for the clothes that make you “feel” good.
Get support in understanding your body shape and the styles, shapes, fabrics, and colors that will express your best self.
Take the time to plan and clean out your closet. You may find you have a few key pieces that make you feel good and they fit perfectly. Those are the items you may want to build upon with other garments to build a fresh cluster (generally five to 12 items that work into multiple outfits).

Enjoy the process and you will get so much more out of it. If you have an attitude of dread, it won’t turn out well for you. The way you walk through your life will influence everything that happens in your life.

Live out loud!

ABOUT TRACI MCBRIDE: TRACI IS THE WARDROBE STYLIST AT TEEMCBEE IMAGE CONSULTING. SUBSCRIBE TO HER NEWSLETTER, SCHEDULE A STYLE STRATEGY CALL, OR REQUEST TEE SPEAKS TO INFUSE YOUR ORGANIZATION WITH PASSION AND STYLE.

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ABOUT TRACI MCBRIDE: TRACI IS THE WARDROBE STYLIST AT TEEMCBEE IMAGE CONSULTING. SUBSCRIBE TO HER NEWSLETTER, SCHEDULE A STYLE STRATEGY CALL, OR REQUEST TEE SPEAKS TO INFUSE YOUR ORGANIZATION WITH PASSION AND STYLE.

ABOUT TRACI MCBRIDE: TRACI IS THE WARDROBE STYLIST AT TEEMCBEE IMAGE CONSULTING. SUBSCRIBE TO HER NEWSLETTER, SCHEDULE A STYLE STRATEGY CALL, OR REQUEST TEE SPEAKS TO INFUSE YOUR ORGANIZATION WITH PASSION AND STYLE.

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ABOUT TRACI MCBRIDE: TRACI IS THE WARDROBE STYLIST AT TEEMCBEE IMAGE CONSULTING. SUBSCRIBE TO HER NEWSLETTER, SCHEDULE A STYLE STRATEGY CALL, OR REQUEST TEE SPEAKS TO INFUSE YOUR ORGANIZATION WITH PASSION AND STYLE.

ABOUT TRACI MCBRIDE: TRACI IS THE WARDROBE STYLIST AT TEEMCBEE IMAGE CONSULTING. SUBSCRIBE TO HER NEWSLETTER, SCHEDULE A STYLE STRATEGY CALL, OR REQUEST TEE SPEAKS TO INFUSE YOUR ORGANIZATION WITH PASSION AND STYLE.

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