Personal Stylist and Image Mastery for Women
L e s s o n 2 Relay how first impressions are formed Explain Halos and Horns Exercise look at the following women and make as many assumptions as you can based on the first impression you get from these women there are no right or wrong answers here What are the clues that helped you make these decisions? Posture, facial expressions, clothing choices, fabrics, structure of the garments, style of the garments, expected environments you d expect to see those kinds of garments, contrast levels, jewellery and accessories, hair styles, perceived age, environment etc. And your personal experience meeting similar people or influenced by the media and the stereotypes we see in movies and tv programs. Professional Image and Style for Women 2
Exercise Who looks more professional the woman in the left or the right? Did you notice that two of the women are the same? Only the one on the right is more professional looking as her skirt is longer, she is wearing covered shoes and her top has sleeves and is not see through, plus her overall outfit is darker, which has a stronger impact. As you can see anything and everything we do will have an impact on other people being aware of as many points that can impact on another can set you ahead of the rest and make it easier for you to explain to someone else where they could look at making improvements. What have made this assumption based on? Clothing, accessories, fabric choices, colour Professional Image and Style for Women 3
Before you finish fill in what you have learned from this lesson 1. Outline the clothing clues which demonstrate 3 different occasions OCasual, informal, sporting c c a s Corporate Business s i o n Dressy, formal, sophisticated, glamour Crew or V-necklines, jumper, T-shirt, shorts, jeans, sweaters, blazer, parka, canvas shoes, sandals, sweats, caps, unstructured and loose clothing 2 3 piece matched suit, firm to crisp fabric, straight and A-line skirts, shirtwaist dress, coatdress, overcoat, court shoes, collared shirt, high heels Wider scoop or lower neckline, strapless, long fitted sleeves, Juliet sleeve, draped bodices and skirts, long skirt, palazzo pants, satin or beaded dress, long skirt, sparkling jewellery, jewelled sandals; tuxedo, dinner suit, cummerbund and patent leather shoes. 2. Outline three separate emotional personalities through clothing clues Energetic, fun, friendly, approachable, outgoing Serious, stern, aloof, authoritative Calm, quiet, gentle, ladylike, supportive Full-curved lines, bright colours, gathers, pleats, knits, plaids, prints, polka dots, soft fabrics, bold contrast, scoop neckline, open collar, short or puffed sleeves, colourful trims, casual larger jewellery Straight lines, restrained curves, dark or dull colours, black, gray, firm or stiff fabric, small patterns, pinstripes, high or buttoned collar, long sleeves, straight and A-line skirts, matched suit, minimal trim, small to medium conservative jewellery Solid colours, subtle colour contrasts, small and floral prints, fitted styles, princess seam lines, soft, thin, delicate sheer fabrics, soft gathers and flair, bows, small or delicate jewelry 3. What are 5 of the assumptions we make based on appearance about a person? Age Sex Level of Education Income Social class Job Professional Image and Style for Women 4
Marital status 4. Identify at least 10 elements which a first impression is based upon How we eat How we sit How we smell How you write What your business card looks like What your teeth look like Whether your nails are clean Whether your nails are polished or manicured How your hair is styled How you walk Whether you fidget or not Your skin The speed you speak at The amount of music in your voice The depth and tone of your voice How articulate you are If you have any threads hanging from your clothes How well your clothes fit The type of pen you use The way you take notes Tone of voice Accent Clothing choices Body Language You can refer back to these answers should you wish to receive your CEU s at the end of the Professional Image and Style for Women 5