Menswear - what you should know

So much has been talked about on ladies wear that the men may feel neglected and they have to put in extra effort to find out more about dressing.  Let’s move the spotlight to men for this article!

Men can be quite extreme when it comes to dressing. 



Type 1
Pic Cr: www.dailymail.co.uk

Type 1 : They value comfort more than anything else when dressing.  With Singapore’s warm climate, it seems impossible to get your message across to them to dress up alittle!  They love their t-shirts, singlets and bermudas!  Convincing them works only if one of their immediate family members is getting married or maybe invitation by some royal family! ;p  Often, they ignore the ‘formal’ dress code stated in the invite or wear jeans to friends’ wedding!

Type 2: It’s wonderful going out with male friends who enjoy dressing up!  They ensure that the outfit fits them to the T and taking care of finer details such as appropriate accessories, length of pants, correct colour of socks, matching of shoes and belts and colour of clothes.  However, it does stress their female counterparts sometimes if those ladies do not enjoy dressing as much as they do!



Type 2
Pic Cr: www.boaznyc.blogspot.com

So which is you or the guy you have in your mind now?

I admit that men do not have the luxury like ladies where there are endless designs and combinations when creating outfits.  However, it is the finer details that make a huge difference in men’s dressing.  Below are 5 tips all men should know.

1)      The tie should reach the middle of the buckle of the belt.

Pic Cr: www.stylesally.com

2)      The amount of shirt tucked out should cover only half the belt.  Always check your image when you go to the washroom.  The shirt should not cover the whole belt.

3)      Ironed lines on the pants are important.  It is always very pleasing to see a man take the extra mile to look sharp.  These lines make you look taller too!

4)      The socks should match the colour of the pants.  This is to ensure that when the pants ride up when seated, the socks continue to cover the legs like the pants did.

5)      The belt and the shoes should match.  It gives that polished look!

This article should put you back on the right track (if you are not already there) and have succeeded in taking the first step to dressing well!  Men can have fun dressing up too!  Well dressed men do make others sit up and take a second look at them; making an impactful first impression! 


About the Author : Sherrine Teoh is the Principal Image Consultant with Image and You Consultancy.  She runs regular training for corporations and institutions as well as Individual Consultations on Personal Grooming, Dressing and Social Etiquette.  She is also Mrs Singapore Queen of Hope 2012, Mrs Asia International All Nations 2012 and Mrs Photogenic 2012 (Mrs Asia International). 
 

Mixing Patterns on an outfit

This question is often not just asked by ladies but also by the men!  The men needed to know if they can match patterned shirt with patterned tie.  From past experience, some people say you can mix patterns, some people think otherwise.  What do you think?

Patterns of different scale
Pic Cr: www.glamour.com
 

The fact is, you can mix patterns on an outfit as long as you following the guidelines below.  Mixing patterns can be interesting or totally clashing.  Though it should be done with some caution, it does add interest to your dressing.  Here are some guidelines to ensure that you are on the right track with mixing patterns.

1)      Make sure you combine patterns that are of different scale to ensure that the patterns do not confuse the eye.

2)      Do the eye test yourself.   Looking into the mirror, look at your dress then your face.  Look at your dress then your face again.  Feeling satisfied with your dressing, your eye finally settles on your face, then you are combining them right.  If you finished the test with your eye fixed on your outfit and still wondering if it’s ok, then I suggest you make some changes to your outfit.



Bold and creates confusion
Pic Cr: www.vanity-codes.blogspot.com

Some creative people dress with the scale of the patterns being very close and bold.  They are threading on the thin line and must be careful not to create confusion.

However, on formal or business occasions, it is best to keep patterns to its minimum or none at all as it gets more formal.  Similar to accessories (my previous article), the bolder the design, the more informal the outfit becomes.  Dressing for a job interview should also avoid patterns.  First of all it is a formal meeting and secondly, you do not want to risk diverting the attention from you. 

For a start, start simple.  Dress in an outfit with solid colour pieces and patterned pieces combined.  It’s much easier when only one piece of an outfit takes dominance.  Practise makes perfect!

About the Author : Sherrine Teoh is the Principal Image Consultant with Image and You Consultancy.  She runs regular training for corporations and institutions as well as Individual Consultations on Personal Grooming, Dressing and Social Etiquette.  She is also Mrs Singapore Queen of Hope 2012, Mrs Asia International All Nations 2012 and Mrs Photogenic 2012 (Mrs Asia International). 

Accessories - how much is too much?



Pic Cr: www.trendnstylez.com
for office

Ever wondered how much accessories you should be wearing to work, to party or for a formal event?  I LOVE accessorizing and believe that it gives you a totally different look with the same outfit.  You get to pump up the look of even a t-shirt!  Often, I see ladies going to work with many strings of necklaces with that outfit or many chains of bracelets.  Even the accessories that come together (attached) with the outfit are considered part of accessorizing though it’s of no effort of yours.

If you approach any Image Professionals, they will be able to advise on your Accessory balance points (where should your accessories end) and accessory points (how many accessories you should wear).  In this article, we will talk about Accessory Points!  It’s interesting to know how much is consider too much for different occasions!

For an office outfit, the number of accessories worn should be kept around 5.  For instance, a pair of earrings (2 points), a necklace (1 point), a watch (1 point) and a ring (1 point).  The accessories for work should be simple and polished.  It should not be too colourful or fanciful.

Pic Cr: www.wholesaleengagementring-s.com
for party

For a party outfit, the number of accessories worn should be kept around 12-15.  For instance, a pair of earrings(2 points), a bold necklace (1-2 points), a watch (1 point), a ring (1 point), a bracelet (1 point), floral prints on the blouse (1-2 points), gathers on both sleeves (2 points), belt (1 point) and jeans with 2 pockets(2 points).

Pic Cr: www.rubyjax.com
for formal

For a formal event, the guideline should follow those of the office wear though the accessories can be bolder and with a touch of elegance such as thick  bangle or a choker. 

If the outfit is full of design, the accessory points will be lesser so that it will not complicate the look further. For men, cufflinks, belt buckles, bracelets, rings and watches are counted in the accessory points too.  With the guidelines shared, there should not be a time where you are not sure if you are wearing too many accessories or others commenting that you look like a Christmas tree! ;p

About the Author : Sherrine Teoh is the Principal Image Consultant with Image and You Consultancy.  She runs regular training for corporations and institutions as well as Individual Consultations on Personal Grooming, Dressing and Social Etiquette.  She is also Mrs Singapore Queen of Hope 2012, Mrs Asia International All Nations 2012 and Mrs Photogenic 2012 (Mrs Asia International).

Lose weight to look good?

“I need to lose weight before I can look good?” 

pic cr:www.dailymail.com.uk

Some people mistook Image Consultant as someone who can help them lose weight to fit into those nice clothes.  Yes, there are consultants whose expertise is in nutrition and they help you to lose weight in a healthy way.  However, as an Image Consultant whose expertise is in Dressing and Etiquette, we accept our clients as what they are physically.  We believe that every shape is beautiful and you just need to use the appropriate dressing techniques on the right body to bring out its best! 

There are techniques for camouflaging flabby arms, big tummy, thick waist, unflattering thighs, short legs etc.  Even the men have their problems such as long body/short legs, thick neck and beer belly.  The list is endless and you will be surprise at the results you get by taking that small step in using appropriate techniques on yourself!  Once you learnt the techniques  from the Consultants, you will be able to manage most problem areas you will face in your lifetime!

Losing weight is a personal goal and an expectation that a certain look is ideal.  You would have heard the phrase “Big is Beautiful” or others commenting “I like my curves” or “I will lose my boobs if I lose weight”.  Not everyone sees skinny as beautiful and not everyone is born with that slim physique.  Even with an hourglass bodyshape, that person would also have flaws that she may have to camouflage without you realizing it.  We have read about models trying to be even skinnier and eventually lose their life because of it.  Even being slim or skinny, different people have different definitions of what’s slim or what’s skinny!

So don’t lose weight just because people tell you so.  Do it because you want to or for your health!  Most importantly, the inner confidence you exude will speak more than how slim or how pretty you are!  You become charismatic!  So be proud of how you look, embrace it and work on it to bring out your best!

About the Author : Sherrine Teoh is the Principal Image Consultant with Image and You Consultancy.  She runs regular training for corporations and institutions as well as Individual Consultations on Personal Grooming, Dressing and Social Etiquette.  She is also Mrs Singapore Queen of Hope 2012, Mrs Asia International All Nations 2012 and Mrs Photogenic 2012 (Mrs Asia International).

 

Must I put on Makeup?

During my early teens, I remember admiring how groomed some girls were even if they only had their brows done.  Me, on the other hand, didn’t dare to do anything to my myself, needless to say, my face!  I admired their courage, the reliable contacts they have (for brow, cosmetics, skincare etc) and the confidence they exude.

During my late teens, I decided to take that plunge!  I took up a modelling course and makeup class.  That was the turning point of my life!  It was something that started from WITHIN, where that confidence in me was waiting to be unleashed BUT it turned out that I learnt an important lesson too; people react differently when you are groomed!  To be precise, in a positive way! Though I started thinking that I didn’t want to be judged by how I look but I became convinced to make an effort to look good after experiencing how productive and efficiently things can be done when people react to you in a positive way.

Few weeks ago, the photo of our local singer Stephanie Sun spotted on the street went viral, resulting in many comments on whether she should at least groom herself since she is a public figure.  I volunteer with the Singapore Children’s Society regularly and in one of my visits a few years ago, a 5 year old girl commented ,”Jie jie (big sister), I like how you draw your eyes.”  I was speechless!  It was my eyeliner on my upper lash line.  I also realized you get better service in boutiques and make friends easily in networking sessions!  People like to hang around with like-minded people just like happy people attract other happy people.  At work, you will find that it is easier to make friends or receive help from colleagues when you look good.  The effort you spend on yourself also reflects how much pride you put into what you do.

So try it!  Go shopping on a day where you wear little or no makeup and another day with a nicely made up face and proper dressing.  You will notice the importance of putting on makeup!  This also goes to show the respect you have for yourself!

About the Author : Sherrine Teoh is the Principal Image Consultant with Image and You Consultancy.  She runs regular training for corporations and institutions as well as Individual Consultations on Personal Grooming, Dressing and Social Etiquette.  She is also Mrs Singapore Queen of Hope 2012, Mrs Asia International All Nations 2012 and Mrs Photogenic 2012 (Mrs Asia International).

 

Pageant Insight Part I : Supporting our ladies!

I remember during the 1990s, modelling and pageants were such a hit!  Almost everyone wanted to be a model!  It was a prestigious part time job!  Those televised modelling competitions and pageants attracted high viewership and national paper coverage.  The finalists will be featured in various media and the winner will be in the headline the next day!  



photos courtesy : Cheryl Ho

Fast forward 15-20 years, we read articles on negative critique of the quality of the ladies representing our country, the national costume and even organisers found it unprofitable to run such competitions.  It is quite expected if the excitement for such competitions fade over time but shouldn’t we move away from negativity when there are ladies out there, sometimes braving all odds, join the competitions and ultimately one of them representing us??  You have to overcome stage fright and due to the lack of sponsors, it cost quite a fair bit in the preparation to represent on the international platform.

In recent years, a category for the married women has emerged and has garnered increasing interest from the public.  I have joined one of such competition for married women myself and I must admit it’s a life-changing moment for me, both in terms of confidence and mental challenge.  After family and kids, I just wanted to see how far I could go for myself!

So let’s take the first step here in showing support for our representatives.  I had the privilege to groom the Mrs Singapore 2014 cohort in May and the winner, Ms Cheryl Ho, will be representing Singapore in the prestigious Mrs Universe, to be held in Kuala Lumpur on 29 August 2014!  This is the first time it will be held in Asia!  Cheryl is one of the most beautiful woman I know, inside out!  She is passionate, committed and big hearted!  Though she is a flight attendant with Singapore Airlines, the passion she displayed with her job, the love for her 3 children and the commitment for ERM (the organisers for Mrs Singapore) as well as grassroot events, left me with no doubt trying to garner more support for her!  She is an amazing woman!  While juggling so much on her plate, she still shows generosity and care to friends around!

Please join me in the following ways to support her in shining on the international stage!

1)      Voting is free!

Visit http://www.mrsuniverse2014.com/vote/ and sign up as a member.  Each new account receives one free vote (5 credits).  If you watch a short clip (After log in, under ‘Credit’, then click ‘earn free credits’) and answer a simple question, you get 1 free vote a day!  The contestant with most votes get into Top 10 automatically and she will be awarded Mrs Popularity.

2)      Fund Raising

Cheryl has set up a fund raising initiative in support of the organisers main highlight of the pageant, a forum where all delegates are united in their motto “ONE UNIVERSE, ONE VOICE, TO STOP VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN”.   The beneficiaries are the abused and poor single mothers. http://www.gofundme.com/c8d1uo


If you have read till the end of this article, please support by placing your VOTE for Cheryl!  A million THANKS!!

 

About the Author : Sherrine Teoh is the Principal Image Consultant with Image and You Consultancy.  She runs regular training for corporations and institutions as well as Individual Consultations on Personal Grooming, Dressing and Social Etiquette.  She is also Mrs Singapore Queen of Hope 2012, Mrs Asia International All Nations 2012 and Mrs Photogenic 2012 (Mrs Asia International).

Importance of Dressing Proportion – It contributes to that First Impression too?

8 head lengths
pic cr: www.akimiya.deviantart.com

My last article I wrote on dressing challenges and related it to how knowledge on body shapes is important in giving you a good fit!  However, many people I asked have not heard about how body proportion affects dressing too.  What is 8 head lengths and what does it mean by dressing in different proportions?  The fact is, proportion plays a huge role determining whether you look pleasant or sloppy!

First of all, everyone should aim to achieve 8 head lengths.  The length of your face; from the highest point that you can see without your hair covering, to your chin is 1 head length.  You should have 7 more head lengths from the chin to the ankle.  Let’s look at some examples.

Dressing ratio 1:2
pic cr : www.business2community.com

Dressing ratio 1:2

When the proportion of 2 pieces of an outfit is different, for example the top is 1 part of the ratio while the skirt is 2 parts of the ratio, the whole outfit looks very pleasant compared to having the same proportion of top and bottom in terms of length or colour.

Dressing ratio 2:1

Dressing ratio 2:1
 

When the proportion of the top piece is 2 parts and the bottom piece is 1 part of the ratio, it also creates an outfit pleasing to the eyes.

Dressing ratio 2:3

Dressing ratio 2:3
pic cr : www.alibaba.com

The same theory applies to a top that is short enough to end above the hip when you wear pants.  In this way you will have a top that is considered 2 parts in ratio and 3 parts for the pants.

 

I hope the above gives you alittle more insight into dressing well and it does not only involve body shapes.  This is a neglected part of dressing that everyone should take into account when dressing.  As usual, practice makes perfect.  Have fun dressing!




About the Author : Sherrine Teoh is the Principal Image Consultant with Image and You Consultancy.  She runs regular training for corporations and institutions as well as Individual Consultations on Personal Grooming, Dressing and Social Etiquette.  She is also Mrs Singapore Queen of Hope 2012, Mrs Asia International All Nations 2012 and Mrs Photogenic 2012 (Mrs Asia International).