We would first like to congratulate the winners of our Best Dressed contest who you see pictured on our front cover! These six businesspeople embody the words ‘look of success’ and we’ve gathered some information from each of them on their fashion secrets!
Dominic DiGiacomo • Best Card
Who is your fashion idol/icon or where do you think you get your sense of style?
I can’t say that I have a fashion idol or icon, but I grew up admiring what Ralph Lauren has done with Polo. I like clean looks with subtle designs that make people comment, but doesn’t scare them away. I have always been a fan of Robert Graham and Ben Sherman collections.
How do you think your image fits in with your career?
My company provides a banking service to business owners. Even though we aren’t a bank, we partner with banks and are in meetings with banks almost daily. So I try to keep my clothes appropriate to wear into a bank meeting but with a little bit more flair than your traditional banker’s attire. Also, French cuffs with nice cuff links sometimes give my outfit the extra little oomph to create a different look.
What is your favorite piece of clothing/accessory in your current wardrobe?
I love ties. I try to find ties that make people say, “ I love your tie! Where did you find that?” Also, my mother-in-law, Dena Belfiore, has an eye for finding really cool ties. Usually for the holidays, she will get me a shirt and tie. I always get lots of comments when I am wearing a shirt/tie combination from Dena. Thanks Dena!
DeMoine Adams • The Game Plan
Who is your fashion idol/icon or where do you think you get your sense of style?
Because I was raised by a lot of women, I would have to say I got my sense of style and fashion from my mom and grandma. Both of these women role modeled the importance of coordinating my colors, shoes, and outfits all together when it came to the way I dressed, and let’s not forget the most important lesson learned-ironing my own clothes EVERY DAY!. They were both into fashion, and my grandma was in sales for over 20 years.
How do you think your image fits in with your career?
When it comes to motivational speaking, it is very important to look the part by attracting your audience to your message. People are attracted to confidence, colorful energy, and swagger. My image is my lifestyle. When it comes to motivating others, I have to be what they need to see in order to be moved by what I say.
What is your favorite piece of clothing/accessory in your current wardrobe?
It would have to be my wide variety of ties. I take pride in my ties. I buy two ties every month to stay fresh and feeling new. Ties make you stand out like a pro, and they put the ‘pro’ in professional. I’m a big fan of Donald Trump and his wisdom so I’ve became a big fan of his solid color ties. They always send a strong message, and that’s the kind of message I need to send every time I speak!
Elizabeth Edwards • Omaha Ballroom
Who is your fashion idol/icon or where do you think you get your sense of style?
I get my sense of style from the girls who walk in to my dance studio. We have so many great women who come in for their dance lessons and they always look so cute that I have to ask “Where did you get that?”
How do you think your image fits in with your career?
My ballroom dancing career lets me wear lots of glitter and glam when I wear my competition costumes. So when I am not on the dance floor, I like to dress simple and keep it classy.
What is your favorite piece of clothing/accessory in your current wardrobe?
I love a really good pair of cowboy boots. I have been teaching so much country dancing these days that I put them with anything: dresses, jeans, leggings, and skirts.
Megan Goeke • U.S. Cellular
Who is your fashion idol/icon or where do you think you get your sense of style?
My great-grandma Vera made a big impression upon my sense of fashion from a young age. She owned Vera’s Style Shoppe for 50 years and ran her business until she was 98 years old. Truly an amazing woman! She was always dressed up, always wore slingbacks and ALWAYS had on fashion jewelry. I will forever remember standing in front of her long glass counter full of costume jewelry and gazing across all the different pieces she had displayed. I’d say she’s the reason I can’t resist a great accessory or great pair of heels…my husband doesn’t buy it though.
How do you think your image fits in with your career?
My image represents the pride and passion I feel for my career and the company I represent, U.S. Cellular. I consider it an honor to work for such an incredible organization so focused on the customer experience. Being part of marketing and still having the opportunity to interact with customers, associates, and leaders in the field requires me to have a flexible attire to work in several environments.
What is your favorite piece of clothing/accessory in your current wardrobe?
The blue dress I’m wearing on the Strictly Business cover is one of my very favorite dresses. It’s a power color, an incredible fit, and so comfortable. I can pick my kids up and carry them around on my hip while looking fabulous.
Kirk Sims • Bank of the West
Who is your fashion idol/icon or where do you think you get your sense of style?
My fashion idol is Fonzworth Bentley because I like his ability to pair colors that most people would not choose. Fashion and appearance have always been major focuses in my family. The three individuals who have greatly influenced my sense of style are my grandfather, father and uncle. Before I was even able to pick out my own outfits, I remember my grandfather teaching me the proper way to iron my clothes. I learned how to match different parts of my outfits from the way my father dressed. My uncle helped prepare me for the corporate world by teaching me how to tie a tie and how to choose appropriate colors.
How do you think your image fits in with your career?
I have always been taught to “dress for the job you want; not the job you have”. I think my wardrobe fits perfectly with my career, but fits my next career even better. My wardrobe is young, fresh, and professional just like myself.
What is your favorite piece of clothing/accessory in your current wardrobe?
My favorite accessory in my current wardrobe would be any one of my watches. It is complicated to pick a favorite. I strongly believe the right watch can complete an outfit so I have acquired quite the collection over the last couple of years.
Amy Knowlton • Continuum Financial
Who is your fashion idol/icon or where do you think you get your sense of style?
I love Carrie Underwood’s style. She is so classy and confident. I also like the effortlessness of Jennifer Aniston. I’d love to be able to pull off looks by Rihanna, but I’m not that edgy.
How do you think your image fits in with your career?
I am a very upbeat person and I believe that shows in my colorful wardrobe choices. The way I dress reflects my firm, Continuum Financial, because we are social, outgoing and stand out in a crowd. We are professional, but also we like to have fun.
What is your favorite piece of clothing/accessory in your current wardrobe?
Anything from ShoeDazzle.com…I love their shoes, accessories, wrap dresses and purses. A pop of color added to any outfit makes a statement!
Now that you’ve gotten a few tips from the winners, let’s take a look at how you can achieve the ‘look of success’ in your own life!
Hair and Makeup
“Hair and makeup are highly linked to people’s identity and credibility,” states Shannon Stickman with Seven Salon. “Studies have shown different reactions to people with various hair styles, lengths and styles. It is incredibly important to be presentable and not distracting, whether presenting to a board of directing or assisting customers! If you feel good about your hair and makeup, it will also help you exude confidence.”
If you’re a man, keeping your hair short and well-groomed are the keys. If you’re a woman, the options can be overwhelming and styles are ever-changing. “An ombre technique is a lasting color effect that showcases glamour and power,” explains Shannon. “Ease of maintenance for a busy workweek, but packs a power punch. If you wear your locks long, make sure to wear sweeping fringe or fuller bangs to make the look more professional. Layering is key. Also, cropped styles can be less layered if chin length for a classic and easy to maintain look. Short styles can be very strong in the workforce, projecting confidence and fun!”
When it comes to hair styles, your most important partner is your stylist. Choosing the correct one is absolutely essential and many people search their whole lives for that perfect stylist. “Your stylist should be able to dissect and interpret your style language and needs,” Shannon says. “If you cannot connect with your stylist within the first 15 minutes of consultation time, then keep it basic to test their skill level. If you find they impress you, then progress creatively.”
“Make sure your salon is not only trendy, but educated,” she continues. “Staying current with technology, as well as forecasting what is coming is very important. And make sure you are supporting local businesses! You may not need to be ‘trendy’ in your workforce, but being outdated will definitely affect your workplace interpersonal relations.”
Clothing
Of course, a huge part of your overall image is the clothes you wear. Almost everyone agrees that the keys to having ‘the look of success’ is dressing for the environment you work in while developing your own unique, distinct style. “Everyone has their own style and we try to help others put together looks that meet their comfort level,” states Susie Keuck with Nouvelle Eve. “From classic to chic pieces to very contemporary pieces, we would love to help create the looks desired by our clients.”
“My favorite career looks for women include the classic trouser with feminine chiffon blouses and a structured jacket,” continues Susie. “Removing the jacket and adding a scarf can take you from day to evening effortlessly.”
When it comes to developing your own sense of style, Susie thinks it’s best if her customers have an open mind and is in the mood to try on several pieces when they come to the store. “A style can be chosen, but it takes time to find the correct pieces that are proportionate to the individual and colors that are contemporary. Styles can be favored from advertisements and celebrities, but everyone has to find their own way…with a little help from their friends or Nouvelle Eve.”
Of course, men also need to think about clothing when it comes to their image. Depending on what type of profession a man is in, he may need to look for tailored suits and interesting ties or he may be in a more casual field where he should be thinking pants and polos (or even jeans and t-shirts). Dressing for your environment is a huge part of ‘the look of success’ and it’s important to make the most of the type of outfit that is appropriate for your career. If you’re a suit and tie guy, working with a professional clothier is the best way to make sure you always get the right fit and look polished and professional. If you’re more casual, try finding some local shops that carry the brands and styles you like and try to pick unique items that you won’t find everyone else wearing.
Self Confidence
One of the most important parts of your image has nothing to do with what’s on the outside. Self-confidence is probably the most important thing you can put on display that will make you look and feel successful. You can put someone in a $2000 suit, but if they are hunched over and won’t look anyone in the eye, it’s not likely that they will be viewed as successful. On the flip side, you can carry off a $45 outfit if you do it with flair and style and hold your head high. There are a number of factors that come to play in self confidence. If you are insecure about something, it’s difficult to pull off a confident image. That’s why it’s important to address issues that bother you about yourself. Are you insecure about your dated hairstyle? Visit your stylist and come up with something contemporary that will make you feel great about yourself. Uneasy about smiling because you’ve never liked your teeth? Now might be the right time to visit a dentist or orthodontist who can tell you more about teeth whitening, braces or veneers.
Looking great is usually entertwined with feeling great, so it’s important to take care of yourself if you really want to look successful.
Get plenty of sleep, eat right and exercise regularly. Not only will this improve your self-confidence, but your healthy lifestyle will shine through and be noticed by all you encounter!
The ‘look of success’ is about being unique, being vibrant and, most of all, being YOU! By working with local stores and developing your own sense of style, you can use your image and ‘look’ to further your career and brand yourself in the business world!