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you look like you are sacrificing ease of movement for ostentatious presentation you'll give the impression that you are trying to make up for something or that you are insecure.

You are much better off having fewer outfits that look good on you and fit well than rows and rows of things that don't flatter you. They may be the latest thing, celebrities may have worn them on popular chat shows recently but the bottom line is that if they don't look good on YOU then you're just flushing money away on these items.

All shops sizes are slightly different, particularly for women. Sometimes even in the same shop you can be juggling three different sizes to get everything looking right. Think about how when you find a piece of clothing that just seems to suit your shape and proportions it looks so much better. Bearing this in mind it's worth considering tailoring or tailored adjustments of shop bought clothes.

A skillful tailor can make adjustments and leave no evidence on the clothes of having done so, the difference to your appearance will most likely be phenomenal. Even just half an inch in here and out there can make all the difference. You will feel better and look better and in consequence of the latter you will feel even better once again.

Personal flair.

It's a common mistake to think that all traces of personal identity must be removed in order to look smart. It is actually the case that a certain level of personality in the dress and appearance is desirable but many people get this wrong by choosing to display inappropriate aspects of their personality.

Think about the different types of social interactions you have with friends, family or colleagues, how you speak differently with and tell different information to the people you are closer to. Personal aspects in dress or make up are just like this. If you are sending an irrelevant message then the impact will be unfavourable.

Consider what sort of message varying levels of flamboyance or staidness will send for the situation you are going into and decide which level you want to aim for. Depending on your company or work environment there will be a different slant to how casual or smart you need to be, know yourself how far it is appropriate to go for your company. Try to imagine clearly what message you are creating with your clothing and appearance in general and then picture the situation you are going to be in, is it appropriate to be sending that message?

Be careful of colognes and perfumes. Using a lot of scent sends the message that you're forceful and aggressive, is this right for the situation? You're also taking a chance that the smell doesn't agree with people and they'll view you unfavourably as a result.

Body language.

Take note of your expressive physical movements or lack of them. Do you move your hands around a lot when you get agitated and so communicate your anxieties? Perhaps you don't form many facial expressions which could punctuate what you're saying and hold someone's attention more closely.

Watch other people around you. Who comes across favourably and who does not? Watch their movements and expressions as they act and interact and aim to improve your own body language. Perhaps even make a video of yourself speaking and see if you can spot anything that could be improved.

Image and presentation form a very powerful language, learn to speak and understand it. Without it you will have no voice in a very loud environment. Be the best you can, present the best of yourself overall and make adjustments for your situations to improve your confidence, performance and reception.

Learn more about this author, Stefanina Hill.
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