menswear

Guys, Is Your Image Aging You?

January 25, 2023 by Bethany Siggins

The older we get, the more the word “relevance” pushes its way into our thoughts. Many of us continue to work well beyond age 65. However, with decades of work experience behind us, we start to wonder if our experience and our image are keeping pace.

Where image is concerned, it speaks before your experience. Before you have an opportunity to tell someone what you can do for them, they will decide if you can based on your image. That may seem unfair. However, if your image is not keeping up with the times, the assumption is made your skills are not keeping up either. Look into Halo Effect to get more context.

While some pieces in your wardrobe may be outstanding, if you have not shopped for clothing in a while or if you have not edited your wardrobe recently, many items may have “old” written all over them. Old styles and worn-out items are image killers. Let’s change that.

Here’s your check list to keep your wardrobe fresh and relevant.

Update Wardrobe Staples

If your size has changed, your clothing sizes need to change, too. Ill-fitting clothing, whether too large or too small, add unwanted years and pounds to your image. Buy the correct size and immediately look like the guy with all the answers.

Wardrobe staples, because they are staples, wear out over time and styles slightly change. Be sure yours are in good condition and appear current. These are the workhorses of your wardrobe. Thus, they require your attention.

Add Details

Don’t overlook accessories. These small details make a huge impact. Buy the best quality you can afford. Is your belt a basic style? Make it more interesting with special details like a thread color that stands out or pick a suede style instead of polished leather. Details show you’re paying attention. Current accessories are a quick, easy way to update your image.

Play with Color & Styles

If you’ve been sticking to the same formula for years, it’s time to shake things up. Add a new color to your wardrobe. Bring in textures. Try a new haircut (or switch your part). Looking your best right now is all about not looking the same as you always have.

Check out Your Jeans

If jeans are a go-to item for you, don’t expect to wear the same style beyond 5–10 years. Not all jeans are created equal. While it is not necessary to spend hundreds for a pair of jeans, buying from a reputable brand is important. Levis and Flint and Tinder are two favorites at an affordable price point. If your jeans currently say, “I’m cleaning the garage,” it’s time to get a new pair that fits well. Fit is key! No saggy bottoms or too large on the legs, please.

Consider Your Shoes

How long has it been since you shopped for shoes? Shoes matter. In fact, I consider them the most important part of the outfit equation. Take a basic outfit from good to great with an updated shoe style. Go try on shoe styles you’ve never tried before. Seek advice from an experienced salesperson (or me!). Salespeople who specialize in shoes are keen on the nuances of design and can help you make a good impression from the bottom up.

Ban the Grandpa Look

Baggy jeans, fluffy sweaters, pleated pants — they do you no favors. If these offenders are trending, let the guys in their 20s wear them. If you’re over 40, you have been there and done that with just about every trend. Simplify your look with classic styles and shapes, and leave the most trendy of trends to the 20-somethings.

A Safe and Natural Solution

Me! Let’s collaborate on an image that communicates the right message. Email me, and let’s discuss your goals. Whether you live in Dallas or elsewhere, I can assist you. I work with clients both in person and virtually. If you’ve been feeling like you need help, don’t think about it any longer. Start your year on strong footing by updating your image.

I look forward to assisting you! To learn more about me, visit my website.

Dallas Street Style Heats Up

July 23, 2016 by Bethany Siggins

My hair stylist and best friend, Gary Walden, has been doing my hair for longer than I care to admit. Today the spotlight is on him as he heats up the Dallas streets with his playful yellow and blue ensemble and his perfectly imperfect bracelet stack. The bright yellow shorts play nicely off the darker blue shirt. Neither is vying for the focus. Perfect playmates. The bracelets are a cool mix of colors, textures and weights. Each one stands on its own; however, he has brought them together in one look which makes it unique and special.

Whatever your story and whatever your style, it is yours. Let it speak and do not stifle it. Have fun. Thank you, Gary, for showing us how to have fun with style!

Fall 2015 – The Confident Woman

September 28, 2015 by Bethany Siggins

If you were to look at a list of fall trends year over year, you would notice a lot of repetition: leather, fur, black, gray, red, tweed, belts, boots, smoky eyes, etcetera. To get to the heart of the season, you must look beyond the list. The wide array of designs which walk down the runways of Milan, London, New York and Paris magically come together each year to convey an overall mood. Fall 2015 is all about confidence.

The Fall 2015 woman blazes her own path and she calls her own shots. She wears what she loves, and she masterfully combines masculine with feminine in a way that makes sense and looks very relaxed and easy. She is not trying too hard. Rather, she is perfectly imperfect. The Fall 2015 woman is returning to a more sensible way of dressing, as well. We are seeing large tote bags to hold our stuff, a relaxed fit so we can eat lunch and not pop a seam, and chunky heels so we can stand comfortably for long stretches and not tip over in a strong gust of wind.

For the most part, the fall woman is covered up and she leaves much to the imagination, yet she remains extremely sexy. How is this possible? In short, sexy is all about attitude and presence. A confident woman is a sexy woman.

Several trends which are newer to this fall season (though they are not completely new) include long vests, stocking boots, chokers, flares, high waist and pastels. The Pantone 2015 color of the year is marsala, an earthy brown-red. Thus, it should come as no surprise that red is a standout (yet again) for fall from bright red to deep, dark tones. Red fits perfectly into the fall 2015 mood since it is without a doubt a color that conveys confidence and passion.

Style confidence is easy to achieve if you are willing to forget about the expectations of others. There are many who are more than eager to advise you on what to buy and where to invest most wisely for your fall wardrobe. Instead of listening to them, focus on what you want and focus on the woman you are. Greek philosopher and mathematician Thales is credited with saying, “The most difficult thing in life is to know yourself.” I hope it will not be the hardest thing you have ever done, but it does take much effort. Check in with yourself often and trust your gut regarding what is right for you and what is not. The more you trust yourself, the more skilled you will become in choosing pieces that speak to your heart and work for your life.

Have a great fall season, and call me if you need a confidence boost. I am here to help!