How to Find the Right Pair of Jeans

“I wish I had invented blue jeans. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity - all I hope for in my clothes.”

--Yves Saint Laurent quotes (French fashion designer, b.1940)

Jeans are the staple of many a wardrobe, but if they do not fit right, you’ll find that you won’t wear them. Often, it seems like hit or miss when you are looking for jeans. . . even the ones that are in your size don’t seem to fit you right. Since jeans are an important part of any casual wardrobe, it’s important that you get the fit right so you look great and feel even better.

There are specific things to look for in a pair of jeans and you’ll learn how to find the right pair of jeans in the tips below. You may even want to print this page out and take it with you when doing your shopping.

Make Them Fit Your Body Type

Jeans will be far more flattering if you choose a pair that suits your body type. The great thing about jeans is that they really do work for anyone . . . you just need the right style. For women who are a bit heavy in the hips, a nice flared jean will help balance this out and draw attention downwards. Petite ladies will look best in low-rise jeans that come just up to the hipbone, while a high-waisted pair will help keep a larger stomach from being too obvious. Tapered legs look best on women who have narrow hips, since they create the illusion of curves.

For men, when it comes to jeans, the perfect pair isn't too far away. When it comes to style, there are two main options: snug and loose. Jeans that are looser or baggier will give you more range of motion and freedom. If you're going out to do chores or to play with your friends, these more comfortable jeans will serve you well.

Choose the Right Pockets

Pockets may seem insignificant, but they really do have a lot to do with how a pair of jeans looks on you. Small back pockets, or ones with lots of detail, will tend to make big bottoms look even heavier and draw a lot of attention to your backside. Opt for no pockets at all or look for ones that are large enough to be in proportion with your bottom. The opposite is true for women with smaller behinds, detail and smaller, fancy pockets will tend to add bulk to that area.

For men, I have heard it said that one of the cutest things is their butts. So for men keep the detail to a minimum. Honestly, I can’t think of anyone that wants to focus on the detail on the pocket and that's exactly what happens when you see those pockets. Your butt isn't being checked out...all that stitching is. Let's find some pockets with less detail, ok?

Pick a Yoke to Enhance Your Body

The yoke is the top part of the jean, most visible at the back and the curve of the seam can make all the difference in how your jeans fit and look. For example, a yoke seam that curve upwards from the hips will tend to make your bottom look larger; while a flat yoke line creates a wider hip. A “V” shaped yoke is one of the most common types and it is also quite flattering to all body types and usually fits well, so when in doubt, opt for this one. A wide yoke will allow your jeans to fit better if you are on the larger side.

Match the Wash to the Occasion

Where are you planning to wear your jeans? Part of picking the right pair of jeans is choosing the wash, or how distressed the fabric is. You can get your jeans already faded or stone washed. Obviously, these are all for a more casual outfit. If you are thinking of wearing your jeans to work, you’ll be better off going with a plain color . . . often the darker the better for less casual situations. Dark blue or black jeans wear well for casual occasions.

Choosing the right jeans for you requires knowing where you will be using them and which style will flatter your body type. Use the tips given here to help you select the perfect pair of jeans and then go find yourself a pair that not only fits you and is comfortable, but that looks great, too.

Dressing For Your Promotion in 2009

Your big interview starts long before it is scheduled. From the first day on the job, you should be positioning yourself for a promotion. The following guidelines will help ensure you are conveying the right image messages.

Position Yourself to be the Best Fit for a Promotion
You know you are the ideal match, but how does your boss feel? Make sure when you are going for a higher level position that you have considered all factors that your boss will take into account before offering you that big promotion.

It's Never Too Late to Make a Great Impression
You're going for a promotion, so dress the part. Take dress cues from your boss as well as other employees that are one level above you. When you arrive for your interview, be confident and enthusiastic that you are the best fit for the position.

Do Whatever it Takes
Keep track of your attendance - take time off only when truly needed. Pitch in where needed - if you are caught up on your projects, offer to help out and put in a few hours to assist others with their work. Attend workshops, seminars, and classes offered by your company. These are often free and your employer is likely to take notice of your work ethic and desire to learn. Keep track of your job performance - include the number of hours you worked overtime (whether paid or unpaid), new skills you have acquired, continuing education credits, etc. All of the above will help position you as the best candidate for the promotion.

Ace Your Big Interview
You have prepared for your interview. Make sure you deliver the right message as you sit across the desk from your interviewer. The following how-to guide will help you dress for success and land that much deserved promotion.

Embrace the Neutral
You want to appear confident and competent during your interview. Women, think olive green, taupe, navy, chocolate brown or black for your suit. Use color sparingly - that pop of color is great on a day-to-day basis, but for a promotion interview use that tool in moderation. Consider wearing a basic beige, blue, green or sand-colored blouse. Men, opt for a navy or other dark colored suit with a white or neutral dress shirt (Tie if appropriate).

Trendy is as Trendy Does
Unless you work in the fashion industry, leave the trends behind for your big interview. Don't wear anything that might distract from what you are saying.

Don't Go Gaudy on Accessories
Accessories can make or break an outfit. Woman should keep accessories simple. If you like to wear pearls, this would be a good day to wear them. Small pearl earrings and a matching pearl necklace are stunning. Of course, forget those anklets and wear one ring per hand to keep your look simple and stylish. For men, a simple watch is great, but don't overdo it - no gaudy or big-faced watches.

Hygiene is Important
Don't overdo your fragrance, or better yet, skip it. Consider getting a manicure - clean, neat nails are attractive and will leave a good impression. Getting a haircut before the big interview may give you the visual and emotional lift you want during your interview. Pop a breath mint a few minutes before you walk in the door. As you pass through the threshold remember you have what it takes, and always remember to smile.

Maximize Your Chances for Success

You have the tools necessary to get your promotion. Prepare, dress appropriately and set yourself apart from the competition by making a great impression and letting the interviewer know - You are the best choice for the position!

Call us today for help with your non-verbal communications - Your Presence and Your Protocol. http://www.exclusivecorporateimage.com/

On An Interview

A recent series of articles by “On Style” columnist Christina Binkley of the Wall Street Journal brought Ms. Binkley into contact with several executive recruiters (a.k.a. “head hunters”) and personnel officers of major corporations and law firms throughout New York City and Washington, D.C. During her interviews with these experts, the author discovered that even 30 years after the publication of John T. Molloy’s ground-breaking how-to “Dress For Success”,
the problem of personal appearance still presents a minefield for many movers-and-shakers in the corporate world. If decision-makers operating in the rarefied atmospheres of Wall Street and Pennsylvania Avenue have difficulty determining which tie to wear, or whether pumps or sandals would be more appropriate, then how can mere mortals here in the Sunshine State be expected to traverse successfully such an esoteric labyrinth?

To shed some light on this topic, I decided to do a little research of my own. First, I compiled a brief questionnaire, posing such questions as (1) “When an applicant arrives for the interview, do you think he or she is dressed appropriately?” (2) “What is the applicant’s body language telling you?” and (3) “What differences do you perceive among the ‘Traditionalists’, ‘Baby-Boomers’, ‘Generation Xers’, and ‘Millennials’?”

Then, I passed my questionnaire to several senior level executives of various industries, including some Florida-based entities as well as nationally recognized firms. These individuals include representatives of the healthcare, construction, insurance, employment, and social welfare fields. I asked them to respond to the questionnaire on the basis of their observations
in the course of performing their professional duties. I was surprised by some of their answers. Candid comments regarding appropriate dress among employment applicants included, “The younger generation does not understand the rules, or chooses to ignore them. These concepts
(of appropriate attire in the workplace) often are lost on the younger applicants.”

Before heaping too much opprobrium on the “younger generation”, we would do well to recall that “Dress For Success” is a phrase that has been around longer than they have! It has become so thoroughly ensconced in the idiom that we often forget what a fundamental concept it represents: first impressions really do matter, and one’s appearance really can be a determining factor in how one is perceived by colleagues, clients, and members of Management.

There seems to be a great deal of confusion regarding the definition of “appropriate dress” for the workplace. Among my survey’s respondents, the “older generation” seems to be slightly more in tune with this concept, apparently being willing to forgo a certain level of personal comfort in exchange for a higher salary, whereas younger applicants seem to think that “comfort is everything”. Apparently, it all depends on one’s perspective ... and the salary range!

When asked to share their pet peeves, the survey respondents were equally outspoken. Jacqueline Glover, Office Manager at Workman Commercial Construction, replied, “Business Casual has taken over. People want to draw outside the lines and not follow the rules.” Andrew Flick, an Advisor at Northwestern Mutual Insurance, indicated that he dislikes “ties that are too short, clothing that is wrinkled or ill-fitting, and shirts that are too blousy.” An executive from the healthcare industry (who asked not to be named) replied, “My pet peeves include clothing that is too casual or too tight-fitting. Big jewelry is also a distraction.” Other respondents stated that they are put off by visible tattoos, “cleavage”, sandals (rather than shoes), and blouses that are not tucked in.

When asked to comment on verbal versus non-verbal communication, respondents of the survey provided some very revealing data. Many applicants, it seems, are unaware of how much information they are communicating about themselves, without ever uttering a word! Susan H. Zingaro, Executive Vice President for Sales and Recruiting at FirstPRO, Inc. (an executive search firm), commented, “Body language is the key indicator as to how interested a person is in a particular job.” It can directly affect the impression that the applicant makes on the interviewer. “Good eye contact,” according to Ms. Zingaro, “a firm handshake, and good posture all are very important during the interview process.” Mr. Flick of Northwestern Mutual laments, “A lot of times, they (applicants) are unprofessional. They seem not to know the importance of it.” And, according to Paul Ryan, Senior Account Executive at David Wood Personnel, “Most applicants do not have their thoughts in order for the interview.” Their discomfort is telegraphed by their body language: I am nervous. How quickly can we get this over with? On the other hand, many applicants need to be aware of their verbal communication skills, as well. Says Ms. Glover of Workman Commercial, “Often, they (applicants) are so eager to impress that they will give a long-winded answer that does not even address the question!”

In compiling questions for my survey, I thought it might be helpful to include one about the impression that applicants may be making on the Receptionist. Ms. Glover states, “She sizes them up the instant they walk through the door! Nine times out of ten, she knows what the company is looking for, and ~ within 15 seconds ~ she knows whether or not the interviewee has ‘it’.” Reinforcing this point, Ms. Zingaro of FirstPRO, says, “This has always been important. If the candidate treats the Receptionist professionally and with respect, then his or her behavior should be consistent in the new job.”

Overall, how are applicants throughout the employment spectrum are perceived? Well, it depends on whom you ask. One survey respondent in the social welfare field said, “Boomers typically are seeking their ‘next’ career or a move up from their former position. Traditionalists have longer stints at previous jobs and now are looking for ‘meaningful’ work. ‘Generation Xers’ want flexible work schedules due to family needs and the pursuit of their education. ‘Millennials’ don’t want to have to work too hard, and they tend to leave their jobs more frequently for ‘greener grass’.” Ms. Glover wrote, “Traditionalists and Boomers know the game and play it very well. I think ‘Generation Xers’ expect that their degrees, skills, and personality will be sufficient to get them by. They don’t seem to realize that ~ while those things may help them to keep the job ~ as an applicant, they first must get through the door (for the interview). One cannot put the cart before the horse. And, ‘Millennials’ know the rules, but they want to modernize things, and put their own special spin on it.” Finally, Ms. Zingaro avows, “Representatives of the ‘X’ and ‘Millennial’ generations often have the opinion that they don’t have to work so hard, that they are entitled to everything because they have a degree. They seem much less generous than members of the older generations.”

While some of the above comments may seem to spell doom and gloom for the future of the free world, let us not despair! After all, everyone is young, once. With a little education and encouragement, even these unruly “young ’uns” can be shown the importance of appearance and image awareness. If you perceive a need for that sort of assistance or training at your company, just have your Human Resources Department contact me, Elaine Simmons, at http://exclusivecorporateimage.com/