Sports Athletic Apparel

Why Men Need Image Consultants

Image consultants (IC's) are experts in analyzing a persons current image (style, grooming, wardrobe, mannerisms) and identify aspects that can be changed or modified in order to help the client present the best self he can. IC's help match how you would like to be viewed by others with the way you actually are received. Most of the time the two are not matching.

 

Men are most concerned about dressing to impress. Unfortunately, the amount of money one spends on their clothes does not necessarily equate to image or style success. Men are more concerned about the labels they are wearing, as opposed to if their clothes actually fit properly or make them look amazing. You don't need to spend thousands of dollars in order to look like you did.

These days men are coming around as far as image is concerned. In today's ultra competitive market (both professionally as well as personally); men need every and any advantage over the competition. Finally we as men are realizing that "casual Friday" just isn't getting it done.

By taking the little bit of time and energy it takes every day to make sure you are presenting the best self you can as you leave your house to face the world, will have a dramatic impact on your personal and professional success. Understanding that people form opinions of you in the first 10 seconds of meeting you. These impressions are subconsciously formed by all of your non verbal communication. This communication is things such as: grooming, style, wardrobe, handshake, posture, scent, breath….the list goes on. By paying attention to all of these aspects of your image will undoubtedly improve you chances of getting the girl or making the sale. Why you may ask? Because your competition is not. So if you are not interested in making more money or having more sex, then forget it. Proceed as normal.

Top Five Out the Door Tips:

• Do your clothes fit? Are you wearing clothes that are too big or too small? Wearing ill fitting clothes sends a message…the wrong message. The goal is to look as tall and proportioned as possible. Clothes that don't fit properly can give the illusion of you being shorter, fatter, thinner, and less muscular then you may actually be.

• Make sure your shoes are polished and clean. People notice your shoes. You may be wearing a fantastic outfit but if your shoes are a hot mess, it kills your whole look. There is no substitute for good shoes.

• Shoes and belts should match. Belts and shoes should match both in color and leather texture ie: shiny black shoes = shiny black belt. Black is easy, brown takes a bit more effort. There are 20 shades of brown. When buying a new brown belt, wear the brown shoes into the store and match. Never try to do it from memory, it never works….trust me.

• Nose hair and ear hair are trimmed. Just because you can't see it when you look in the mirror, doesn't mean it is not there. No one wants to see crazy nose or ear hair. Manage your over growth.

• Take a look at yourself in a full length mirror. The last thing you should do before you go out and face the world is to take a look at yourself in a full length mirror. Start at your feet and look up. Are all of the pieces saying what you want them to say about you? Look at the items individually and as a package. Think of your image as your personal packaging. If you like what you see in the mirror and pay attention to details…go gettem tiger.

Remember guys, style is subjective; the rules of men's fashion and style are becoming more blurred. There used to be more hard and fast rules, but lucky for you these rules are changing.

1. In my opinion unless you are wearing suspenders, you should ALWAYS wear a belt with your suit. But never wear a belt with a Tux.

2. Collar points should always be tucked in. Unless you are going for that whole "I'm a playboy and I'm supper hip" look, you just look sloppy. Keep it classic and elegant.

3. Pocket squares or handkerchiefs are coming back in a big way. With or without a tie, a pocket square is a fantastic way to jazz up any suit or sport coat. This subtle detail tells the world you are here and you are a man among men.

4. If you are wearing an undershirt, let's figure out why you are wearing it and this will help us determine how and if you should wear one. Are you wearing an undershirt to absorb sweat? If that is the case, wear a V-neck so it is less obvious that you are wearing an undershirt. Are you worried about your nipples showing? If this is the problem, then just wear a white tank top. If you are wearing an undershirt and neither sweat or nipples are not your concern, then take it off, you don't need it. If you do indeed wear an undershirt, you may want to buy shirts that are of heavier fabric and don't let your undershirt show through.

5. It is never acceptable to wear a dinner jacket to a black tie event. When in doubt….overdress.

6. Wearing white is a great look if you are at: horse race, in the Hampton's, on a cruise, at the beach, a polo match and possibly golfing. If none of the above applies, stay away from the all white look. This look is a good way to point out how stained and discolored your teeth are. So unless you are sporting a great set of pearly whites, you may want to avoid white. Or go get your teeth bleached.

7. If you are a guy and have a big thick patch of chest hair, my suggestion is to start "manscaping". Use a bear trimmer and tone it down a bit. Don't shave it off, but manage it. Use the trimmer with a ¾ inch guard on it and go to work. This will prevent you from looking like you are smuggling a cat under your shirt. Think subtle in terms of the amount of hair you are showing. Ladies love chest hair, just not too much.

8. 5 shoes every man should own: Black lace up cap toe- Think formal and classic. Wear it with suits or slacks, to the office or to the ball. Pair of Fashion Sneakers- Wear them with jeans or shorts, around town or on the weekend. Driving Moccasins- Casual yet stylish. Wear them with Jeans, Khakis or even shorts. Go to dinner or just running around town. Simple Black or Brown Loafer with elongated toe box- This shoe can be worn with a suit or with jeans and a blazer. You can dress them up or down. Not having the laces will allow your pant leg to fall effortless over your shoes, creating a nice break in your pants and prevents bunching. Athletic Sneakers- To the gym or outdoor fitness only…..only!

9. Cowboy Boots, to wear or not to wear? If you are going line dancing, live in Texas, are a country singer, going to a dude ranch or are actually a cowboy…wear them. If you don't fall into one of those categories, be careful and think before you wear. But yes, I have seen men wearing them around town that did look good in them. These men are few and far between.

10. There is nothing more painful to look at when a guy who is trying too hard to be young and hip. It is absolutely possible to be stylish and fashionable and at the same time age appropriate. When you are shopping in a store, if all of the sales associates are young enough to be your kids or grand kids, chances are that you shouldn't be shopping there…too young and you will look ridiculous.

In conclusion, the following are a few welll known men who are shining example of men's fashion, grooming, style, and image:

George Clooney: Timeless and Classic. Secret worth stealing: Mono Chromatic outfits look fantastic, stylish, elegant and even slimming.

Patrick Dempsey: Clothes Fit Perfectly. Always wearing tailored clothes enhance your body and image.

David Beckham: Fashion Forward. Taking calculated style risks are always a good idea. Step out of your comfort zone once in a while.

Tom Cruise: Understands the Psychology of Clothes. Never see him wearing pleated or cuffed pants. Short men look taller without pleats or cuffs on their pants.

Brad Pitt: Casual Cool. Even when dressing down, look put together and stylish. It takes a lot of work to look that lethargic.

About the Author

alpha m. Image Consulting was launched back in 2006 by founder Aaron Marino. Aaron realized that there was a lack of resources and options for men to receive real world help and advice regarding their image, style and grooming. Our goal is to help you look and feel the best that you can...every day of your life. A Note from Aaron M: I would first like to thank you for visiting alpha m. I created this company and our services to help men realize their true potential. We accomplish this through confidence building, wardrobe management, grooming guidance, and style selections-- all in an effort to help you achieve personal aesthetic excellence. Too often I see men not getting the women they want or the job the deserve because of a lack of knowledge regarding how they are presenting themselves to the outside world. Judgments are made about you in the first 10-seconds upon meeting someone. If you are not sure what you are communicating or how you are being received...we can help! Aaron Marino of alpha m. Image Consulting can be seen in a new VH1 show (Glam God with Vivica A. Fox) premiering on August 21st. Contestants compete in various challenges including hair, make-up and wardrobe, to become the next big celebrity stylist. The winner receives the opportunity to style an A-List celebrity and $100,000. Cast photos can be viewed at http://www.vh1.com/photos/gallery/?fid=1592079pid=3105593

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