So you’re going out on the town. It could be an important date he’s been working on for months, or it could be his wedding anniversary and he’s surprising his wife with a well-planned night out on the town. Tonight is special for more than one reason. You took more time and care when choosing what to wear. You put on a little more deodorant (which isn’t your typical one-swipe application), your shoes were clean, you combed your hair really well, and you took extra care of yourself while shaving for that extra smooth face you know she loves. You feel great, you look amazing and you are sure that the night will be great. Chances are, unless you say something that gets you in trouble. Chances are it’s great, and let me tell you part of why.
You are confident and this cannot be denied or overlooked. That lucky woman you are with feels special and valued because she can say the subtle things you did that took effort to impress her. This scenario plays out over and over again in your life. However, it thrives not only in relationships, but also in your professional and social world. This situation can be a hot date, an anniversary, or it can be a church, a big gathering, a job interview, or even a high school reunion.
In preparation for these situations, you, my friend, are executing and implementing your best shot at personal style and presentation (your image). My question to you is, if you feel so good and confident when you take a little time to secure a great package, why don’t you do this every day of your life?
Style and a great image don’t come when you apply once, twice or even 3 times a month. Style and image is something for every day/every event. To be perceived as having a great image and style, one must be consistent. If you show a history of dressing like trash, that’s how people will see you. It doesn’t matter if you looked good the day you met with your client or if you went out on that date. It is important not to let your guard down and not be tempted by the lure of “casual Friday”, let all your ignorant peers be victims, and watch yourself rocket to success at mind-boggling speed.
Alright, so now we’ve determined that you need to pay attention to detail on a daily basis, what do we as men need to do before we walk out the door to make sure we bring the best of “you” to the table every day? ? Look in the mirror, a full-length mirror. Most of us use our bathroom mirror as a token of our togetherness. The mirror that only shows us ourselves from the chest up may not be painting the most accurate picture. A full-length mirror will allow you to see the whole image. Are your shoes worn out? Is your fly open? Is there a big stain on your shirt next to your belly button? By stepping back and taking it all in, you will be able to see what the world sees.
Stand back, face forward and start at your feet and work your way up. Analyze your clothing options independently and as a total package.
Analysis Points
Shoes:
o Are they clean?
o Are they worn?
o Are they worn and old looking?
o Are they elegant?
Pants:
o Are they long enough?
o Are they too long?
o Are they stained?
o Are they wrinkled?
or do they fit?
o Does your fly have a zipper?
Belt:
o Does it match your shoes?
o Are you permanently worn out and crippled by your inability to maintain a constant weight?
o Is the buckle aligned with the fly?
o Did you miss a belt loop?
shirt:
Is it clean?
o Are you under pressure?
o Free of small holes?
o Buttoned properly?
It suits him?
or obsolete?
Tie (if you plan to wear one):
o Long enough (stop in the middle of the belt buckle)?
o Short enough (stop in the middle of the belt buckle)?
o Stain free?
o Wrinkle free?
o Tied with a symmetrical and centered knot?
o Elegant or old-fashioned?
Jacket or sports coat (if you plan to wear one):
o Is it wrinkled?
It’s too big?
It’s too small?
or does it fit you?
o Does it match or complement your outfit?
Now it’s time to move on to the head and face, so back to the bathroom mirror: hair (nose, ear, face, head).
Nose:
o Can you see hairs when you look forward?
o Can you see hairs when you turn to one side (both sides)?
o Can you see hairs when you tilt your head up?
o (If the answer to any of these is yes, cut them)
Ear:
o Do you have hair sticking out of your ear (inside and out?)
o (If yes, trim with nose clippers)
Face:
o Did you shave today?
o Are there any loose hairs that have escaped near your nose?
o If you wear facial hair, is it neatly trimmed?
o Ask yourself (would you kiss yourself)
o If the answer to the kissing question is no… solve the problem
Head:
o Does your hair look good?
o If no hair, is he clean shaven?
o Is it too gelled or sprayy?
o Are there any stray hairs that stick out and are out of place?
Now let’s talk about a very important aspect of your image: oral hygiene.
Tooth:
o Have you flossed?
o Have you brushed?
o Are your teeth stained and need a good whitening treatment?
o Have you used mouthwash?
breathing:
o See above and if you haven’t taken care of the above, get gum or
or Mints and use them
