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Image Conscious
By Amy Selby
Life University student, Lance Haines, retools his image with the help of style coach Robin Walker.
Do the clothes really make the man? Yes, and no, says stylist coach Robin Walker. No matter how much stock you place on your style, your clothes do communicate specific messages. Baggy clothes and mismatched accessories can send the message that you’re not detail-oriented. And, black pants and a striped tie can come off as harsh and authoritative.
“Clothing gives you an opportunity to present how you want to be seen and to manage the messages you want to send to your patients and the world,” says Walker, who owns My Wardrobe Companion in Chicago.
With Walker’s help, Today’s Chiropractic LifeStyle set out to give Lance Haines, a 10th-quarter chiropractic student at Life University, an image makeover. Around campus, Haines is known as an easy-going guy, a hard-working student and a fun-loving father of three children. He’s one of the first people you’re likely to meet on campus—he’s a student ambassador, giving tours to special guests and prospective students. If he’s not on a tour or in the public clinic, you’ll find him in his basic wardrobe—a polo, cargo shorts and flip flops.. He readily admits to not having any fashion sense.
“I don’t have a style. I grew up in the country. Most of my jobs have been working in my dad’s butcher shop, farming tobacco and fighting forest fires,” says Haines. “Not growing up in the city, I was never taught about style.”
Most of Haines’ wardrobe is a collection of hand-me-downs and discount store sale items. He has a set of dress clothes that he keeps on a special hanger for when he has to dress out for clinic. “I’ll change out for clinic and come back home, and the clothes go back on the hanger—no washing needed.”
When it comes to dressing and buying clothes, Haines confesses to focusing on finding something clean and rushing to class. Any extra money goes toward his children, or a round of golf, but never on shopping for clothes.
“I think it’s what’s behind the wardrobe that counts. I see that [a wardrobe with style] is needed in the professional world,” says Haines. “My clothes don’t define me. I’m going to be me whether I wear a suit or khakis. I’m focused on other things [than fashion or style].”
What Haines doesn’t realize is that his clothes say just as much about him as the words he speaks. In fact, Haines’ clothes speak volumes about him. After viewing a few pictures of Haines dressed out for clinic and in a casual outfit, Walker surmised that Haines is “an easy-going guy” and “he’s going for comfort in his clothing choices.” “But, his look is one dimensional,” she adds. “There’s nothing there that says Lance is the guy I want to work with.”
Walker has some suggestions for Haines regarding color, fit and the condition of his clothing that any chiropractor can incorporate into their own wardrobe.
Dressing For Success
It’s a statement most of us don’t think much about—“dressing for success.” “People know this expression, they hear it and disregard it [when it comes to their own wardrobe],” says Walker. “Yet, when you walk into a room, your clothes are the first indication of how others see you.”
Walker also points out that dressing for success doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort. “Style does not mean uncomfortable. It’s knowing what looks good for you and having a consistent wardrobe.”
Haines has a few staples when it comes to his professional wardrobe: his clinic coat, a grey dress shirt, a blue dress shirt, a black pair of cotton pants, a black belt, a small collection of ties and a black pair of shoes.
Walker suggests that he lose the grey shirt, black pants and the striped ties. “Grey is not a good shirt choice. It’s great for a pair of pants or a suit, but it’s drab for a shirt,” she says. Blue and pink shirts in a solid, stripe or check pattern would be a better choice. The black pants are 100 percent cotton with a baggy cut. A more fitting replacement, would be a wool, flat-front, grey dress pant that won’t stretch out like cotton—giving Haines a more tailored look. Striped ties can be authoritative, especially matched with a grey shirt, says Walker. She suggests swapping the stripes for softer patterns, such as a paisley.
Assembling a Personal Dress Code
A personal dress code can help you eliminate the frustration of figuring out what to wear on a daily basis. Your dress code includes your personal style and is tailored to the everyday items you wear—it may be skirts, slacks, sweaters, ties, dress suits and jackets. In your dress code, choose a color palette and articles of clothing that skim your body line. When the items coordinate within your dress code, you’ll be able to stretch your wardrobe. Plus, you’ll know what to focus on the next time you go shopping. Every day your dress code should include three key items—shirt, pants and a tie; blouse, jacket and a skirt, etc. “It’s hard to show depth of character with only a shirt and tie. Usually a third article of clothing gives you dimension.
For Haines’ professional personal dress code, Walker suggests: two pairs of charcoal grey pants, five blue and pink shirts in various patterns, five ties in soft patterns, two pairs of black rubber-soled shoes and a black belt.
When it comes to his casual personal dress code, Haines will have to say goodbye to his beloved cargo shorts and flip flops. Walker suggests a neutral, classic cut and flat front short. He can add personality with a nice camp shirt or polo shirt. A closed toe sandal or casual loafer completes Haines’ casual look.
“Remember when you’re dressing it’s not about your mood, it’s about managing impressions,” says Walker. “What do you want people to think when they see you? What’s going to help them feel more comfortable? What will support your image, and not distract from it?
Boost Your Image and Your Wardrobe
Does your wardrobe need a makeover? Robin Walker provides these tips to improve the quality of your dressing:
Clothes that don’t fit are an image killer, says Walker. They send a message that you don’t understand your body. Look for clothing that skims your bodyline without being clingy or tight.
Assemble a personal dress code consisting of three articles of clothing that you wear daily. Your dress code could be gabardine khaki pants, dress shirts and ties. With ties and tops in coordinating patterns, you can stretch your wardrobe using a handful of items.
A wardrobe is not built on trends. It’s built on classic and foundational pieces. Leave the trends for accessories or for eveningwear.
Dress for your body type. If you’re in a style that’s appropriate for you, you’ll always look current.
Beware of hand-me-downs. They were purchased for someone else’s body, color and style.
Invest in classic, well-tailored pieces. They’ll have a longer life in your closet.
For more information or to contact Robin Walker, call (312) 431-9662 or visit mywardrobecompanion.com.
Communication Through Color
The color of your shirt sends a nonverbal message to all who see it. Why not make that a positive message? Robin Walker, a style coach based in Chicago, lists what the colors in your wardrobe are saying about you.
White: Clean, authoritative
Blue: Friendly, but polished
Navy Blue: Conservative, but also elementary
Grays and Browns: Pleasing without being standoffish
Yellow: Likeable, cheerful
Black: Associated with authority
Earth Tones: Pleasing to look at
©2006 Today's Chiropractic