Many people think image consultants and stylists do the same thing. Not always. Stylists know a lot about current styles, design and designers, the fashion collections, the fashions which are likely to fade and those which will catch on. They tend to be clothing and fashion oriented. Although Image consulting services include style consulting, image takes a deeper look at other aspects of the image and the consultants tends to be personality, goal and lifestyle oriented. Their work, known as the ABC’s, includes Appearance, Business Etiquette and Communication skills, both personally and professionally, in-person and for social media. Image consulting services are used by politicians, CEOs, performers, and professionals, men and women in transition and anyone wanting a new look.
Everyone today has a public persona or image, whether they want to or not. To be successful, it’s wise to be in control of that image. Image consulting services dig down into what makes clients special, what they want to emphasize about themselves, and how they differentiate themselves from the competition if necessary. Essentially, an image consulting service does the work of making the person more marketable.
Personal branding is also a key component in many image consulting services. Image consultants like those at London Image Institute become well-versed on visual, verbal and nonverbal communication and train their clients in the skills to communicate and project effectively. Increasingly, they also understand how a good digital image can affect a career.
Executive Image Consulting
Do you dress to appeal to the audience that you want to appeal to? Do you speak with authority and carry yourself with confidence? Do you have anything on your social media accounts that could adversely affect your reputation or goals? These are the things that executives might ask themselves.
Yves Saint Laurent the creator of the YSL the couture fashion house once famously said: “Fashion Fades, Style is Eternal.” Whatever role you play, it’s essential to pay attention to your style. Consider how Steve Jobs’ iconic look raced through the tech industry and it became his signature brand, copied by so many. Contrast this to the look of a top bank executive or a college professor. Different industries require a different look and brand, but with the popularity of business casual, it becomes confusing to determine what style is best.
A professional image consultant can help in many ways. You can get help developing a new style; you can also get help with your communication skills such as speaking and gesturing techniques that will make you appear approachable, credible, trustworthy, and engaging. Learn how to actively listen, and how to make people feel heard. Furthermore, learn how your social media accounts could potentially cause issues with your career and the type of content you should be posting.
Appearance Consulting
Is it time for a new style? In the tech world, they want comfortable, edgy and interesting. In the corporate and business world, the trend-classic style works well. It’s current enough to give you an updated image, yet tailored enough to make you look professional. Interestingly, interviewers regard impeccable grooming as one of the most important aspects of a candidate’s appearance. The general consensus is that it shows an attention to detail in other areas of your work. In addition, in business formal or business casual dress you want to display your own personality with color and accessories to help establish your personal brand and stand out from the crowd.
Image consultants don’t make you look generic. On the contrary, they discover your unique values, skills, talents and goals. They ensure that you are representing these aspects of yourself in the most professional, appropriate and advantageous way possible. If you are creative and love bold colors and patterns for example, there are ways to integrate that vibe into your professional style.
Above all, image consulting services are aligned with your personality and what you want to be known for in all walks of life. The right image consultant will help you create a style that you love and can feel proud of.
Wardrobe Analysis and Shopping Services
Image consulting services usually begin with a color, style and figure analysis, followed by a wardrobe analysis. Armed with the basic information, a wardrobe or image consultant will start by looking through your clothing, identify the things that don’t flatter you, and then gradually shift your wardrobe over to items that match your color harmonies, facial features and body structures. You will end up with the image that you aspire to and many clients say they have fewer clothes and more outfits to wear!
You don’t need to purchase an entirely new clothing collection to go through image consulting. Rather, the consultant will work with you to identify the pieces and outfits that you love and that you want to keep. From there, they will be able to suggest new items that will resonate with you. This analysis of your wardrobe is often the first step because it gives them an idea of what you like, what enhances you and what doesn’t. Other wardrobe and even shopping sessions can follow.
Image consulting is about seeing and being seen. It’s about recognizing what makes you special and remarkable, where you want to go in your career, and what you want more of in your life. An image consultant will be able to help you get that look that you’ve always been going for, but never quite hit on. And they will be able to make recommendations to you to further your career and develop your image toward your personal brand.
For more information about image consulting, business etiquette, or development strategy, contact expert professionals who train people in technical knowledge, based on known principles of color theory, body and facial proportions, clothing design, personality and psychology, contact London Image Institute and check out the portfolio of International Director, Lynne Marks.