It’s best to be minimalist when dressing to beat the heat:

• Opt for light to medium colors. Lighter colors reflect the sun’s rays, rather than absorb them and keep heat at bay.

• Wear soft pastels evoking tranquil hazy summer scenes, or brightly tropical vibrant hues appropriate for the season.

• Reflect the casual mood and look of summer with clothes and accessories printed with flowers, leaves, polka dots, colorful stripes and geometrics, gingham, small checks, cheerful vistas or ethnic motifs.
  

• Keep cool with light-weight and sheer fabrics like challis, chambray, poplin, tulle, georgette and chiffon - in cotton, linen, silk or man-made fibers.

• Stay comfortable in natural fibers like cotton, linen and silk and viscose. These materials are not only cooler but also healthier to wear than man-made fabrics like polyester, rayon, polyamide and nylon because they “breathe”. They naturally absorb moisture and dissipate it, keeping you cooler and dryer as your body temperature rises. 100% natural fiber feels coolest: the more man-made fiber in the fabric, the less comfortable it is to wear in the heat and humidity of summer. Generally, man-made fibers do not wick away wetness nor release heat as efficiently so they can feel uncomfortably damp and stifling when you are active. They often give off a sour smell as sweat dries on them and have a tendency to retain odor. They do, however, dry fast which makes high-tech materials good for sports wear.
  

• Open shoes offer the comfort of cooler tootsies. If your job or the occasion require closed shoes, leather lining and leather inner soles help to reduce the problem of sweaty, smelly feet. Leather shoes “breathe” and ease when your feet swell.
  

• Shorter and briefer garments are breezier, giving you more exposed skin surface to dissipate sweat and body heat but take a lesson from those from equatorial countries - employ a natural sunblock - cover up lightly when outdoors to protect yourself from the burning rays. Try: a wide brimmed hat, loose sleeves, thin pants, a long flowy skirt, a UV sun-shade umbrella or a feather-weight cotton shawl… It really does keep you cooler, not to mention sun-burn free.

Have fun in the sun!

Learn more read The Yin and Yang of Style

The writer, Denise Ng, is a certified image consultant in Singapore. Her consultancy Imago Image specializes in personal and corporate image, offering advice on style, the art of dressing, wardrobe, color, grooming, etiquette and protocol and communication skills. She is President Elect of the South Asia-Singapore Chapter of AICI , a global professional association of image consultants.

Yin and Yang
Beware of over-doing or under-doing mix and match. “Matchy, matchy” is uninspiring and contrived (a one color outfit, a full set of matching jewelry, or a striped suit, shirt and tie). Conversely, mixing too many colors, styles and designs causes the individual features in an outfit to compete for attention, resulting in a look that is garish and over-the-top.

Any style maven will tell you that your clothes, shoes, bag, jewelry, watch, spectacles, sunglasses and even hair and make-up must work together- but don’t read this as “boring”. The savvy dresser combines different elements of color, line and design in unique ways that assert individuality but always ensures that the rules of balance and proportion are followed! It is essential that colors, textures, prints, fabric weights, lengths and ornamentation are counterbalanced. It gives a sense of harmony to an outfit. Call it the “yin” and “yang” principle of style.

Counterbalance your garments, your accessories and your cosmetics: do contrast, complement and off-set…

Lighter with darker colors
E.g. a black outfit with silver accessories

Strong with neutral colors
E.g. red lipstick with a black dress, a dark brown belt with a beige outfit

Bright colors with neutrals
E.g. a Hawaiian print shirt with white trousers

Visually advancing colors with receding colors
E.g. a yellow T-shirt with dark blue jeans

Textured with smooth fabrics
E.g. a velvet jacket with a silk dress

Matte with light-reflective fabrics or detailing
E.g. a wool crepe dress with a satin sash and beading at the neck-line and cuffs

Transparent with opaque fabrics
E.g. chiffon blouse with a fine wool skirt

Patterned with plain materials
E.g. a striped shirt with a plain suit

Heavy or eye-catching detailing with a plain or less detailed one
E.g. an embroidered top with a plain skirt

An outstanding accessory with less eye-catching pieces
E.g. fun glasses with stud earrings

Multi-color with monotone
E.g. a loud print shirt with plain bermuda shorts

Larger with smaller
E.g. an oversize shirt with skinny jeans

Thicker with thinner
E.g. a heavy cable-knit sweater with wool gabardine trousers

Long with short
E.g. a long jacket with a knee-length skirt

Wide with narrow
E.g. a full skirt with a camisole top

Loose with tight
E.g. a blouson top with a fitted skirt

Follow these “yin and yang” rules of dressing and your outfits will have a sense of congruence. Style is not all about fashion and top brands: what’s in, what’s out, what’s covetable…Well-balanced lines, designs, scale, proportions and color are fundamental to creating a great outfit and the starting point to developing your own personal style!

Learn More » read ‘Dress Sense for the Style Challenged‘

The writer, Denise Ng, is a certified image consultant in Singapore. Her consultancy Imago Image specializes in personal and corporate image, offering advice on style, the art of dressing, wardrobe, color, grooming, etiquette and protocol and communication skills. She is currently President Elect of the AICI South Asia-Singapore Chapter, a global professional association of image consultants, and is the up-coming President for 2009-2011.

I commend to you the work of IMAGO IMAGE and in particular the talent and professionalism of its principal, Denise Ng… Anything that can be done to enhance the appearance of an elected representative increases the chances of political survival! It seemed like a good investment to place myself in Denise’s hands. I am now confident that, by applying her suggestions, I will not only enhance my appearance, but also improve my effectiveness within my community.
— Peter Chin, Mayor, City of Dunedin, New Zealand.

The reason I came to Denise is because I know I can trust her. I like the fact that she did not promote radical and immediate change even though some of my dressing choices were not appropriate. She encouraged a gradual switch. The whole work not only helped to refine and enhance my look as an individual, it added confidence to my whole outlook. It made me aware of the different communication styles, thereby helping me improve in communicating with my advisors and customers.
— Donahue Tan, Insurance Sales Manager, Singapore

I have just got to know one professional, experienced and certified image consultant (IMAGO IMAGE). Personally, after attending one session, I find it very useful for business professionals…As you know, soft skills are very important in the corporate world and are important complements to technical, hard skills for the business executives. I already see the potential demand for such services and hence will like to recommend this service…
— Lay Peng Ang, MNC Freight-forwarding manager, Singapore

Previously I never knew the colours of your clothes could make such a big difference to your image. Denise taught me how to pick outfits that suit my skin tone, personality and lifestyle, and how to mix and match different pieces of garments. I also learnt a thing or two from her about dressing for the different seasons. Denise has a great depth of knowledge in image consultation, an eye for detail, is thorough and patient in her explanation, and understands her client very well. Thanks to Denise, I now have a better idea of what works for me and can step out in new confidence.
— Natalie Tang, Podiatry student, Southampton, England

Working in a hospital as a young, fresh, female therapist poses its challenges in many ways. Since I started work a few years ago, I have always found it increasingly difficult to command respect among doctors, nurses and even fellow therapists. They nicknamed me “little girl” because of my youthful looking exterior, and unfortunately, also regarded my professional opinions as “youthful”. However, things have taken a turn since my consultation at ImagoImage. Denise’s precious advice and skillful touch to my wardrobe has successfully provided me with the mature professional image that I have always desired. Thank you Denise for making me a better professional.
– Joanne Seah, Speech Therapist, Singapore

I am a firm believer that personal image plays an important role in one’s career, so I follow those advices given in the papers and magazines: I bought myself quite a number of “standard blue and black” clothes. But when I looked into the mirror I often found that it looked as though I am wearing something I borrowed. They don’t suit, I can tell this without consultation from anyone. I know I would need some professional help at that point. When I first time heard you mentioned that our look is a reflection of our inner self, I know I had found the right person who can help me. I would like to describe the color and the style consultations you had guide me through as an eye opening process, not only intellectually but also emotionally. I had discovered a lot about myself, which I always had a feeling that they are somewhere there, but with no way to explain. Thank you so much, Denise! -Rachel Wang Qi, Underwriter, Singapore

Working with Imago Image helped me break out of my “stuck in a rut” way of choosing what to wear. It’s great to know what actually suits me as it gives me more confidence on a daily basis as well as saves me time and money.
— Melodie Whittaker, Expatriate wife and mother, Singapore

After attending the IMAGO IMAGE talk “Colour, Image and You” I have a better understanding of myself, which colors are better suited to me and how to achieve the image I want. As a paediatrician, letting go of “black and white colours” and moving to pastel shades has made me more popular with my patients, as well as their parents! My nurses have been full of praise about my new “look” and “poise”.
— Dr Foo Ai Leng, Paediatrician, Singapore

>>Would you like to contact Denise Ng at IMAGO IMAGE? YES >>

Match your clothing shape to your body shape:
- Straight and tailored shapes for straight or angular figure types.
- Fitted silhouettes for curvy, rounded figures.
- Shaped outlines if you are in-between straight and curvy.

Match the style of your garment to your over all body line:
- Designs with straight or angular lines in stiffer fabrics for straight, angular figures.
- Styles with rounded lines in soft, fluid fabrics for curvy bodies.
- Straight cuts in softer fabrics or shaped styles in firm fabrics for in-between body types.

Match the internal lines of your clothing and accessories to your facial lines:
- If you have an angular face with sharp or straight features, opt for clothing details (collars, necklines, buttons, darts, fabric prints etc.) and accessories that are angular, linear or straight.
- If you have a soft face shape and curved features, choose curvy clothing details and accessories with rounded lines and detailing.

Complement the lines or design of your clothing with accessories that follow the internal or external shape of it
E.g. a filigree necklace to match a scroll print skirt

Restrict the focal points in your outfit to three
E.g. a strong color, a visually outstanding piece of jewelry, interesting spectacles

Complement the colors in the focal piece of your outfit (The interesting shirt, the outstanding piece of jewelry, the gorgeous shoes…) with:
1. Another garment that has one or more of its colors in it, or
2. Neutral color garments and an accessory that has one or more of its colors in it.

Accessories can:
1. Repeat at least one of the accent colors in your outfit, or
2. Be a neutral metal complementing the undertones of your outfit, or
3. Be in your skin or hair color — a body harmony color.

Combine clothing and accessory colors (including metals) with the same base-tone:
- Warm under-toned colors with other warm under-toned colors
- Cool under-toned colors with other cool under-toned colors

Ensure the colors of your outfit are either clear or opaque, not both:
- Clear, vibrant colors with other clear, vibrant colors
- Dull, muted colors with other dull, muted colors.

If you mix different prints in one outfit, keep the colors in the same tonings.

Wear your hair or skin colors as neutrals.

Wear clothes that fit:
- The correct size for your build
- The proper scale for your height and build (petite, average or over-scale)
- The proper fit for your shape (does not pull, squeeze, gape, bunch, pucker, ride-up, show a panty or bra line or create bulges)

Wear separates with the following hemline proportions for balance:
- ½ top : ½ bottom,
- 1/3 top : 2/3 bottom,
- 2/3 top : 1/3bottom,
- 7/8 top : 1/8 bottom

When an outfit comes together, your clothes, accessories and make-up will complement each other and you. Have dress-sense; follow the simple style and bodyline rules above and whatever your personal fashion direction, you will be dressed with style!

Learn More » read Dress Cool for Summer

The writer, Denise Ng, is a certified image consultant in Singapore. Her consultancy Imago Image specializes in personal and corporate image, offering advice on style, the art of dressing, wardrobe, color, grooming, etiquette and protocol and communication skills. She is currently President Elect of the AICI South Asia-Singapore Chapter, a global professional association of image consultants, and is the up-coming President for 2009-2011.

Each hue has a different psychological effect. Our body’s nervous and hormonal reactions to the magnetic energies of colors (their temperatures), and the way it physically senses and interprets color visually, result in different emotional responses to the various hues. Another words, there is a specific psychological reaction to each color. Because these feelings are due to the physical effects of color on the body, everybody will have the same subconscious reaction, despite the fact that people have individual color likes and dislikes.

The emotional effects of color can be used to psychological advantage in everyday life, particularly at work to improve and manage interpersonal relationships. It can even create a persona - a desired image. One of the easiest ways to employ color psychology is through clothing color. Wearing particular colors will influence the way others relate to you.

Hear are some tips on how to dress to influence with color. If you want to…

1. Appear friendly and approachable
Wear clear earth tones, light yellow and clear colors in warmer hues:

• Clear earth tones (in particular mid-brown, beige, camel and tan) are warm, friendly and approachable.
• Light yellow is highly visible and therefore sociable, but not as demanding as bright yellow.
• Clear warm colors (such as coral, sunflower yellow, peach) are non-threatening and open, particularly if they are light.

2. Look authoritative
Wear dark colors, in particular black, charcoal, medium to dark gray, midnight-blue, navy, dark blue:

• Appear stern and reserved. The darker the shade the more powerful, intimidating and threatening the effect.
• Create the impression of seniority.
• Create the impression of being in a position to make decisions.

3. Appear less intimidating
Wear earth tones, pastels, the colors yellow and pink:

• Earth tones appear friendly and approachable.
• Pastel colors appear calm, gentle and non-threatening.
• Yellow appears positive and friendly.
• Bluish-pink is calming and appears non-aggressive.

4. Look Successful
Wear rich but subtle sophisticated colors (not strong or neon colors) such as camel, butternut, burgundy, salmon and blue-gray:

• Create the impression of having social influence and clout.
• Create the impression of prosperity and economic success.

5. Appear trustworthy
Wear clear earthy colors combined with navy or medium blue:

• Clear earth tones (such as tan, camel, yellowed beige) appear warm, open and down-to-earth giving the impression of dependability and credibility.
• Navy and medium blue suggest reasonableness and professionalism.
  

6. Appear professional
Wear medium to dark colors, in particular men’s traditional suiting colors: navy, charcoal, gray, dark blue, gray-beige, black in Asia:

• Appear serious and are therefore business-like.
• Suggest efficiency, strength and assertiveness.
• Give the impression of commitment and capability.

7. Attract attention
Wear bright advancing colors such as orange-red, orange, yellow and lime that are visually and psychologically compelling (but not necessarily business-like).

8. Downplay attractiveness
Wear muted colors, dark colors, neutral colors and unflattering colors:

• Muted, dulled colors (such as stone, taupe, khaki) give the feeling of a lack of openness.
• Dark colors suggest reserve and seriousness.
• Neutral colors (black, gray, brown, white) lack character when worn on their own.

9. Appear creative and forward-thinking.
Wear strong clear colors, purple:

• Strong clear colors are expressive, extroverted and positive.
• Purple is the color related to higher intellect.

10. Appear calm and reassuring
Wear pastels, green:

• Pastel colors are unassuming, quiet and diplomatic, calmly deflecting criticism.
• Green is a balanced color which gives the impression of peacefulness and orderliness.
• Muted warm colors such as earth tones are centered and down-to-earth.

Manage the impression you give. Change the way you are perceived and let others to see the positive qualities in you. Color psychology is a simple but very effective tool to create or enhance your image!

Amazingly, the right colors can naturally improve your looks, making you appear younger, healthier and more energetic ! Learn More »

The writer, Denise Ng, is a certified image consultant in Singapore. A color expert who has worked in the area of psychology, she brings her passion for color psychology into her work with her clients, offering in-depth, authoritative advice on the effects and use of color for their appearance and image. Her consultancy Imago Image specializes in personal and corporate image, offering counsel on style, the art of dressing, wardrobe, color analysis, grooming, etiquette and protocol and communication skills. She is the President Elect of the South Asia-Singapore Chapter of AICI, a world-wide professional association of image consultants.

IMAGO IMAGE consultants are fashion experts who will guide you on how to dress to impress. The fashion consultants at IMAGO IMAGE understand the concepts of style, bodyline, color and wardrobe. They will give you comprehensive, authoritative advice on combining your apparel for an attractive, polished look, whatever your fashion direction, whether casual or formal, for work or for play.

Discover the Art of Dressing
An IMAGO IMAGE Art of Dressing consultation, talk or workshop is conducted by experienced style and fashion consultants. Learn from fashion experts. IMAGO IMAGE fashion consultants will teach you how to create an attractive outfit; how to combine fabric prints, colors and textures; how to discern clothing quality and fit.

Learn what to wear for different social and work occasions and for travel; how to dress appropriately and how to decipher those baffling dress codes—casual, smart casual, semi-formal and formal wear. Your personal fashion consultant will teach you how to dress for your build, height and figure-type according to the principles of clothing line, scale and proportion. Your fashion consultant will give you individualized advice on how to dress to flatter your figure; how to disguise your figure flaws and how to enhance your positive features so that you can always look attractive.

Pick up fashion tips from your fashion consultant on dressing for different climates, on how to pack for travel, how to look a million dollars in a bargain basement garment, how to accessorize, and much more. IMAGO IMAGE fashion consultants will give you the skills to dress to impress.

Dress for Success
IMAGO IMAGE The Art of Professional Dressing offers business professionals invaluable information on how dress to impress on the job, for interviews and in business social situations. Improve your business image; learn how to dress appropriately and look professional for a job search, a job promotion or to reflect the corporate image of your company. A polished, sophisticated appearance gives a favorable impression of competency and trustworthiness, equipping you to achieve your professional objectives. IMAGO IMAGE fashion consultants offer specific advice on how to dress for career success. Following a consultation, shop with an IMAGO IMAGE consultant for on-the-spot advice on suitable apparel.

IMAGO IMAGE Art of Dressing Courses
IMAGO IMAGE fashion consultants bring you their knowledge and expertise on the art of dressing in individual consultations, group talks and corporate workshops. IMAGO IMAGE Art of Dressing and Art of Professional Dressing courses are conducted by fashion experts and give comprehensive, specific advice on how to dress attractively to complement the figure, as well as your lifestyle and job. Choose from the following modules:

The Art of Dressing

• How to dress to impress.
• How to put together an attractive outfit.
• Dressing for your build and figure type.
• How to dress to flatter your figure.
• How to camouflage figure flaws.
• How to combine fabric prints, colors and textures.
• Discerning clothing quality and fit.
• Clothing formality: definitions of casual and formal wear.
• Dress codes: appropriate clothing for different occasions.
• How to match shoes, bags, jewelry, glasses and other accessories.

The Art of Professional Dressing

• How to achieve a polished, global business-like appearance.
• How to dress for career success
  - looking professional, able and reliable appearing successful and in-control
  - dressing for promotion
  - dressing to attract respect and attention
• How to match jackets, suits, shirts and ties and blouses and scarves, shoes, hose, bags and other accessories.
• Business dress codes: understanding business casual and business formal wear
• Interview dress codes and how to dress for interview success.
• How to dress appropriately for work.
• Dressing for travel.
• How to support your company’s corporate image with your dress.

The Art of Professional Dressing is also included as a module within the Communicate and Dress for Success: Executive Package designed for corporate workshops.
>>Would you like an IMAGO IMAGE Art of Dressing consultation or corporate workshop? YES>>

Develop Professional Skills
IMAGO IMAGE offers a comprehensive professional skills development workshop: Communicate and Dress for Success. This Executive Package provides corporate groups and individuals with vital skills and information to develop a positive business image and a strong personal brand.

The Communicate and Dress for Success workshops develop professional conduct and appearance. Professional image consultants teach how to create an optimal, positive impact with effective communication, protocol adherence, personality construction and professional dress, to enable the achievement of personal and corporate goals. Communicate and Dress for Success assists professionals and executives to build strong personal presentation skills and a professional persona.

Prepare for Job Interviews and Promotion
If you are intent on career advancement, IMAGO IMAGE Communicate and Dress for Success will help you to climb the corporate ladder. Conduct and appearance are subtle but real factors in successful job promotion. Understand what your body language and words are communicating. Know what your dress conveys about you. IMAGO IMAGE will educate you and teach you how to appear confident in speech and action, how to look sophisticated and act appropriately- so that your appearance will convey that you are able and willing to take on more challenging roles. Communicate and Dress for Success will guide you on how to prepare for a job interview, helping you to make a good first impression with job interview tips including how to dress for interview success and how to look suitable for a more senior position.

Tailored Executive Workshops
The Communicate and Dress for Success: Executive Package contains key information from the IMAGO IMAGE Business Color, Business Style, The Art of Professional Dressing, Business Wardrobe Management, Grooming and Business Etiquette for Dummies modules. There are two main components to the Communicate and Dress for Success workshops: business communication skills training and dress for success coaching. A series of workshops will be formulated to your requirements. Choose from the topics listed below:

1. Business Communication Skills:
The business communication training develops verbal and non-verbal communication skills to enhance business relationships. It teaches and sensitizes participants in social etiquette, cultural protocol, body-language and conversation skills. It includes global business etiquette training with an emphasis on multi-cultural sensitivity.

• Interpersonal relationship building
• Multi-cultural awareness
• Social etiquette:
  - Social protocol
  - Business dining
  - Introductions and greetings
  - Hosting
• Global business etiquette and protocol
  - Business meeting form
  - Business-social manners
  - Appropriate business dress
  - Electronic communication courtesy
  - Cultural courtesy
  - Business gifts
• Verbal communication skills- including small talk, topics, taboos, manner of speech
• Non-verbal communication skills- including body language, appearance

2. Dress For Success
Dress for Success offers advice on optimizing the effect of dress to present a confident, able, professional image that is both appropriate and impressive.

• Optimizing personal and corporate image with dress
• How to dress for career success
• Business style:
  - Professional attire
  - Grooming a business look
  - Wardrobe and apparel management
  - Matching and coordinating clothing and accessories
• Business color psychology
• Job interview attire
• Dress codes:
  - Business casual and formal dress
  - Socially and Culturally appropriate business dress
  - Dressing for your industry
• Dressing for travel

>>Would you like an IMAGO IMAGE Communicate and Dress for Success: Executive Package workshop? YES>>