Look of Success in Lincoln, NE

For business professionals in any career or industry, looking the part goes hand-in-hand with acting it. The way you present yourself, and are perceived by others, will largely determine your success. This has little to do with vanity; it’s much more about putting your best foot forward, and it’s very telling about other desirable characteristics we look for in our colleagues and those we do business with. Not to mention when you look your best, you tend to also feel your best, which benefits you but also positively affects those with whom you come into contact.

While there are major, fairly obvious things that seem like common sense to most, and some guidelines that are timeless, there are also many smaller things that pull everything together to be thoughtfully considered. Also, some things do change from time to time—it is style after all. So it makes sense to periodically evaluate your look, freshening it up a bit as necessary, and staying up with the times on what is widely acceptable and frowned upon. In total, it takes effort, even for those with natural beauty and great taste.

Attire is one of the first things to come to mind as far as the central components of a signature look. For both men’s and women’s looks, there are some striking similarities despite being, for the most part, composed of completely different core pieces of clothing and accessories.

“For a polished look, it’s not just about the choice of clothing, but also the condition it’s in,” advises Cherie Travis, owner of Rachel’s Boutique. “Make sure what your wearing is clean, pressed, and put together. Even if you wear a uniform, it looks so much better if it’s not wrinkled or stained. You’ll be taken seriously and respected.

Likewise, invest in quality core pieces. Depending on the dress code, these would be dress slacks or a quality pair of jeans, blazers/jackets, blouses/shirts, shoes/boots, and a nice coat. Then, add pieces that can be mixed and matched, and complimentary accessories like scarves, belts and accent jewelry.

Since the core pieces are in constant rotation, spend a little more on them and choose fabrics that will withstand the test of time. Also, don’t feel like you have to buy everything at once. It’s fun to build a wardrobe.

As far as trends, grey is the new black this fall and we’re seeing a lot of texture in fabrics, plaids and stripes. This presents the perfect opportunity to go for your classic pant/skirt and blazer/jacket combo, and then spice it up with a plaid blouse/shirt or scarf. Rachel’s Boutique welcomes our customers to bring in any items they are looking to update or elevate. Keep in mind though, classic items will stay in style much longer then the trendy, fun pieces you buy.”

In agreement, Paula Von Busch, owner of Stylz Salon & Boutique, explains, “A basic guideline, but one that will make all the difference in achieving your own personal look of success, is playing up your best features. Then, tying your look together with the right accessories will seal the deal. One doesn’t have to spend a lot to look put together either. A hair style that is flattering to your face shape and hair texture is very beneficial to the morning routine. I sure don’t enjoy getting up two hours before work to attempt to look good all day, with a style that is just going to end up doing what it wants, regardless of product, blowing, curling, straightening, whatever, only because the style isn’t really right for me.

In my opinion, the most important thing to keep in mind or strive for with respect to professional appearance is to be yourself. I feel that it is important to feel comfortable, from your hair style all the way down to what you are wearing on your feet. Trends come and go; if it doesn’t look good on you, then you don’t feel your best. Don’t worry about opting to pass them up; one will come along that is flattering and fits your style soon enough. I’ve been in the beauty industry for over 25 years, so I have seen a lot of styles over the years. I have always told my clients that it’s not stylish if you don’t feel good about yourself. That being said, just because blue or pink hair is not for me doesn’t mean that others can’t make that look work for them, and in a way that’s fitting in a contemporary professional setting. Finding the right look will depend on your profession, your comfort, and what works with your personality and the image you wish to project.”

Switching gears a bit, Andrew Shannon, owner of Shannon Formalwear, offers guidance on professional menswear.

“First impressions are a one-time deal; you do not get a second chance to make that great first impression. It presents a lasting visual image and sends a message that the person is a professional. In reality, that image could indirectly mean the difference between securing a new deal, contract or sale and losing the opportunity to make that deal.

When it comes to dressing for success, there are a few basic guidelines to follow. First and foremost, make sure the garment fits properly. For example, Euro Slim suits should have a shorter jacket, more tailored fit, and a narrower pant that many prefer to also be a shorter length to achieve the ‘euro look.’ At the same time, coordinating color schemes and accessories is key. Typically a belt with matching shoes is a good idea, socks should match the color of the pants, and similarly, pairing the right colors of shoes and pants, are all important things to keep in mind. Spend money on quality, all-leather shoes with leather soles. They will last longer and save you money in the long run.

For those building a professional wardrobe, staples include black, navy, and grey. This will give you three different looks at the very least, with the possibility for a number of variations by changing ties and dress shirts, and will always be in style. Since winter is coming, topcoats, peacoats, car coats, leather gloves and anything wool are all great wardrobe investments.

For those refining their wardrobe, take a look at what still works and be honest about what might not. Fit is everything, so make sure the garments all still fit you well. Some of the 90’s three- and four-button suits are so long in the body of the jacket and have so much shoulder padding that they cannot be saved. However, don’t get rid of those double breast suits, as these will be coming back in style soon. Bowties are a good way to change it up; tying them is not as hard as it seems and you’ll achieve a more formal look. Or, matching ties and pocket squares can give a little more of a polished look too. Additionally, cufflinks and tie bars are fun details that are easy to add.

Finally, when in doubt about a purchase, classic is always the safest bet because it will very likely still be in style 20 years from now.”

Gary Novotny, owner of Gary Michaels Clothiers, adds, “Quality has always been the biggest factor when purchasing a wardrobe. Over my 40 years in the men’s clothing industry I have never had anyone become upset or return an item because it was better quality.

As far as what’s on-trend for business professional attire, the biggest color in the men’s clothing right now is what I call “Fifty Shades Of Blue.” Navy, Ocean, Petrol, Air Force, Bright Blue–you name it and it is selling as fast as we can get it in the store.”

He also touches on the benefits of working with an experienced professional to assemble a wardrobe that will allow you to look the part in any setting. “Historically, most men dress for failure. However, many men have not been properly educated on proper wardrobe attire and may not know what to do. Depending on the work setting, whether it be professional business attire, business casual, or just really laid back, my motto is always outclass your competition–so dress just a little better than them.

Building a professional wardrobe first starts with professional wardrobe consultants. Most everyone has a banker, accountant, attorney, and financial adviser but the one that is commonly left out is a wardrobe consultant. This is where many men get into trouble. They assume that they can do it on their own or the help of their wife or significant other. It takes planning to build a professional wardrobe and we provide this free in our store. We do wardrobe cleans where we can come to an individual’s home and go through his closet and keep or discard items that are not useful. The latter items are donated and then we put a plan together that fits into his budget. Every six months we have a check-up meeting to see if that person is in need of another clothing item. Through this system our clients are always purchasing new items, and since these are being added as the old ones wear out, you are always current with new style trends and updating your wardrobe regularly. This is much a better investment than shelling out an enormous amount of money at any one time then not purchasing anything for say, five years.”

From making an excellent first impression to refining a signature look that people remember you by, one’s look of success is to be considered a fundamental part of the total package that a person brings to their position in the business world. Along with fashion and style, taking care of yourself will indeed play a big part in this. How we take care of our body is directly reflected in our outward appearance. As such, nutrition and fitness are major aspects of our health that are critical components of our overall look of success.

“It is essential for businesspeople to look and feel the part because they are direct advocates of what they are doing,” emphasizes Matt Skibicki, owner of Teriyaki Madness – Lincoln. “If they don’t, it can be an indication that they might not fully believe in or care about their own businesses. You then run the risk of coming across as only caring about money and not the customer. For example, I opened my store because I saw great value in the healthy options it provides. Anyone who knows me or sees me can instantly tell that I lead a healthy lifestyle. I promote my store as being healthy, because in actuality, it is perfect for anyone who is working on losing weight or building lean muscle. I eat here 4 times a day and can vouch for that. In fact, I love to tell everyone that! My body is a direct reflection of the food I serve here, which makes me a walking billboard. Seeing is believing!”

He continues, “Proper nutrition, fitness, and a healthy lifestyle positively impacts a person’s life by relieving stress, making one feel much more confident in themselves and fueling motivation instead of procrastination. The synergy of these key elements creates positive energy, which radiates from the person and can easily be picked up by others. A positive person is much more pleasant to be around than a negative one. Speaking for myself, I prefer to do business with people who have a positive attitude rather than a negative one.

Every single thing that a person wants to accomplish with health-related goals has to start with what they eat. You cannot go to the gym three hours a day and eat fast food and expect change. It doesn’t work like that. Approximately 90% of change in your body will be from food, 5% from training, and 5% from supplements. So if you want to achieve your desired look of success, you must make smart meal decisions. And you’re in luck because we are ready to help you achieve those goals!”

Natasha Plooster, President of Eat Fit Go Lincoln also offers insight on achieving a complete look of success. “There are many aspects to success—material wealth is only one component. Deepak Chopra points out, ‘Success also includes good health, energy and enthusiasm for life, fulfilling relationships, creative freedom, emotional and psychological stability, a sense of well-being, and peace of mind.’ Nutrition is at the root of all these aspects. Through proper nutrition, you achieve balance in your body, mental clarity, a sense of self-awareness, and energy necessary to drive your ambition. At Eat Fit Go, we provide our customers with fresh and nutritionally balanced meals that are ready to eat, freeing up their time to focus on executing their passion. It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you feel good in your skin!

She, too, addresses what it takes to make a good first impression, and the importance of doing so. “Psychology studies reveal that a 55% of person’s opinion of you is formed within the first 7 to 17 seconds of meeting.  Never forget your smile at home! Besides an outward appearance, spend time finding the inner confidence. Being healthy is the first step, so drink lots of water and eat clean. With the countless benefits of taking these two simple steps, you will be unstoppable!”

Evident just by the name of the business alone, Physician’s WEIGHT LOSS Centers in south Lincoln is another great local resource that can help you achieve your desired look of success.

With 32 years of development having gone into perfecting their six specialized, physician-monitored diet programs, Physician’s WEIGHT LOSS Centers assists clients in maximizing weight loss results through proper nutrition, the application of advanced technology, and continued support. With the help of their counselors, they will match you up with the program that works best for you. Whether your goal is to lose a significant amount of weight in a healthy way or take off a few extra pounds that are cramping your style, it’s attainable with a solid plan and the necessary support in place. Physicians WEIGHT LOSS Centers also helps those who want to make smaller, targeted improvements to their appearance. As many of us are all-too-familiar, stubborn fat in awkward places leads to being self-conscious. That is definitely not what you want to be focused on when you’re meeting with someone important or attending a big event.

As part of a comprehensive weight loss program or utilized independently for those seeking a last-minute miracle of sorts, LipoGenics is a laser body contouring system that provides excellent results that oftentimes can be seen immediately after the treatment. “This procedure only lasts 30 minutes, every other day, and you are able to lose up to 10 inches off of your waist,” says Jethro Hopkins, owner of the Physicians WEIGHT LOSS Centers Lincoln location. “That 10 inches is equivalent to three to five dress sizes or up to five pant sizes! It is permanent as long as you keep up a healthy diet and regular physical activity. If you take the weight off of your core, it will come back at the same rate as the rest of your body. So, once it is off, it will stay off as long as your take care of yourself. Utilizing LipoGenics is really a great way to target any problem areas, so that your professional attire fits perfectly.”

In the famous words of Zig Ziglar, “You cannot climb the ladder of success dressed in the costume of failure.” To recap, in terms of local resources that can help you achieve your own signature look of success, there’s a fair amount of diversity but no lack of valuable offerings, guidance and support. From diet and fitness to spa services, and of course our local boutiques, clothiers and even your trusted dry cleaning professional, it all works together towards the same goal–presenting yourself in the best way possible.