Common questions to ask an image consultant
WHAT TO ASK ABOUT THE STYLE
Before engaging the services of an image consultant, you may want to ask about a few important things. The first refers to research, the second to color analysis and the third to footwear.
THE RESEARCH QUESTION
Probably the biggest mistake people make when using a stylist is thinking that this person can help them without doing any research. In fact, most people never think about research. The reason for this is simple. Most of today’s stylists do not do research and do not rely on research when making clothing, footwear and accessory recommendations to their clients. Instead, stylists simply tell clients what they think looks good, with no idea what the effect will be when the client wears that leopard-print dress to work.
It pays to ask about the research before engaging the services of someone who will help you look good. Research is the most important factor to consider, as only testing can determine if a particular suit will be effective at work or in social situations. Your stylist may conduct the research themselves, or may rely on a database of research conducted by others, or some combination of the two. At the very least, you want a stylist whose eyes don’t glaze over when you mention research.
THE COLOR ANALYSIS QUESTION
Our second recommended question is about color analysis. Ask your stylist if they subscribe to the Color Me Beautiful theory of the four seasons. This theory states that people fall neatly into one of four classifications, called seasons. The practitioner then claims that she can analyze you and tell you what season you are in: winter, spring, summer, or fall. Based on this analysis, she will tell you which colors to wear and which colors to avoid.
Why do you want to know if your image consultant subscribes to this theory? Because any consultant who believes in this theory will lead you astray. The theory is just as viable as the theory that the earth is flat. It’s just not backed by any credible evidence. It is better that you have an image consultant who admits that he can help you choose good colors based on what has given good results for your profession or for the social situations to which you will be invited.
THE QUESTION OF FOOTWEAR
Our third tip for choosing a good image consultant is to ask them what they think is most important in the shoe, the look or the level of comfort. If your consultant says that the appearance of a shoe is more important, you may want to think twice before hiring him, since you will be the one wearing those uncomfortable shoes, not him. While the style and appearance of the shoe are very important, the most important factor is comfort. And a good wardrobe person can easily help you find the right look in a very comfortable shoe.
If you remember to ask about research, color analysis, and footwear, you’ll be at the head of the class. And so will your image consultant.
Copyright © 2012 William Cane