Hendricks Park – Personal Style Experts

Featuring Guest Author & Hendricks Park Men’s Style Expert Michelle Miller

Do clothes make the man?

Well, I can’t say clothes don’t partially define who you are. After all, the first thing people see is your appearance — and the way you’re dressed makes a big impact on how you feel, as well as how others see you. However, other factors also play into how you’re perceived.

As a personal style expert, it’s my job to help men find clothing that looks and fits great, and gives them the confidence to put their best foot forward in both personal and professional endeavors. Today, I’m straying away from clothing advice to offer strategies to improve your confidence, regardless of what you’re wearing.

Obvious (and yet still neglected!) Tip #1: Exercise!

Scenario numero uno: Let’s say you invest in a new fall wardrobe — as a seasonal habit or to celebrate a new job or promotion, etc. Motivation to move tends to taper off during cold winter months, moving less leads to gained weight…   gained weight leads to tight pants! Not the best way to feel good about yourself — or to get much out of your clothing investment.

Plus, exercise is a natural antidepressant.
The release of endorphins has been proven in many medical studies to be more effective than the antidepressant drugs on the market today. Feeling down? Run two miles, and then reassess your mental state. More confident? The natural boost you receive from exercise makes it easier to be outgoing and social — and confidence attracts (the right kind of) attention.

Tip #2: Take the Time to Care for Yourself

Men have a tendency to view personal grooming as either a “metro-sexual” habit or simple a waste of time. (Isn’t there a football game on somewhere?) I’m not advocating getting manicures every couple of weeks (although an occasional manicure is a VERY good idea, especially for men who meet with clients often). A clean shave, a good moisturizer and a haircut every 3-4 weeks is a great place to start.


As for diet, let’s face it: we all know nutrition is important, but eating healthy takes effort. It can be expensive, and in reality, many men know very little about the actual caloric, vitamin and mineral content of the foods they eat. While there are no instant solutions, small efforts will make a big payoff in your health — and thus in your appearance.

Eat more fruits and vegetables. Eat red meat less; and lean meats and fish more often. Reduce or eliminate white bread and pasta from your diet; and use food sense when ordering at a restaurant. Your meal doesn’t have to be covered in cheese and sauces — with a side of fried potatoes — to be satisfying. Don’t give up all the foods you love, but give some serious thought as to what you love more: cheeseburgers and fries, or your health and happiness? (They’re linked!)

Tip #3: Be Aware of your Awesomeness… and Look for Awesomeness in Others

There’s no denying the power of recognizing and vocalizing all you love about yourself. If you can’t see what makes you awesome, you can’t expect others to see it either! Also, everyone loves receiving compliments; and it’s true: The more you give, the more you receive. Positive people are noticed and appreciated. If you look for the positive in others, others will notice the positive in you. Remind your wife how much you love her smile, compliment your assistant on her outfit, or tell a complete stranger you dig his shoes. Noticing the positive is contagious.

All in all, you have the power to control how you are perceived.
Success comes to those who know they deserve it — and who take the steps to ensure they’re noticed for the right reasons.

— Michelle Miller, Men’s Style Expert, Writer, Traveler and Healthy Lifestyle Specialist

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