First impressions count: what you wear not only determines how people see you, but also how they treat you - at least in Hong Kong.
Designer Florence Tse Tak-fong has been in the fashion business for 20 years and is well aware of how a carefully constructed image can boost a career and enhance a social life. 'Your clothes, hairstyle and body language all send out signals to people. It is important to consider what you want to say about yourself,' Ms Tse said.
She runs a five-week workshop, 'Dress well for better interpersonal communication', for men and women looking to improve their image, with weekly classes of two-and-a-half hours. Participants need not worry that they will have to buy a whole new wardrobe. Usually a handful of accessories and some thought are all that are needed.
Ms Tse said colour was crucial. Red suggested confidence, but should be toned down with a more sombre colour to avoid being too aggressive. Black was trendy and slimming, but was not the most approachable colour. For those wanting to improve their work and social relationships, Ms Tse recommends more neutral colours such as beige and orange.
'People often don't care how they dress and simply follow trends. If you want to be successful you must make the most of who you are,' she said.
Participants are given weekly homework fashion assignments which they are required to wear to the class.
