Online Dating Tips From A Personal Stylist

By: Janise Bachler

I have recently re-entered the dating world and thus, online dating sites. Eghaaads, the horrors I have beheld! It seems so obvious and logical to me, but from all of the terrible profile pictures I have seen, here is some advice, from a personal stylist’s perspective, for all of you who want to put your best foot forward on an online dating site.

No blurry photos! None. Ever. No bad selfies either for your main photo. No matter what your budget, a good head-shot that shows your entire face for your main profile picture, is vital. And … smile! I don’t even bother checking out a profile if the he isn’t smiling. I assume he’s not a happy person and therefore, I don’t want him. People are attracted to smiling faces. And, NO sunglasses for your main photo! We need to see your eyes.

Then, add one or two full-length shots so we have an idea of your body type and shape. The photos should within the last year. If you have put on some pounds, then take new pictures. This is the most common complaint I hear from men. They ask women out and then the woman shows up 20 pounds heavier or 20 years older than her profile pictures. That’s a “no no”, and it you won’t get you very far, even if you have a sparkling personality. Someone will like you for who you are now … maybe someone who is also carrying a “few extra pounds”. Be realistic. If you deceive, they will run!

Guys need to understand that blurry shots of you off in the distant with your hunting buddies does not cut it. Neither does a distant shot of you in some exotic location in your sunglasses. No photos with sunglasses unless you have some other good photos without them posted. Also, no pictures with your kids or pets. Let’s just showcase you right now. And, lastly, please, no half cut-off pictures where we just KNOW it was your spouse or your last girlfriend!

If you haven’t updated your hairstyle, cosmetics, glasses or wardrobe since your last relationship, it may be time. Outdated glasses turn me off, but I melt for a guy in a suit. Pictures of you wearing a faded, silk-screened T-shirt won’t cut it. Also for guys, shirtless pics are a “no no”. It’s tacky. Don’t do it. “Wife beaters” (tank tops) aren’t great either. And, ladies, keep it classy. Photos showing too much skin will bring you a certain kind of attention, but perhaps not the quality relationship you are actually looking for. I bet the guys would love to see you wearing a form-fitting dress or a pencil skirt and looking like they could take you out somewhere.

If you can’t afford a professional photographer, then get a friend to take some new pictures. I promise you, follow these tips and it will be worth the effort!

Since 2006, Janise Bachler, the Closet Diva has been helping men & women learn how to dress and to refine their personal image in a way that brings them personal and professional success. Janise works with clients on closet editing, personal shopping and styling services. Janise is also a professional speaker and is the author of the book, Closet-Rescue-Answer-Age-Old-Nothing, available on Amazon. Janise Bachler has appeared on Global TV, CityTV, and in the Calgary Herald.