A makeover issue

SINGAPORE - Let’s face it: Dressing up to look good not only gives a great first impression, it also boosts one’s confidence and self-esteem.

Enter the makeover. We at TODAY are more than happy to help in that department - hence this makeover special. We put the call out and have lent a hand to Rozanne Yap, a fitness instructor and Timothy Alvin Oh, an assistant digital marketing and communications manager for a television network.

For Yap, whose job scope includes motivating participants and helping people lose weight through fun and energetic classes such as Zumba and BodyPump, decking out in sports attire for work is the norm. On the weekends, her get-up consists of a T-shirt or singlet with shorts and slippers. In her words, her weekend style is “very casual, lazy and plain”.

Yap reasoned: “I feel that I’m stuck in a fashion rut, always wearing the same boring clothes. I’m still young and I should dress up as much as I can, but I don’t know how to. Also, I think I scare all my potential hot dates with my dull fashion sense; first impressions are, after all, always important. I am shy to embrace fashion and don’t know how to find my personal style. I don’t think I have the basic essentials in my wardrobe, only workout clothes.”

Meanwhile, Oh’s job requires him to travel and meet people from all walks of life. As a regional communications manager, Oh attends many meetings, hosts press conferences and mingles with VIPs. But he admitted that he could do with some help in the style department.

“I’d throw on a pair of navy blue pants, a loose fitting checked shirt and would jazz it up with a beige Levi’s jacket (whenever necessary). I don’t spend too much time or money picking what to wear. I just wear what’s available on the rack,” he said. “I have days where I turn up at work with horribly matched outfits.

When he’s not working, lazy, he said, is his middle name: A printed T-shirt and a pair of board shorts do the trick for him, and he never puts in much thought into dressing for the weekend. The 26-year-old has several reasons or wanting a makeover - one of which is to make him look his age.

“I’ve been mistaken for a 14-year-old at work. I need to dress like my age so people whom I work with can take me seriously,” he said. “I don’t take risks when it comes to shopping for clothes. I’d stick to a safe design that I might already own in a different colour. As a result, I have way too many shirts, pants and shoes that look identical. I need someone who doesn’t know me to dress me up!”

Here are the looks we picked for them, as well as the tips offered.

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TIMOTHY OH’s WEEKDAY OUTFIT

Top, S$125, COS; trousers, S$79.90, H&M; belt, S$89, T.M Lewin; oxfords, S$139, H&M.

TIPS:

Know which colours work well against your skin tone, and choose a well-cut top for work wear. This lightweight navy blue knitted top allows Timothy’s professionalism to shine through as he goes about his daily meetings.

A belt acts as a finishing touch to his get-up.

The pair of burgundy pants softens the somberness of his top and adds a hint of colour to his entire outfit.

Even if you are in the media industry, which allows for more leeway to your wardrobe, always pick a pair of oxfords or brogues to perfect your weekday look.

WHAT HE SAID: “I’m really satisfied with it. The new look makes me look my age and it looks fresh too! In the past, I’d always overcompensate by wearing dull colours. I’ve picked up amazing tips on styling. I feel that my personality is finally showing through what I wear! I never knew that hair could make such a difference to a person’s look. I’ve also found new and creative ways to pair my existing outfits.”

TIMOTHY OH’s WEEKEND OUTFIT

Shirt, S$59.90, H&M; top, price unavailable, H&M; bermudas, S$39.90, New Look.

TIPS:

This heather grey top is an excellent layering piece for your weekend get-up.

Try something different and layer a shirt underneath a top to create a different dimension to your weekend look.

Who says accessories are only meant for the ladies? A simple bracelet or bangle can work for guys, too.

Cuffed berms can work in your favour if it ends just above the kneecap.

WHAT HE SAID: “I’ve learnt that I can use my outfit and style to showcase my personality as an individual. Sometimes all it takes is a change of belt, a pair of new trousers or glasses! I’ve also learnt how to pick accessories for my outfits. I never knew men could accessorise too. The new weekend outfit is way better than my usual. I’m looking forward to the next weekend already!”

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ROZANNE YAP’S WEEKDAY OUTFIT

Top, S$63, Topshop; Crepe skorts, S$49.90, New Look.

TIPS:

Just a dab of colour to the lips and a clean face is all you need if you are a fitness instructor, just like Rozanne. Remember to wear sunscreen as always.

Brightening up a dreary work day comes easy by adding a printed top into the mix.

If you love accessorising but you are an instructor like Rozanne, a watch is all you need to perk up your outfit.

As compared to a pair of shorts, a sweet pair of skorts will liven up your weekday outfit.

WHAT SHE SAID: “It’s a fresh image. I like how I still look sporty and casual. I’ve learnt a lot from the make-up artist, such as using basic make-up products and the importance of skin care. I’ve also learnt from the hair stylist on how I can have different hairstyles for different occasions, not just a pony tail.”

ROZANNE YAP’S WEEKEND OUTFIT

Jumpsuit, S$219, Topshop; necklace, $S49.90, H&M; bracelet, S$12.60, New Look; rings, prices unavailable, H&M; wedges, S$56.90, New Look.

TIPS:

Let your hair down. It’s the weekend, after all!

Accessorise, accessorise, accessorise. Experiment with colours and match it to your get-up.

Pastels work well on tan skin tones, such as this pastel-coloured jumpsuit, which looks stunning against Rozanne’s tanned complexion.

Complete the outfit with a pair of wedges, which boost your height and confidence at the same time.

WHAT SHE SAID:

“I am absolutely happy with this look! It’s a drastic change, and it will take me some time to learn to dress up like that. I will keep trying. I’m inspired to be more diligent, look good and feel my best, thank you for this opportunity. I’m inspired to be more diligent (to dress up more), look good and feel my best. Thank you for this opportunity.”

Photography: Jason Ho

Styling: Zhang Weifang

Styling assistance: Laetitia Wong

Hair: Michael Chiew, Hairloom, using Goldwell

Make-up: Zennie Casann (HP: 9139 0422)

Accessories and shoes: Model’s own unless otherwise stated

Stockists

Topshop: #01-05/06, Knightsbridge

H&M - 1 Grange Road, Orchard Building

COS - #03-23/24A, ION Orchard

New Look - #B2-34/35/36/37, 313@Somerset

T.M Lewin - #B1-20, ION Orchard

If you would like to get a makeover done, please email your low-res picture and details and why you would like to get a makeover done to weifang [at] mediacorp.com.sg.