APPEARANCES Hints help women stay in style while dressing comfortably

Model-tested tips will enhance women's beauty and style.
SCRIPPS HOWARD NEWSPAPERS
While many American women receive professional advice on everything from career changes to health, most are left to their own judgment, or the opinions of friends, when it comes to issues of fashion and beauty. With outward appearances being as important as they are, we sought some basic style hints from a bigwig in the modeling industry.
Cathy Gould of Ford Models, Inc. is the head of the Supermodel of the World competition, the largest and most prestigious amateur modeling competition in the world. Here she offers model-tested tips for enhancing a woman's beauty and style:
UWear what's current and comfortable.
It's a fact of life that many people are going to base their initial impressions of you on the way you look, so it's important for your clothes to be in style and up-to-date. At the same time, it's essential that whatever your wearing feels comfortable.
UWork with the sales staff but be skeptical.
When you're at the stores, listen to the salesperson's advice, but never forget that his or her primary goal is to sell you clothes, so you won't always hear a totally honest answer to your questions.
UGet free makeovers.
Many major departments stores will offer free makeovers or makeup application at their beauty counters. It's even possible to experiment with different products or looks without actually buying anything.
URemember what works.
Gould recommends getting this free treatment 4 or 5 times, but not necessarily in the same store or with the same salesperson. Each time you go you'll learn something new about your features and which beauty solutions are best for you.
UEnhance your lifestyle.
Making improvements in your wardrobe and makeup brings a physical change, but the primary benefits are to your self-confidence and your lifestyle.