Ask the Image Expert Sherry Maysonave is the founder and president of Empowerment Enterprises, one of America's leading communication-image firms. Sherry conducts corporate seminars and coaches executives, professionals, and politicians in achieving excellence in communication and image. She is also the author of Casual Power: How to Power Up your Nonverbal Communication and Dress Down for Success Attire at casual Internet Company Question: At my office we still wear professional business attire (suits), but when I visit the offices of many of our clients they are a lot more casual. Should I adapt to the clients office dress on the days that I am visiting them? Some of the dot-com companies we work for dress in jeans and polo shirts so I feel a like I stand out in my business suit. Victoria Answer: Dear Victoria, You have asked quite an important question regarding professional attire in today's diversified business environment. Your company's dress-code policy may (or may not) encourage such a "Situationally-Sensitive" (SS) attitude. First, find out if you even have the latitude to wear clothing somewhat in accordance with your client's policies. I use the word "somewhat" because it is still important to stay a cut above the lowest common denominator of client attire. Yet, traditional business suits can make one appear stuffy and out of sync with the times when meeting with the ultra casually clad dot.com folks. This may reflect the feeling that you are experiencing. Many companies, including Fortune 500 companies, have such situational dress codes; some companies even have theirs in writing for particular divisions. While perhaps cutting edge, SS dress policies are the best way to maintain positive relationships with a varied client base. However, it works best when certain professional dress standards are still preserved. For example, most of these companies do not allow their employees to wear jeans just because they are meeting with a dot.com company. Khakis and polo shirts, perhaps, but not jeans. Now a critical point for you to remember is that a woman wearing Khakis and a polo shirt spells sabotage for her career. That look is far too sporty and too masculine for a woman to command respect in any workplace. So what can you wear to dress down and still be in line with the professional standards of your company? Try some softer looks mixed with your tailored suit jacket. You can always remove your jacket to be more casual. Always go in to the meeting or consultation wearing a jacket or sweater-type jacket, at the minimum. What do I mean by softer looks? Long skirts, sweater sets, silk blouses or long-sleeve knit tops worn with wool pants or skirts. To add a touch of chic and power, tie a sweater over your shoulders -- a sweater in a color that coordinates with the rest of your outfit. Crisp white cotton blouses look great with almost any bottom, including khakis. To get away from the suit look, consider wearing boots instead of pumps (no thigh boots!). The essential point is that you still power up even when you dress down. Your garments can be more relaxed than a suit, but make certain that your hair, makeup, and accessories are still done in a highly professional manner. And don't forget to power up your attitude! Good Luck to you, Sherry Maysonave Also see: I recently accepted a position in the office of the University President. This summer I have worn skirts and tops - but sometimes I feel underdressed without a suit jacket. Are suits required in an office like this? The law firm I work for just adopted business casual dress policy. What should I wear? Ask your image questions Personal Power: A case study from 'Casual Power'