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: I recently started working at a fairly casual Internet company, where many people wear jeans to work. Only the sales staff wears suits. As a human resource manager how should I dress to best fit in with this work environment? Gina Answer: Dear Gina, Yes, Internet companies are notoriously casual. As a manager in the Human Resource department, it is important that you not dress in a style that is excessively casual. Because part of HR's responsibilities deals with dress code and grooming issues, you must walk a fine line of fitting in and setting a good example. Also keep in mind that you are a manager; in a position of authority, you set the tone for many. You career goals take precedence over fitting in, even though "fitting in" is a personally meaningful aspect of any work environment. The fact that the sales team is required to wear suits says that the principal "powers that be" in your company are aware of the impact of the company image upon their clients and the greater business world. For your position, I do not recommend wearing suits, but I do advise that you look highly professional on a consistent basis. Whether you choose pants or skirts (long or short), wear a jacket, tailored cardigan sweater, or a long-sleeve blouse or top that coordinates with your entire outfit. Since casual wear typically consists of separates, many people underestimate the need to create an outfit that is well coordinated. Complete each outfit with the proper accessories, including hosiery for a top notch professional look. Wearing jeans successfully in the workplace depends largely on your body type and whether or not you carry extra weight. If you are fairly trim, you can wear jeans on occasion or on a Friday and not fall into the sabotage trap. That is, if you wear them with panache. First, they must be clean and pressed and fit you correctly. Avoid the extremely baggy styles. Secondly, wear then with leather shoes (or nice ankle boots) and hosiery or socks. If your blouse is tucked in, be sure to include a leather belt in good condition. Pair jeans with a tailored long-sleeve blouse, top, or sweater. In the Fall and Winter months, you can even layer a turtleneck or other knit top under a crisp white blouse. Consider adding a jacket -- even a nice leather jacket. The jacket can always go on the back of your chair and be ready to wear to that unexpected meeting. Do not forget a stylish hairdo, makeup, and earrings. With this look, you have "powered up" jeans. Even still, I advise you to wear jeans in the workplace only occasionally, or once a week at the very most. On important meeting days, I suggest that you "power up" even more by wearing a smart pant suit, etc. -- at the minimum, a tailored jacket. Why? We often don't really know who is watching and when opportunity will arise. I recently met a young woman just out of college; she was working for an Internet company. (Let's call her Cathy.) She had read my book, "Casual Power;" and, she was trying to follow its guidelines for dressing down for success. Because of her entry-level position, Cathy reports that she was totally unaware that the company was having trouble raising much-needed funds. The venture capital firm that had initially funded the project and contributed on a second round had declined the third round until they sent in a consulting firm to evaluate the project. Long story short, the consultants voted "No" to the VC's to invest more money in this company. But in the process of evaluation, two of the consultants had noticed Cathy and her level of professionalism in contrast to the other extremely casually attired employees. They offered Cathy a job in their company. It was still an entry level position, but it was with a stable, profitable corporation. What's more, she did not have to go job hunting when the Internet company was finally dissolved. Gina, I am not saying this will happen to your company. I just want to make the point that opportunity often knocks at the strangest times. It's important to keep our eyes open for opportunity. Yet a more important endeavor is to dress well consistently -- even in casual attire -- for your job so that opportunity is sure to recognize YOU! Best of luck, 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'