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		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 Breakfast Attire Question: I have been invited to attend a political benefit breakfast, and also a political dinner. What should I wear? Patty Answer: Business-oriented suits are the usual fashion at political benefits, particularly for breakfast meetings. You can wear a tailored pantsuit or a skirted suit that has a long or short skirt. A businesslike dress (such as a classic coat dress) would also be appropriate. Legwear is a must, especially with a short style skirt or dress. Sandal type shoes are not appropriate. Male politicians typically wear dark business suits, dress shirts, and ties for these types of events. Female politicians generally wear black, navy, or other solid-color suits (daytime styles) in rich shades of red, royal blue, purple, etc., whichever color flatters them most. Dark suits are always considered "powerful" and appropriate, but since it is the spring season, you can also wear a bright or light colored suit or tailored dress. If you wear a dark suit, choose a colored blouse that sets you apart; be memorable in a positive way. For the dinner event, you can also wear a business-oriented suit, a somewhat dressier style from the breakfast meeting one. If the invitation specifies cocktail wear, the men will basically dress the same, except for perhaps a dressier shirt and tie. If cocktail attire was requested, you can wear a dressy dinner suit (skirt or pants) or an evening-ish dress, but not one as formal as for black tie. Avoid extremely glitzy, overtly sexy, and vamp-esque styles for this political event. Best of luck to you, Sherry Maysonave Also see: The law firm I work for just adopted business casual dress policy. What should I wear? Should I buy new post-pregnancy clothes? Ask your image questions Personal Power: A case study from 'Casual Power'		Search BlueSuitMom.com Email this page to a friend    C a r e e r   C o r n e r • Join BlueSuitMom on   Facebook • In a Man's World • Professional Organizations • Company Seminars • Career Archive • Small Business Advice • Online Job Search • Entrepreneur's Corner • Sign Up For Our Newsletter Ask an Expert • Image Consultant • Career Coach • Work/Life Coach • Business Coach • Work at Home • Professional Organizer • Emotional Wellness • Business Advisor    C a r e e r   P o l l What is the most important benefit your employer can offer you? Flexible work hours Extended hours/shortened work week Job sharing Telecommuting On-site daycare Take home meals On site dry cleaning View results
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