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 Wardrobe Basics Question: After 25 years of wearing scrub clothes to work I am moving over into sales. My market is senior retirement living and my clients are all over 62 yrs. of age and wealthy. Please offer advise as to how to build my wardrobe. I am starting with nothing! Anresa Answer: When selling to affluent retirement age people, there are several important image factors to keep in mind. Do not fall into the trap of believing that you can dress as casually as they do. I've spoken with many such folks and have heard them repeatedly proclaim that at their age and retired position they have earned the right to dress casually. And I've heard them fiercely complain when the people they do business with dress ultra casually. This is not to say that you have to wear formal business suits, but many retired people have told me they feel insulted and disrespected when business people meet with them looking as if they are ready for the golf course or to work in their garden. With that said, I recommend that you start with two pantsuits and matching knit tops or blouses in the same color of each suit. One pantsuit should be in your best power neutral color (black, navy, brown, olive, gray, etc.). To expand your mix and match-ability, select a second pantsuit that is in a compatible, but different, color to the first. For example, if your best power neutral color is black, a red or taupe color blends beautifully with black. You could wear the black pants and a matching knit top (or blouse) with a red or taupe jacket. Conversely, you can wear the red or taupe pieces with the black jacket. Then if you had a pair of black-and-white vertical stripe pants (very fashionable now) and a white blouse, you could wear the red, black, or taupe jacket for a polished coordinated look. Strive for variety of style and cut. If the first pantsuit has a long jacket, the second one could have a short jacket and instead of pants, you may prefer a skirt. Skirt or pants, all the mix and match options still work. I suggested pantsuits to start as pants do make a more casual statement, but they do not sacrifice your professionalism unless they are too tight or in poor condition. I encourage you to read my book, Casual Power, as it addresses precisely the type of clothing that you need for this job, "dressy casual" attire. One entire chapter is devoted to building such a wardrobe and there's additional information on a "Capsule Wardrobe" which is the beginning core. It lists those magical garments that stretch your wardrobe dollars and even gives tips for successful bargain shopping. Since your clients are affluent, buy the best quality that you can buy on your budget, even if that means wearing the same garments repeatedly in one week. If you wear low quality, cheap clothing, you will have to work harder to earn their trust. 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'