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 Spring dressing essentials Question: It's between seasons in the south. Some day's it's quite cool in the mornings but warms up by noon. Can you give me some suggestions other than the typical sweater sets that I am currently wearing? Paula Answer: Dear Paula, Seasonal transitional periods seem to always create what-to-wear dilemmas. Spring coats are popular in the cooler climates; they are not as heavy as the winter variety and usually they are lighter in color. Yet, they allow you to wear spring clothing underneath and still stay warm in the morning hours and after sunset. However, you live in the South. A lightweight coat may be all you need even in the winter months. Assuming that you work in an air-conditioned office and that the system has now switched to cool rather than heat, you have varying layering options. Wear a long sleeve blouse or top with a tailored jacket. You can remove your jacket later in the day and still look professional. While in route to the office, you may want to wear some outerwear pieces, such as a wool scarf and gloves. They can be removed when you arrive at the office. To look more in tune with spring, choose a brightly colored or pastel wool scarf. Of course, you can never go wrong with a basic black or other neutral color that goes with everything. Leather jackets are also an ideal answer to your problem. Most companies' dress codes allow leather jackets to be worn, but not leather skirts or pants. There are many beautiful lightweight pastel leathers on the market right now. Part of the new spring/summer collections, they are intended for wear in those seasons. A black or brown leather jacket is also always appropriate when the weather is cool. Beware of switching to sleeveless clothing, just because the weather is warming. Tempting as it is in the South or any warm climate, sleeveless apparel is sabotaging for a woman in the workplace. It's social apparel and sends the message that you are more concerned about your social life than your career. "WARM" Regards, Sherry Maysonave Also see: Advice for dressing when overweight How much makeup should I wear at work? Ask your image questions Personal Power: A case study from 'Casual Power'