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:My 22-year-old daughter is in grad school & will soon be interviewing for internships in labor & industrial relations. She's short and full-figured. What should she wear to job interviews? What should she wear for "dressy-casual" mentoring events? Harriet Answer: Thank you for inquiring on your daughter’s behalf. Many college graduates today are extremely unprepared for the realities of business attire. Let’s start with the interview. Internships often turn into full time positions; it’s important that she put her best foot forward right out of the box. Interview attire for the labor and industrial relations does not vary from the classic interview attire appropriate for other industries. A sold-color dark suit (preferably black or navy) always wins the interview vote. The overall cut and style of the suit should be appealing to her, appropriate for her age group. A pantsuit is also fine and it could be desirable considering her body type and height. The pants will add a vertical effect, which will make her appear taller and thinner. She must wear legwear (hosiery or socks). Now that it’s the fall season, she could wear opaque tights and clunky shoes, especially if the suit has a short skirt. Her shoes can be a young, hip style, but they must have a closed-toe and heel. Once she has the job, her attire may vary according to the task. If she is interfacing with a labor union committee, she will probably need to dress down from the suit look. Even when she’s dressed to fit in with a blue-collar environment, she should not dress so casually that she sacrifices her personal power and authority. The same "dressy-casual" looks worn for mentoring events would also be appropriate for some of her internship tasks, but not for the interview. What are the "dressy-casual" looks that are appropriate for mentoring events? It depends largely upon her personal style and fashion personality, but here are a few suggestions: Tailored trouser pants worn with a long-sleeve blouse or sweater set. Long or short skirt worn with a turtleneck sweater, long-sleeve blouse, or a sweater set. A vest added to any of the outfits listed above A cardigan sweater tied around her shoulders also works well for a dressy casual look. However, do not do this with a sleeveless top as the under piece. That’s a great look for social occasions, but sleeveless attire should not be worn in a business environment. Jackets always add a touch of power and authority and they can always be removed to appear more casual. Leather jackets can be worn for dressy casual, in most cases, but do not wear leather pants or a short leather skirt in the workplace. A long leather skirt (if it’s not too tight) could be acceptable. But first, check the company’s dress code policy regarding the appropriateness of wearing any leather garments. Casual dresses worn with boots. The dress should be tailored in nature. Avoid floral fabrics and dresses or skirts made of denim. Denim is casual, but it does not qualify for dressy casual. Speaking of boots, she can wear ankle boots or knee boots for dressy casual, but absolutely no thigh boots should ever be worn for business! Legwear or socks is mandatory. Don’t wear sandals or athletic shoes Beware of low necklines, too tight anything, but don’t wear baggy clothing either. Be sure to remind your daughter that her hairstyle is an important part of her image. Just as makeup is. Women who wear tastefully applied makeup earn 20 to 30 % higher incomes. That statistic does not come from the cosmetic industry, but from a study conducted by two economic professors. The trick is to have a light hand when applying makeup for an interview or for the workplace in general. Considering your daughter’s height and body structure, her hair should be no longer than shoulder length. Longer hair will drag her down, making her appear shorter and heavier. Your daughter is lucky to have you going to bat for her! 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'