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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
Wardrobe BasicsQuestion: I have just recently entered the business world at 35 years of age. I have spent most of my life raising my children and dressing very casually (jeans, shorts, and t-shirts). The office I am currently working in is business casual and most of my clothes are good quality hand me down dresses. I feel that my clothing fits in very well with what the others are wearing but I do plan on eventually buying more professional clothing. I am hoping to either move up in position in this office or seek a more professional position with another company after gaining experience. I am not quite sure where to start when I get ready to buy. What stables should I buy first. Also, my hair is just below the shoulders in length and I sometimes feel that it does not look very professional but I really don't want to cut it short. Is a professional looking cut always short? Can you give me some suggestion on what I should do if I chose to keep my hair longer?Karen Answer: The first essential to buy is a black or navy power suit that includes a tailored jacket, pants, and a skirt. Black and navy are both exceptionally professional, but it depends upon your coloring as to which color looks the best on you and which one makes you feel powerful. I call these colors “power neutrals.” Decide which is best for you and then build a businesslike wardrobe around that color. That plan saves you money and time. And this doesn’t mean that you buy only that color. For example, all the jewel tones, white, taupe, ivory, brown, and gray all work well with black or navy. In my book, Casual Power, I have devoted a large part of Chapter 4 to the Capsule Wardrobe Plan, a savvy build-a-professional-wardrobe strategy. Using this blueprint, you are sure to select the right clothing pieces that will get you ahead in your career. When shopping for your power suit, look for a longer cut, fitted jacket. A solid-color tailored jacket is an exceptionally versatile wardrobe piece. It can be worn with jeans, khakis, and many other casual ensembles -- all of which it adds power to and panache. It’s important to purchase matching pants and skirt (the skirt can be long or short, your preference) to maximize your current wardrobe choices. Don’t be afraid to wear all the pieces as separates, stretching your wardrobe dollars and outfit choices. No, short hair is not the only professional hairstyle. Shoulder length hair or a style that comes just below the shoulders (no more than three inches below) can also be very professional, if it is in good condition and if it looks attractive on you. Pull your hair back or put it up in a sleek professional do, if it is longer than what I just described. Since you have the feeling at times that your hair does not look as professional as you would like, I advise you to check with a reputable stylist. Length may not be the issue. Your hair may need some extra conditioning or trims on a regular basis (every 6 weeks) to keep the ends looking their best. Or your hair may need different or additional styling products or even a totally different type of cutting procedure, like a blunt cut, layering, or point cutting. Along with the style, hair type and general condition plays an important role in creating a professional aura. Congratulations on your new job and good luck in building a new career.
Best of luck to you,
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