In this new economy, putting your best professional foot forward is more important than ever. Whether it’s in your current profession where you don’t want to be overlooked, an entrepreneurial career, or a new job interview you’re preparing for, looking sharp is your strongest opportunity for winning in the workplace. When presenting yourself, your clothes are your silent but strongest partner. Let’s explore the choices that count when molding a professional wardrobe that yields natural confidence and strength.

Bring attention to your face

Your face is your best asset in business. It’s your communication center. What can you do to be a better communicator? Start by wearing the right colors.

When you wear colors that relate to your own coloring, you automatically hold people’s attention. Don’t underestimate the power of wearing a shade of green if your eyes are green, or wearing a brown jacket if your hair is brown. Consider having your colors done by a professional so you can wear one of your irresistible colors five days a week. This subliminal color connection makes you appear more credible and capable. Wear a color that is glaringly not one of your best and you appear disreputable, ill-at ease, not authentic. Yes, color speaks volumes about your reputation. Choose them wisely.

Once you get people focused on your face, be sure your face is full of vitality. For men, wear a moisturizer so your skin looks healthy. Keep a clean hairline at your neck. Do your eyebrows need trimming? How about your ears? You want to be sure that nothing is distracting about your face so tend to any necessary grooming. You may not notice these things but other people do.

A well-groomed woman speaks loudly in the workplace. Her appearance sends the message that she’ll take care of details and get the job done. To earn that respected look, keep your makeup looking natural but that doesn’t mean going au naturel. Polished makeup makes you look professional and productive. Get your hair color and hair cut dates on your calendar so you don’t get behind on maintenance. Light nail polish is great for a fresh, healthy nail look. If you go for color, be cautious of wearing a color that is too eye-catching. It takes the focus away from you and your communication center.

Women, unless you’re in a very creative field of work, your jewelry needs to be quiet. No banging bangles, no chiming earrings. Keep your jewelry more simple and classic. Save the flashy jewelry for your social life.

Color, texture, and pattern speaks

When you write a winning resume, there’s a certain formula to follow. The same goes for a winning wardrobe. There are formulas that work for different professions. For instance, in a corporate setting, clothing criteria is more formal. Colors that match that formal setting tend to be dark such as midnight navy, black, charcoal gray and burgundy. When you contrast dark colors with light ones, especially at the neck, you bring more light to your face. So a light-colored blouse under a dark jacket puts the spotlight right where you want it. If your workplace is more creative, you can wear more creative color combinations or more variety in color.

Pattern is very limited, almost non-existent in formal workplaces. You won’t see large Hawaiian print shirts on a bank executive. Small, contained prints or patterns are more professional. The more uniform the pattern, the more formal it is. Abstract patterns are more informal and can be appropriate for more casual work settings.

The smoother the fabric, the more formal it is. Corduroy and tweed is more casual while silk, fine wool or fine cotton, like Pima cotton is more formal. Mixing formal and informal elements works well for many professions.

How safe is it to go casual?

Over the years, the workplace has become more casual but in these times, it wouldn’t hurt anybody to take his or her wardrobe up a notch. If casual clothes are accepted in your workplace, be sure your work outfits still look put together. If you can wear cotton pants, keep them smooth, not rumpled. Wear a shirt with a collar rather than a crew neck. Collars send a more professional message. Choose a crisp cotton blouse or shirt over a knit one.

Get a second opinion

Is your work wardrobe a winning one? If you’re wondering how to ensure you’re looking your best, don’t hesitate to call on a professional image consultant such as myself. You can count on me to make your appearance your best asset.