Dress for success: Do's for women

The following is part of a series about dressing for success – both during interviews and on the job.

Because your personal appearance reflects your job aspirations, what should women do to make sure potential (and current) employers know they are serious about their careers?

1. Mix it up. “Incorporate a good mix of suits, skirts, dresses, and pants into your professional wardrobe. You do not want to be the one that everyone jokingly says only wears pants suits. So, incorporate a little bit of everything into your wardrobe. Be flexible and fun in your attire, and keep them guessing,” said Dr. Mario O. Barrett III, founder and CEO of The Barrett Center for Leadership Development, LLC.

2. Invest in classic, yet stylish, basics. “Always have these items clean, pressed and ready,” said Jenn Hoffman, president of Get Some Media. “This includes investment pieces like a nice watch, tailored suit, a wrap dress, black heels and a structured laptop/document bag. Nothing is worse than carrying your résumé around in a backpack or your everyday purse.”

3. Add a splash of color. “The typical black suit is passé these days,” said Corinne Phipps, founder of Urban Darling. “Add a pop of color if you must wear your black suit. Try a blue or even a yellow top. This sends off a confident message – you are not afraid to get out there.”

4. Use perfumes and scents sparingly. “You certainly do not want to overwhelm an individual or an office with your scent,” said Robin Kazmarek, director of career services at Stetson University. “The lasting impression you leave should be one about your character, your skills, your abilities, etc. – not the scent of your perfume.”

5. Wear makeup. “Research indicates that women who wear makeup earn up to 25 percent more income and are more likely to be promoted,” said Amy Elizabeth Casson, president of Polished Image. “Wearing makeup leaves the impression that you are capable of taking care of the details on your person and are therefore capable of taking care of the details on the job.”

6. Get the length right. “Having a polished look is all about the details,” said KL Moore, owner of KL Image Group. “While Baby Boomer women often err two inches too short with hem length, Millennial women have been known to tread the ground with two inches of excess fabric on their pants. Proper fitting clothes show that you're professional, knowledgeable and employers feel confident that you can effectively represent their company or brand.”

7. Be yourself, but know your industry. “There’s a lot of variation out there and if you don’t hit the mark, your supervisors will think you are from another planet,” said Barbara DesChamps, a wardrobe consultant. “Try to ascertain the limits and stay within them, while exercising your creativity. Within your industry’s constraints, look for ways to shine.”

8. Flatter your skin tones. “Creating visual harmony is one of the fastest ways one can create a sense of confidence,” said Maureen Costello M.A., CIP, principal of Image Launch, LLC. “Increase your chances of making an additional positive impression by wearing colors near your face that accent your eye, hair and skin tones. For example, if you have bronze skin tones, green eyes and brown hair, you increase your connection to the interviewer by wearing earth tones near your face, especially a green that will draw out your eye color. Since eyes are the focal point in business conversation, this technique will hold the attention of the interviewer longer.”

9. Accessorize. “Jewelry, scarves and other accessories will add a polished touch to any outfit and reflects a flair for creativity,” said Lisa Punter, president of Exceed Consulting Group.

10. Get the fit right. “It is much more important to wear things that fit versus the brand name,” said Eric Barron, president of Eric Barron Live. “Baggy is great for a sweatshirt on the weekend, but not for professional attire. In addition, showing ‘lots of skin is not sexy in the work environment. You will just be labeled a sexual harassment suit waiting to happen.”