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A Businesswoman's Guide to Dressing for Impact

Annika Mengisen

But to be respected in today's business world, the jeans and T-shirt have to stay at home.

DeNucci is president of DeNucci & Co., a referral service that connects companies to freelancers and consultants. As far as her professional image, she said she was at 75% but wanted to be at 100%. Specifically, she wanted to simplify her wardrobe and get help in deciding which pieces are worth dishing out extra money for.

So she hired Sara Canaday, principal consultant of Empowerment Enterprises, to help her invest her clothing budget wisely and get the most results from her image.

With Canaday as guide, DeNucci learned how to wear tailored pieces and prioritize which items to spend on.

"Now I'm getting attention from people who I want to do business with," says DeNucci. "When I'm dressed in one of my Sara outfits, people notice and respect me."

Needless to say, DeNucci rarely goes clothes shopping anymore without her consultant.

Appearance Issues

Looks shouldn't matter, but the fact is that they play a major role in empowering -- or disempowering -- a woman, says Canaday. When men go without a jacket, it's assumed they just forgot it in the office. When women go jacketless, however, they may be viewed as less professional or put together.

Psychological research and numerous studies have shown that first impressions always color any impression you make later on, Canaday points out. That's why she always recommends the jacket as a businesswoman's most powerful tool.

Canaday says women are judged more harshly than men, because people don't automatically make the connection between women and business, and because fashion tends to sabotage businesswomen all too often. Strappy open-toed sandals or sleeveless blouses might look good in the Barneys' store window, but not in the boardroom.

She offers the following tips to make an impact in business and avoid any fashion carnage.

• When in doubt, bring the jacket out. Purchasing one or two jackets to layer over an outfit can immediately streamline your look. Choose a neat, up-to-date style.
• Speak loudly but tone down the attire. Stay away from loud, colorful or overly bold patterns, says Canaday. Avoid the whimsical and flowery, especially if you are petite in stature. Go for power-neutral colors like black, ivory, navy, rich olive or charcoal gray.

  Tone down the volume on the jewelry as well, because if it's too flashy it can distract from your message. "Stick to classic, understated pieces," Canaday advises.

• Be well groomed and well rested. Grooming is just as critical as dress, says Canaday, so keep your clothing pressed, clean and wrinkle-free for an organized look.

  Likewise, body language is often overlooked as a key component of overall image, for both men and women. High energy level is critical because people associate it with "a certain sense of power, authority and success," says Canaday. There's no better way to detract from that than lack of eye contact and slumped shoulders.

• You don't have to be boring. If you need to come off as more creative for your profession or just want to add personal flair to your outfits, hair and shoes are a fantastic way to add style yet still look highly professional. "A new, fresh haircut can do wonders for a woman," says Canaday, who recommends shorter styles or pulled-back longer hair. Long, flowing hair may say social, but not necessarily professional.

  The primary way men judge another man's success are his shoes, Canaday believes, and the same goes for women. Don't be afraid to show some style here. "Because it's such a popular trend, I see companies that used to ban open-toed shoes now allowing them," says Canaday. Still, stay away from towering platforms or strappy stilettos.