Lifestyle

With apologies to Monsieur Twain, let me share my philosophy about career clothes for women: The right clothes can help pave your path to the corner suite at the office. A frumpy wardrobe may keep you in a claustrophobic-sized cubicle forever.

You can be bright, brilliant and bold -- but if you show up at the office in a polyester, chartreuse green pantsuit and Pepto-Bismol-pink plastic boots, your passion for fashion may inspire the wrong kind of awe.

So what belongs in your closet of career classics? Try these on for size and you'll always look great:

--Depending on your profession, either a simple suit (for fall, pair a russet skirt-and-blazer combo with a classic, cream-colored blouse and mid-heel black shoes) or a carefully paired up pants, blouse, and blazer combination. Hesitant about your color-coordinating skills? Seek the assistance of a personal shopper (some larger department stores may even offer these services for free if you are a "preferred customer") or a friend whose career look always inspires compliments.

--For "casual Fridays," go for chic, crisp tailored slacks in dark hues (navy blue, brown or grey) and a tailored blouse in a color that suits your complexion (e.g., I know that green makes my skin look jaundiced, so it's on my "fuhgeddabout it" list).

--Low to medium-sized heels. And please donate scuffed shoes to Goodwill or another organization NOW. The most professional, carefully-chosen outfit can be ruined by a careless shoe choice. Also on your not-for-the-office list: tennis shoes (unless you're a personal fitness trainer!), spike heels, shoes that make noise and open-toed sandals (especially if you have bright red toenail polish that's chipped).

--A small to medium-sized purse. No suitcase-sized bags that, when opened, reveal a decade's worth of accumulated treasures like used Kleenex. And please give the cute little pink purse decorated with hearts or a "Born to Shop" emblem to your teenage niece.

--Skin-colored nylons. Glitter, colors that glow in the dark and other fun varieties of nylons are wonderful for weekends -- but not for the office. Ditto the tights that are ideal for ballet class but not for the boardroom.

--Lingerie that fits. And actually wear it -- don't leave it at home. Remember Drew Barrymore's braless "oops, not a good decision" appearance on the Golden Globes (where, unfortunately, the name of the show gave late night talk show hosts extra "mean remarks" ammunition)? I once had a close encounter of the uncomfortable kind with a young colleague who wore blouses that were so low-cut that her lack of a bra was like a walking human anatomy class. When she leaned down to talk to me, I averted my eyes. Some of the men, however, did otherwise -- and she was subjected to several "tactful talks" by the human resources department.

Perhaps the most important guideline of all for career classics: Choose clothes that make you feel good about you. Take your time shopping and invest in good, quality attire that says, "Now there's a successful woman!"

Can clothes really make or break your career? Tell us your stories by commenting below!

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Check out these related posts:

-- You're Wearing THAT to the Office?!?
-- Top 10 Healthiest Jobs
-- Finding the Perfect Pair of Jeans

Joanne Eglash is a writer and an editor specializing in health, weight control and fitness. She's written for a variety of publications and websites, ranging from Energy for Women magazine to KidsHealth.org. Email your feedback, suggestions for future articles and questions to her at healthylifestylescoach@yahoo.com. For more information about Joanne, visit her website at www.geocities.com/trendclues.

Labels: advice, career, clothes, office, professional, style, tips, what-to-wear