Read my looks

Smart looks professional in the work world. So you don’t turn fashion victim, here’re eight tips to help.

1. More women and men are coloring their hair, both at professional salons and with home kits. Avoid dramatic color changes. Don’t forget that asian eyebrows are essentially black or dark shades of brown.

Tip: For women, use an eyebrow pencil that will bring eyebrow color closer to the new hair color. For men, dyeing your hair black to keep the grey at bay looks more natural if you avoid the jet black dyes that are too severe and look unnatural.

2. Most bosses frown at revealing clothes and skirt slits riding high up a thigh. Several companies I spoke to have had to tighten dress guidelines.

Tip: The last thing a professional women needs to be remembered for is her body! If heads turn as you walk through the office, it may be a tell-tale sign that something about your looks and image are not in line with business decorum.

3. Mismatched styles project a confused look. Some men team well tailored trousers, a white shirt and business tie with a casual pair of shoes.

Tip:  Each item of clothing and accessory must be coordinated consistently.

4. Some women wear dark hosiery with a light-colored skirt and top that off with pale shoes.

Tip: Hosiery should blend with shoes and/or hem in a shade lighter and never darker, unless it is an international fashion look or statement.

5. Men must avoid short socks that reveal hairy legs when seated. Avoid mismatched colors such as navy socks, tan brown shoes with light grey trousers.

Tip: Socks should belong to the same color family as the trousers and/or shoes. Avoid white socks with your dark shoes and trousers.

6. Men fit clothes to their bodies while women fit their bodies into clothes based on a mental perception of their size. And here, women tend to favor a size too small for skirts and tops (partly fashion-driven), but a size too large for jackets.

Tip: It is a myth that a tighter fit will make you look slimmer. In fact, the reverse is true. Forget the size on the label and buy clothes that fit you.

7. Avoid the urge to dress to look alike, to be hip or to belong. Trendy or faddish dressing may look out of place in almost all but the creative professions.

Tip: Let your clothes be a way to express yourself as a unique and special individual.

8. You may be well-dressed, but what about your hair? It’s worth spending on a good cut and taking care of hair, Unkempt or greasy hair can ruin a professional image.

Tip: Shampoo regularly, choosing the right product for your hair and scalp condition. To combat greasy hair in a hurry, try sprinkling dry shampoo (or baby talc) on your scalp and the hair roots. Follow with a light brushing to remove the powder dust. This helps absorbs scalp grease.