As the financial crisis looms overhead, women are rethinking their work status and making lifestyle changes to gain financial security.  Stay-at-home moms are reentering the workplace, women are transitioning careers, part-timers are going full-time; for many reasons women are being called to their closets to evaluate their professional wardrobes and a familiar question beckons “what do I wear??”. 

We all want to be judged for our abilities and talents, but the truth of the matter is in the first few seconds that you meet someone, your image speaks first.  When I work with clients, I work hard to evaluate what kind of wardrobe and style statement will support their goals.  One question I ask is:  “when you walk in a room, without saying a single word how do you want people to perceive you?”.  Your answer to that question will help you assess your current wardrobe to see if it supports your image goals. 

The visual impression is only one part of the perception you convey.  The other part is the nonverbal message you communicate about how you feel about yourself.  Employers want to invest in people who are invested in and believe in themselves.  When you feel confident in what you are wearing you exude that confidence. 

With a little introspection and an unbiased eye, you can sort through your wardrobe to weed out the keepers and the out pile.  When you’ve done that, create a shopping list to fill-in the gaps. 

Some tips to follow:

• Organize.  Do your own closet analysis.  Evaluate each garment – does it show wear, is it dated, are there stains?   If so it goes in the “out pile”.  Worn and old clothes say you and your work are sloppy.   Be impeccably groomed, and wear the highest quality of clothes you can afford.
• Fit.  If you have not tried on professional clothes since having a baby, if you have gained or lost weight your figure is undoubtedly different than times of yore.  Scrutinize garments to see if the fit is good.  Does it need to be altered for a perfect fit?  Does it pull, or gap?   Does it flatter your figure?  Most importantly how do you feel in it - do you feel powerful, approachable, polished?  Does it fulfill the image goal you are going for?   Well-fitted and pressed garments portray professionalism.  A good tailor will go far in saving money by making your good quality garments usable. 
• Basics.   Make a list of your wardrobe essentials and compare with the keepers in your closet.  Shop for any gaps in your wardrobe.  Alter, alter, alter.  If you’re measurements are not same as the fit model for the clothes you are buying, chances are you will need to alter off-the-rack garments so they are perfect for your figure.  A perfect fit goes a long way in exuding the confidence that you know you look great and are ready to do your job.  Keep in mind the people with whom you will be interacting. Will you need a business suit?  Cocktail attire?  Will you be speaking publicly? 
• Accessorize.  You can change an ensemble from casual to sophisticated and go from cubicle to cocktail with the right use of jewelry and don’t forget a great handbag.
• Shoes.  Any signs of wear should be taken to the cobbler to be polished, re-heeled or resoled.  Even a small heel will exude more power than flats (flats are ok for casual days).  If you are petite, matching your shoe color to your hem color will visually create height.
• Enlist a friend or hire a professional Style/Image consultant.  Good honest feedback is invaluable as you go through the process of building a wardrobe.

The standards you hold for how you dress say a lot about you.  When you are well-dressed and feel great in your clothes you present yourself to your best advantage, then you can forget your clothes and attend to the task at hand.