You only get ONE first impression

A few weeks ago I was trying to think about what style and beauty tips I should give on some upcoming TV appearances and was coming up blank. I decided to give my brain a break and let the Florida sun put some much needed color back in my face...(fully protected of course! ;) No sooner did I get my lawn chair leaned back just right when my cell rang. I was going to ignore it but it was a girlfriend 911. One of my inner circle girlfriends had a clothing crisis and needed my help. She had a major job interview and had "nothing to wear". Of course we always have something to wear, but is it something appropriate. I went in to image consultant trauma mode. Step 1. Stay Calm...Step 2. Stay out of the Haagen Daas... The rest came easy...

I've been giving advice as a corporate and TV image consultant for years and it really didn't hit me until my friend called that this was the ideal time to spread this knowledge around. We hear every day that it's a tough job market, there are stories of jobs getting thousands of applicants. You have a few seconds to make that all important first impression. First you have to think about what your clothes say about you...do they say "will work for salary and benefits" or... will work for food?You want to be dressed professionally for the profession you are going after. There is such a thing as being over-qualified and definitely under dressed. Basic blacks and blues. For men and women conservative dress is the same. Remember you're dressing for a job and not a date or a party. Don't show cleavage, especially not men. Pants or conservative skirt and matching jacket are a must.
The rule of thumb is that you should invest in three core pieces for a professional polished look: (Show Still of core wardrobe pieces)

You should have in your closet at least 1 or more of the following
1 black or navy blue pair of dress pants or skirt (only a few inches above the knee)
1 Black or Navy Blue Jacket
1 Crème, Navy, or Grey colored button down sweater (to be used as a substitute for a jacket
Solid colored blouses and shell (Colors should be basic, no bold or loud prints)

These core pieces can be mixed and matched to create an entire wardrobe for second and third interviews as well as professional attire for your new job.


Accessorizing is very important. Keep the bling down to a minimum. Jewelry should be on the conservative side…leave the big hoops and loud bangle bracelets at home, wear low heels, hosiery if you wear a skirt, and a professional bag or briefcase that you can put your resume, daytime, cell phone and wallet in. It is not the least bit professional carrying ten things and your handbag into a meeting. (show example of stuff piled up).. Men the only jewelry I would suggest is a watch. It shows that you care about time...and being a stickler for tradition, they say you can judge a man by his shoes and his watch
Ladies, you can't always spend money if you are looking for a job. Try the discount stores. If you buy new clothes and may return them if you don't get hired, at least tuck or cut off the tags! (Unless of course the job you are applying for is tour guide at the Minnie Pearl museum)
Smell. That's important and here's one place I think the same rules should apply to interviewing and dating. Perfume and cologne should be for you and someone very close to you! You shouldn't go around like Pepe LePew. Remember the skunk from Looney Tunes that had the green trail everywhere he went. Plus if you chose some scent that reminds the interviewer of a bad ex-relationship, you're sunk! And don't smell like smoke. Employers may take that as a sign you'll be on break a lot.
Hair should be neat, and if past shoulder length, I suggest pulling it back away from your face. Half up- or pulled back in a professional pony tail.


Many women are joining the job market either to make ends meet, to chase their dream career, or just get out of the house. Take that precious few minutes to make your first few seconds count!