Clothing sends subliminal messages. A suit projects the most authority. In descending order of authority projection are coat dresses, then jacket dresses. Save your skirt sets and flowing dresses for less formal occasions. Pant suits, although fashionable, are not generally accepted as dress code for court appearances. Reserve pant suits for casual days. Wear low key and simple accessories. They add expression, personalization and style. Scarves, fashionably tied at the neck, are terrific because they call attention to your face. Shoe heels should be of medium height--if they are too low, they may make ankles appear thick on some legs--if they are too high, they may appear tacky. Skirt length should be kept either at the knee or a hair's width below. If you like short skirts, don't go higher than a dollar bill's width above the knee. Remember that skirts hike up when you sit down!

The darker the color, the more authoritative the image, e.g., navy, charcoal and black. Neutrals, beiges, ivories, olives, soft grays and smoky blues are perceived as softer. But if the shade flatters the outfit, it may appear very elegant. Red is an aggressive color. Wear it if you want to project assertiveness. Bright colors, hot pinks, bright turquoises and yellow will attract attention. Make sure attention is what you want before you wear them. Pastel pink and other soft pastels project femininity and gentleness. If being perceived this way will assist you, then wear those colors. It is my opinion that there are no "wrong" or "right" colors or styles. There are only wrong choices at the wrong time. By understanding the subliminal message that silhouette, style and color communicate, your clothing can be used as a dynamic marketing tool.