Clothes talk. In fact, they never shut up. What you wear speaks volumes about who you are. Those of us who aspire to leadership must think carefully about what we wear. Like it or not, we're in the business of getting others to think the way we want them to think. Clothes can help or hinder our goals.

For men, conservative business suits are still the wardrobe of choice. But what about women? Fashion editors and image consultants offer conflicting advice for the female executive.

John Malloy, in his 1979 Woman's Dress for Success Book, urged women to wear a dark, skirted suit with a light blouse. He offered convincing research to back up his advice that a woman's credibility and status decreased when she wore anything else. Since then, with more women in executive positions, fashion writers have urged women in business to be more individualistic in their attire.

A dizzying array of opposing viewpoints swirls around the issue of business dress for women. Rather than add to the confusion by presenting all the conflicting opinions, we have sought to find areas of agreement. What follows are recommendations based on a broad consensus of opinion gathered from articles and interviews with fashion critics and consultants.

Do's

• Always look professional
• Dress to fit your audience, the company you represent, yourself
• Strive for a flattering silhouette and a tailored look in choosing your clothing
• Dress for a look and also for your comfort and confidence
• Know what colors work for you in your environment
• Wear heels (up to 1 1/2 to 2 inches) that you find comfortable and easy to walk on
• Do wear one or two pieces of appropriate jewelry (larger pieces if you are presenting)
• Hair that looks styled (not haphazard)
• Wear hose that are skin color or darker
• Carry an extra pair of hose (in case of runs)
• Wear conservative business make-up, stressing eyes and mouth. (If you're making a presentation, make-up should be more pronounced.)
• Check for lipstick on teeth
• Simple manicure (no jewels on nails or exotic colors)
• Mild fragrance

Dont's

• Wear outfits that look haphazardly thrown together
• Busy prints or plaids
• Belt if you are heavy in the waist or short
• Open-toed shoes
• Heels so high that you are unsteady
• Clothing that is overly revealing or overly dowdy
• Too short or too tight a skirt
• Wear hose that are white or colorful
• Let hair block eyes, fall in face
• Clothing, accessories, or hairstyles that requires continual adjustment
• Loose watch strap, bangle bracelets, long earrings
• Wear jewelry that is large or gaudy
• Take off your shoes (It's flirtatious)
• Over-accessorize
• Bright blue eye shadow
• Distract listener with physical habits (twirling hair, playing with jewelry, etc.)
• Excessive perfume or perfumed hair products (no smell at even a short distance or lingering after you've left the elevator)

Your industry, age, geographical location, position in the corporate hierarchy, and personality will contribute to your determination as to what is appropriate. In future issues of PS for Business Communicators we will explore some of these issues in detail.