DRESS FOR SUCCESS

As a mom, we have a uniform.  It's usually the least dirty pair of jeans and a t-shirt that covers an unattractive muffin top.  And if you you understand muffin top, flabby arms are most likely as well.  And sagging... Oh, let's just face it...  The aforementioned "uniform" is a  little better than a tent.  Plus, don't forget they shoes that support our feet!  This usually implies sneakers.  That plantar fasciitis isn't going to heal itself, you know.

This is what we are most comfortable wearing.  It's what we live in, it's what we play in, it's what we prefer.  The problem is: IT LOOKS BAD.  Not ooh, where'd you get those jeans they don't quite fit you bad, but the wow, when did you stop caring bad. 

It was never so apparent to me how badly I dressed until I was pregnant with my first child.  I was a TV development executive at the time and t-shirt & jeans were de rigeur in my office.  I was having lunch with the president of CBS and her VP's at a very fancy Hollywood restaurant and I wore what I though was a nicer version of my "uniform.". Instead of jeans, I wore courderoys.  Instead of a t-shirt, I wore a button down.  Instead of sneakers, I wore... Oh wait.  I was retaining so much water the only thing I could wear was sneakers.  I'll never forget my boss whispering in my ear as we say down, "what the hell are you wearing?". Two hours later, he gave me a $500 gift certificate to go shopping for some maternity business suits.  He was embarrassed and so was I.

As a working professional, I always believed that I'd be more productive if I was comfortable.  While that might have been the case when my job was to sit on my ass writing all day, being productive out in the real world with high-stakes business deals and real clients at stake means making a great first impression.  What I've learned is that making a great first impression every time, all the time requires work.  Work on my body, work on my weight, work on my clothes.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE shopping!  But finding the time and money to do it is tough.  Here are a few tips to help you on your way to making a great first impression:

1)    Wear a dress.  It doesn't have to be expensive, but it does have to look good on your body type.

2)    Find shoes that look good with your dress, but can be comfortable for long periods of time.  Spend the money on a really comfortable, neutral pair, even if it's out of your budget.  If the shoes are truly that great, you'll wear them every day for years and the "per use" cost will go down.

3)    Carry a mid-level designer purse if you can afford it.  People notice accessories, so don't skimp if you can swing $200 or so for a purse.  Buy something in a neutral, but "stand out" color.  I carry a green leather Coach purse and it never fails to get compliments.

4)    Wear nice jewelry.  Remember that it doesn't have to be real, but should look it.

The better you look, the more successful you look.  People want to work with successful people, not shlubs.  Dressing for success will help get you there.