Before you begin your day in your new role as Manager, think about the image you want to project. Clothes express three messages: they tell something about your company, about your position in the company, and about the way you feel about yourself. An advertising agency and a bank may want to convey very different images to the public. A clerk and an executive need to convey different images. For example, in your plant or shop, do the supervisors wear overalls as the workers do? In your hospital or lab, where everyone wears white coats, is the supervisor's the same as the technicians' or different? In your office, do most female workers wear slacks or dresses while most female managers wear suits? Do most male managers wear ties? If you're a woman with no women supervisors whose clothing you can use as an example, look at the men. 'Are they wearing jackets? This will give you a clue as to how formally you will be expected to dress.

Pay attention to what you wear; it often dictates how you act. We all alter our behavior according to our dress. I put my feet up or sit cross-legged in jeans, but I sit up straight in a suit. I also stand straighter when I have a jacket on, and my handshake is firmer. Your clothing need not be expensive, but it must be becoming and fit well. If you are a woman, avoid too-tight skirts or low-cut blouses. Don't buy skirts with side slits because often more shows than is intended. Blouses can be feminine, but they never should be see-through. Buy skirts that let you get into a car comfortably without their riding to mid-thigh.

Do the men and women in your place of work wear easy-to-care- for polyester, or do they dress in materials that look like cotton, silk, linen, or wool? Adapt your clothes to whatever seems to be the norm. Are the colors of your clothes muted? Do people dress conservatively? Who wears ties, and what kind? What about belt buckles? Shirt colors? Check to see what is commonplace. In other words, follow the examples that are there for you to observe.

If you're at a loss as to what to buy, you will find that most department stores now have personal shoppers who will advise you at no extra cost. Shoes should be simple pumps in neutral colors with comfortable heels. Many women have bought brief-cases that can hold a small purse containing their personal items and whatever papers they need. If you get one, you will find that a side pocket is useful for papers too big to fit inside. You do not need to carry all your makeup everywhere you go. Have everything you will need to use in your office drawer as well as in your home, and carry only touch-up items.

Cologne for men or perfume for women is acceptable as long as the fragrances leave with you when you go. Women often ask about makeup and nail polish. You can use them, but be conservative - you don't want to look made-up, nor do you want attention to be focused on very long, very bright red nails. You should wear your clothes and your makeup, they should not wear you. Eyeglasses studded with stones are not for work; neither is gaudy, noisy jewelery. If you have very long hair, gather it in a neat fashion. Remember, understated is considered more elegant. You can begin to be more creative in the way you dress only after you have been there awhile and have earned some credibility.
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