Field Guide to The Polished Professional

Keep your wardrobe up to date with age-appropriate and stylish clothes in your correct size. Choose colors that flatter your skin tone and hair color.

Enlist the help of a salesperson or personal shopper at your favorite department store. Or, if your budget allows, hire an image consultant.

Shoes should always be polished and the heels in good shape; no sneakers or flip-flops while on the job.

Makeup and perfume should enhance, not mask. Get a professional makeover at your local cosmetic counter to find out what best suits you.

Get regular haircuts and keep facial hair well-groomed.

Make sure that your nails are clean and manicured.

Jewelry and accessories should be modest, not flashy or distracting.

Keep your smile nice and white - don't let it betray your age or your habits.

Always use proper grammar. Use of slang, profanity or improper grammar shows your breeding and education, or lack thereof.

No gum chewing or smoking when you're with a client - it's just rude.

Mind your manners - open doors, extend small courtesies, and say "please" and "thank you".

Get some exercise. You'll stand taller, and exude confidence.

Express your personality in how you dress, but do it subtly. There's no need to be a carbon copy of everyone else, but leave the exotic animal prints and the loud plaids at home.