How to Dress for Success

If Your Look Is... Trend-Tastic

Michelle T. Sterling, image consultant and founder of Global Image Group, an image-consulting business headquartered in New York City: The perception is that you spend a lot of time keeping up with trends, so it seems like you care more about clothes than about the job.

Baumgartner: When I dress professionally, my clients feel comfortable putting their trust in me. Yet when I was a high school teacher, my students related to me more when I wore trendy items. Depending on your field, age, and audience, your best outfit will be different. Understanding this can be a valuable tool.

Aliza Bogner, vice president of human resources for Alison Brod Public Relations, in New York City: People think that working in a creative office means they can embrace every trend, but that’s not always the case. If you want to take risks, do it with accessories versus a whole outfit.

Griffin: I wouldn’t wear harem pants on Wall Street. And if platforms are affecting your gait, they’re a no. Try out trends using colors and prints. It’s with shapes that people tend to go wrong.