Recently, a number of experts weighed in on the issue of whether or not high heels help or hurt women in the workplace. Fashion experts agree that stilettos are tawdry and should be avoided. However, experts in other arenas thought all heels made women too sexy looking. Wrong.

When it comes to looking “sexy” you can’t be overt; however, you can be covertly sexy. Women’s legs are sexy simply because of their curvy shape. So, are women to be relegated to pants that hide the legs and good sturdy walking shoes that are matronly? The last thing women need is to go back to the “miniature man” look of the “dress for success” eighties where any hint of femininity was forbidden.

Which of the two women above (wearing the same heels) looks “too sexy” for the workplace?  My feeling? Both look covertly sexy! The woman on the right has a friendly and wholesome smile, while in the photo to the left, she has a bit of a “come hither” look, so she could be judged to be more sexy by some.

Ultimately, heels under 3 inches (7.5 cm) will look professional, unless the style is gaudy; and classic pumps (court shoes) always look polished and professional. The Chanel-style shoes in the photo above are also professional.

This handsome rock group cleaned up beautifully–both at and for the 52nd Grammy Awards–but they look a little gloomy for just having won Record of the Year.  It’s all that grey and black.  Nice suits, but no bold contrast, no dynamic colors to enhance their natural skin tones–though I will say that the man on the left is a step ahead with his French blue shirt.

A complimentary raspberry, royal blue or even bold yellow in the ties would have added some pop to these rockers.  Replacing the shirt in the tie-less black-on-black ensemble with yellow would have done the trick for that gentleman.

Gentlemen, when it comes to your own individual good looks, each one of you has “got it.”  Don’t be afraid to “flaunt it” by adding great color to your wardrobe!

By the way men, I’d love to hear it from you:  What holds you back when it comes to using color?

Prior to the 52nd Grammy Awards, when asked how he felt about his six–count ‘em, SIX–Grammy nominations, Maxwell let his eyes do some of the talking.  “It’s an incredible experience,” he said, and his eyes reflected a humble, sincere and hopeful spirit.  “It’s an honor that I can’t even express to you in words . . .

“If I won . . . I would be beyond joy . . .”

Then he won two Grammys!  And he seemed almost at a loss for words during his acceptance speech (who wouldn’t?).  But I’m sure there was an expression worth a million behind those dark glasses!  Only wish he would have shared.

I wanted to see “beyond joy” in this man’s eyes–the joy behind 13 years of hard work, integrity and determination having paid off in the bestowal of this great honor by those within his own industry.   Not only did Maxwell appear overwhelmed by the extraordinary moment, but he unfortunately appeared overwhelmed by his own attire–black suit, not much color or contrast in his shirt and tie combination, and a large pair of dark sunglasses–all working to further understate this handsome man’s otherwise dynamic, creative and now deeply overjoyed persona.  What a missed opportunity for viewers.

Your thoughts?

Gentlemen, I’ve been hard at work in my Norfolk, Virginia studio, finishing up my soon-to-be-released  e-book just for men.

I found this perfect example of what can go drastically wrong with a simple choice of collars  and had to pass it along to you with an insider’s tip from the book:  Always choose a collar that fits!  Your collar and tie are worn closest to your face and must convey a look of neatness and attention to detail while ensuring that your face will be the focal point of your entire body.  This collar is too tight and too high for this man’s neck.  Notice that it creates that double-chin look.  The fact that it’s off-center and wrinkled also sends the silent message that “details don’t really matter.”  Like you, this man probably doesn’t believe that message and would never verbalize such nonsense–so why does he let his collar shout it out?

Here’s an example of a collar that fits well.  It’s also crisp and wrinkle-free, sending a message that substance and details matter to the man behind the choice.  Here, the focus will be on this man’s face, not on a distracting collar and tie.

By the way, notice the difference in tie colors.  In the men’s book I delve deeper into color choices, but here’s a quickie for you now:  Orange does not compliment the skin tones of about 80 percent of people in the world; most people should steer clear of the color.  Ties in the red family are almost always a perfect choice–especially those in the burgundy to raspberry range, which have a touch of black or blue to compliment most any suit/shirt combination.

So men, tell me, how much attention have you paid in the past to your collars’ silent messages?

CNN’s Rick Sanchez

Rick, you’re such a pro, and a charmer as well, that’s why I must tell you that the floral tie you’re wearing is wimpy.  Floral prints just don’t go with the “business” look that an anchor must convey.  Also, I would suggest a tie in burgundy, red or raspberry to create beautiful contrast with your fabulous grey suit.   Here are some examples:

Ryan Seacrest

A word to the wise, Ryan:  Grey is a color that’s born negative.  Think, “Old and grey”, “Sad and grey” and “Tired and grey”–none of which are statements that suit your dynamic and professional persona.  This suit simply has too much grey.

You need a dynamic tie that makes a statement.  This one’s not making much of a statement at all;  think “Grey lie” or “Grey area.”

My favorite color to accompany grey is something in the raspberry or magenta range, and below are a couple of examples.  You could also go for a bold yellow tie.

FYI: Grey shirts are sports shirts, not business shirts.

Carry on, handsome!

CNN Correspondent Paula Newton

Red is a wonderful color for you, Paula, and it always goes well with black. However, my advice:  The line of the wrap dress/blouse worn underneath doesn’t harmonize with the crisp lines of the blazer jacket.  I’d suggest wearing a neutral, scoop-neck top next time.

Readers, what do you think?

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Both my parents died of cancer, so I’m a big supporter of this month’s cancer awareness campaign! I read an article today by an image consultant who advised that women wear the shade of pink this month that was perfect for them.  She would insist that I, being a fair-skinned blonde, wear Baby Pink.

Blondes fade out completely in baby pink!

It’s about time image consultants noticed that the Emperor isn’t wearing any clothes. There’s so much misinformation about color out there, and the average person looking for good information is simply being fed the latest trend or advice that they match their superficial appearance.

Here’s the real scoop: Skin trumps hair and eye color. The pink that suits YOU is the one that makes your skin look the best, and that includes letting dark circles disappear, along with furrows and grayness.

My 30 years’ experience suggests that the majority of people fall into the category that would have their best shades of pink include fuchsia and magenta; and that very few truly wear baby pink successfully. Once you have a trained eye, you’ll see for yourself.

Do this quick test:  Drape yourself snugly at the neckline with a baby pink garment or fabric and keep it in place. Then cover the baby pink with fuchsia or magenta; then raise and lower the magenta fabric/garment slowly a few times while looking in the mirror. You should be able to detect a dramatic difference in your appearance between the two shades of pink. About 80 percent of all people will look more healthy, vibrant, dynamic and “alive” in the darker.

Please note that if you’re wearing a washed out baby pink lipstick, the magenta may appear “too strong” at first glance. This is another instance in which many image consultants get off track. Just add lipstick in a soft fuchsia and your “dislike” of the magenta will go away.

Let me know your results; leave a comment here!

Matt, you always look sophisticated and businesslike.  My recommendation: Wear ties in bolder colors when you’re wearing a grey suit.  Grey can sometimes look a bit on the sad side unless it’s worn with a bold and happy color.  Think about red, burgundy, raspberry or yellow!

Readers: Based on what you’ve learned about image, any other thoughts?

Anderson,

You are such a man about town – all over the channels and keeping ‘em honest.  Bravo!

Love the fact that you can go from casual attire to suits and still not betray your persona.

My advice: stick to dark-colored suits like black and navy.  They show off your beautiful hair the best.  Forego the grey suits.  Grey is such a wish-washy color — like a grey area or a grey lie.

I’d drop the solid blue ties that Bush favored.  Too “Deep South” country club!  Not powerful enough for you.  Go for power colors in the red family, including regal colors like raspberry.