Katie, red’s a good color but color’s only half the wardrobe battle.  Line is at least as important.  This ensemble boxes you in with the masculine lines of the jacket and the “stiff”, all-buttoned-up lines of the blouse.  Even the ruffle is squared off–a masculine look–rather than soft and curvy.  The combination’s also in clear contradiction with the softness of your pearl drop earrings.

Women appear more powerful and dynamic when they honor, not defy, their femininity.

Take the edge off, Katie.  It’s a distraction from the dynamic woman behind the suit.

Readers, care to comment?

Nice green as we enjoy the start of a new season, Katie.  This color looks beautiful on you and the silver chain is a nice complement.  I like the lines of this jacket, too; the collar frames your face nicely.

As always, bolder earrings and lipstick would really pull your look together.  Chunky jewelry really is okay to wear, even as petite-looking as you are.  The right pieces will keep our attention on your face, where it should be.

Katie, now that’s a great suit. The details on the collar are beautiful and the tailoring is superb. Love the colors, also; blue and brown together are wonderful.

I’m glad to see you’re wearing bolder earrings, and I noticed your hair is getting a little longer. I do hope you will let it grow out–I loved your chin-length hairdo.

In the humble opinion of this  image consultant, that purple is great, Katie! My only comment pertains to the neckline of this silk shirt:  Jewel neckline blouses worn with blazer jackets create a hard, straight line. A top with a tiny bit of a scoop at the neckline is much more feminine and flattering.

Love that color, though. Please wear this purple again soon!

Katie, you really look great in white, but I’d like to see something a little more sophisticated than an Oxford shirt. For a change, wear a polka dot shirt with a bold necklace and earrings.

I wonder what my readers think . . .

Katie,

This is an interesting suit, with a bit of a military look to it. I’d love to see you in a more feminine style. The turtleneck dresses the suit down substantially; a scoop-neck top would look more professional. Also, those drab military colors don’t flatter your skin as much as others colors.

When it comes to color, think jewels and gemstones instead of food. Here, jade would have been more dynamic than olive.

Katie, you look lovely. I prefer the scoop-neck tops under your suits much more than the white blouses. The line is much softer and subtler. This “tiny” jewelry lets the black of your jacket wear you, though. Be as bold with your jewelry as black is with your jacket and you won’t appear overwhelmed.

This is a nice blouse, and in a crisp white it would complement you even more. While the blouse “harmonizes” somewhat with this grey/brown blazer, the overall look offers no contrast. Therefore, you appear more “washed out” and less dynamic than you could. Remember, some bold silver earrings would bring our attention to your face.

Katie, very few people actually look great in brown. That’s because only about 20 percent of us actually have “warm” toned skin; about 80 percent of us have “cool” skin. Other image “experts” might tell you differently, but trust me! Tans and browns bring out a “sallow” skin tone, not a warm one. “Sallow” signifies “washed out,” “fading away” or even “unhealthy.” But you want to shout dynamic, smart and vibrant! Jewel tones speak well on your behalf.

That’s what I’m talking about!  You look gorgeous in this red!  Energized, youthful, relevant!   Your image is always a silent indicator of what others can expect from you.  Here it speaks volumes–the simple use of a vibrant color that complements your skin tone whispers to us that you’re a dynamic and powerful woman with something important to offer.  Imagine the addition of “chunky” silver earrings?  Wow!