Ballet Slipper has been my go-to nail polish color for more than 20 years. It is reported to be the number one-color choice—and that’s saying something with the hundreds of colors of nail polish on the market. Ballet slipper pink is a color that looks good on everyone. It also hides any wear and tear on the cuticles. However, it can highlight any red roughness around the cuticles. Gray, a color that started as a trend, continues to be popular. In 2008, Michele Obama wore it during a speech. Gray nail polish is neutral but can have a dead look on certain skin tones because it can make the skin look blue and bruised.

The color beige has been seen more frequently in the last few years, It was, and continues to be, the color of choice for heels for women. Now, we are seeing beige in other clothing options, such as suits, jackets, slacks, and accessories. There is one main issue with this color—not everyone can wear it. As neutral as the color beige seems, it can wash out certain skin tones. When wearing beige, unless you are a redhead, choose bold coloring around the face or choose make-up, such as lipstick, that brings color back to the face. Men, when wearing a beige shirt (a very casual look), should choose a shirt with a slight pattern with beige as the background color. I love beige slacks and I always wear my khaki suit with a very white shirt or black top to break the beige away from my face. I also add more color to my lipstick. Wearing the color beige can look crisp, neutral, and professional—when taking into account the above tips.

Weather this summer has been quite a challenge. Between the heavy rains and hot sticky weather, it can be difficult to find clothes that keep you comfortable and cool—whether for casual wear or in the work place. There are several options to consider when making clothing choices. Lightweight fabrics, such as linen, is one option. The weave of the fabric is important. For example, I purchased two pairs of linen pants. One pair was very lightweight; the other was more heavily woven. The lighter weight fabric was cooler. Sleeveless items for women will not be cooler because of the exposure to sun and heat. Additionally, sun exposure is not good for the skin. To stay cooler in this hot, muggy weather, choose clothes in lightly colored, loosely woven fabric.

Shirt collars have gone back and forth—from collars with buttons to collars without buttons. There are several advantages to wearing a shirt with a button-down collar. Collars that button down are easier to wear and look tidier. They also are easier to maintain. Collars without buttons look more casual. They can also look sloppy when the collar flops down. Collars without buttons require more caretaking, such as ironing and spray starch, to remain crisp looking. When in doubt, choose a shirt with a button-down collar.

Years ago, men’s suits typically came with two pairs of pants (even in the mid-price range). Today, even high-end suits do not. Now, the company Hickey Freeman will let customers order a second pair of pants. The company Ted Baker from London made a smart choice to offer a pair of pants that matches their suit offerings. In the current world of dressing in business casual attire, men might wear a matching jacket. More often, though, they just wear the pants that match the suit jacket component. Companies are wise to offer the ability to purchase clothing separates for men. Ted Baker of London wants to sell suits with the option of buying a second pair of pants—going back to the days when this was customary.

Gravitas means showing decorum, dignity, or seriousness. It is an important trait to display in order to make a positive first impression and to stand out in a crowded field. First impressions happen quickly—and the chance to make a good one is quickly lost. Recently, I attended a fundraiser for a presidential candidate who is not a frontrunner in the race. The candidate rushed in late, tried to pay attention to her supporters, and attempted to smile easily. Although the candidate has long-term success in the political arena, and the ability to overcome a less than stellar first impression, she should have handled her entrance differently. Instead of rushing into the room, the candidate should have taken a moment in the car to set the tone, preparing to walk confidently into the room. She should have paused upon her entrance and waited for the crowd to settle (they would have because she did). In addition, the candidate’s smile looked a bit weary and her clothing choices did not look fresh. Taking time in the car to change into a new jacket, while her staff managed the crowd, would have been wise. It was a missed opportunity for the candidate to show gravitas and to make a strong impression.

I have a Dell laptop and a MacBook Air laptop. Microsoft Office products are available for PC and Apple computers. With the Dell, I use Office 365—a subscription-based version of the Microsoft Office suite. With the MacBook Air, I use Office for Mac. First introduced in 1989, Office for Mac has become virtually the same as running a Microsoft Office product on a PC. Both products are readily available. In a shopping center near me, the Microsoft store and the Apple store are across the way from each other. People have long considered Apple to offer superior service in helping the consumer manage and troubleshoot their products. Apple’s chat service is especially helpful. Microsoft has stepped up their service and offers a program called Assure. Both companies have learned the value of good customer service and made their products compatible for the user.

Body language, meaning how we stand, the way we walk in a room, and the pacing of our steps, all speak to our confidence. In my favorite movie, Star Trek, I noticed the difference between the way Jim Kirk (now played by Chris Pine) walked onto the bridge and the way Dr. Spock did it. Despite the difference in approaches, both characters radiated an air of quiet confidence.

Watch the difference between first class and premier status boarding passengers the next time you people watch at the airport. Think about how you compare and who might you select as a role model.

Megan Markle’s designer, Clare Waight Keller, head of Givenchy, designed Megan’s wedding dress. She was quoted in NYT Styles’ Q&A on the fact that clothes convey meaningful messages. Also, Oprah says clothes connect you to the world.

What one wears should make you feel good. Clothing messages a quick assessment for the audience about how approachable or even intimidating you are as well as whether or not you possess style. While Clare doesn’t feel this way, she confirms some think fashion and clothing as frivolous. I emphatically agree with Clare. Clothing sends a statement about all of us!

It’s always been who knows you not who you know. The who knows you is your capital in business as well as socially. Building deep relationships through regular contact is best. However, because of busy schedules, getting together for a cup of coffee is not always doable. Being involved in activities where natural connections are made through committee memberships or event participation works best.