Before establishing the empire, I was a Dr. Professional. My career spanned from secretarial mini skirt suits to vice presidential power slacks. And during this occupational orbit, I learned a few strategic wardrobing tactics which I am delighted to share with you fellow doctors of profession.

1. Cut: Nothing says casual like revealed skin. Following is an abridged inventory of stretches of flesh that should never be visible in the office: the midriff, the upper thigh, the chest crevice, the lower back and its continuum. Not only should these items be cloistered when standing demurely, but they should remain under wraps when you bend over, raise your arms, and lean forward. Also ensure that your clothing skims rather than clings; offer a smooth outline rather than a detailed delineation. It’s not that these areas are unappealing, quite the contrary, they are far more interesting than your annual budget report.

2. Color: Dark hues report in proper business tones. Unlike their flighty pastel counterparts, dark colors speak of grounded, responsible individuals. But that doesn’t mean you are limited to black, navy, and gray. You can have a pop of color, but make sure it’s a taste, not the entree. There’s a reason that the crimson power tie is a staple and the crimson power suit never quite caught on.

3. Class: Stay in good taste and excellent repair. If you look sloppy, people will assume you don’t spellcheck your e-mails. You might be an obsequious grammarian, but people are bound to make assumptions. As you enter the office you should be flawless from your scuff free shoes, to your properly hemmed trousers (breaking at your instep), to your cleanly pressed blouse.

Below is a sharp little banker formal ensemble:

Nordstrom’s Mac & Jac Linen Jacket: Wearing a jacket doesn’t require a matching suit. You’ll get more wear out of separates
JCrew Solid Silk Garland Cami: Keep a little bit of pretty and color close to you at all times
White House Black Market Sateen Pencil Skirt: Fresh for spring with appropriate feminine allure
Banana Republic Jefferson Medium Shoulder Bag: Because your lappy needs a proper home
Endless Luichiny Miami Pump: Black never has to be boring
Ann Taylor Black Diamond Studs: Your jewelry should not jingle nor jangle

At nine the world was open to me. I could be a ballerina, an actress, an airline hostess, a teacher, a model, or a nurse. My maternally inherited vintage board game taught me that I could achieve my most ambitious aspirations by working hard to acquire skills and realistically evaluating my natural capacity.

For example, in one round recommendations might be made to study:

While considering innate qualities such as:


Well, it turns out I was clumsy so my career as an Airline Hostess, Nurse, Model, and/or Ballet Dancer was hindered. But it’s for the best, because I adore my life as a teacher, stylist ,and wife. Someday I want to be a mother, a farmer, and a ballroom dancer. But I should probably work on my posture first.

As diverse as our talents and abilities, we all share one thing in common: we need uniforms for our life’s work. This week we will be making regimental recommendations.