Women in leadership positions, as well as the future leaders of tomorrow, want to be taken seriously. One of the first things we notice about a woman is her clothes, and we quickly form a first impression. The same is true for a man, but men have more of a professional uniform that is relatively easy to identify. There are so many clothing and accessory options for women to make that it’s easy to overlook! Women can easily project something with their appearance that goes beyond attractiveness into the realm of sexy and desirable.

In our grandmother’s generation, women were subject to strict rules regarding what a woman could or could not wear. Many of our grandmothers did not work outside the home, so they were not subject to issues of how to dress in the workplace. My grandmother never struggled with intractable problems as she stood unsteadily in front of a clothes rack. Can you wear a sleeveless shirtdress without a cardigan or jacket to cover your arms? How much cleavage can you show without looking sexy? How short is too short for a skirt? Is it ever okay to show your tattoo at work?

Here’s the rub: Women still have to be attractive to make a good first impression. However, women should not look provocative because that’s sending the wrong kind of attractive signal. Women should stand out because they look well organized and because they convey confidence in their professional skills, ideas, and experience.

Let’s say you want to express some of who you are in your clothes, not too fashionable to look like others, while hiding your flaws and accentuating your assets. Phew! The good news is that you can create a powerful first impression without compromising yourself or losing your individuality. It’s all about dressing appropriately for your color, body shape, and the situation.

My suggestion is, when in doubt, dress like a parisian woman. That’s right. They would never, ever, ever leave the house in sweatpants! Leaving the house requires dressing. If you look like a bum in Paris, you disappoint the whole city. Take a look at the average Parisian woman. Her skirt is the perfect length, her jacket is beautifully tailored, and she spends money on her underwear to flatter her figure. Her outfit is paired with a colorful yet tasteful scarf. Her gaze is brilliantly balanced. She does this because she believes in good taste, it’s a way of life for her. She loves to look unique and she loves what she wears.

Here are some tips for career women who straddle the line between looking attractive, but not provocative:

Tip #1: Skirt and Dress Length

The rule of thumb is to wear a length that is proportional to your height and appropriate for the situation. The professional rule of thumb for the “powerful woman” is that the skirt and dress length should be just above the knee. The reason is that when you sit down, your skirt naturally rises up and you don’t want to cause a distraction. A tasteful long skirt is fine as long as your top is tighter and more conservative; add a belt and short jacket on top to create a complete outfit.

Tip #2: Cleavage in the neckline

Where would you like someone to look when you are speaking to them during a business meeting? If the answer is “your eyes,” then your neckline should not reveal any cleavage. There’s a way to determine the most attractive neckline that balances out your face: it’s called cleavage. Breakeven. Artists use balance points when painting portraits. Measure the distance from the top of your hairline (if you’re wearing bangs, the hairline is where the bangs end) to your chin. Then take that length and extend it from the chin to the bodice. Wherever that measurement falls on your bodice, that is the most attractive cleavage opening for you. If it is too low and would show cleavage, place a necklace at that point.

Tip #3: Tight clothing

Most people wear clothes that are too big or too small, thinking that it makes them look thinner. That is a myth. Squeezing a sausage casing will only make you look…well…you get the picture. Clothing should brush against your body and fall naturally. Clothing that is too tight actually draws attention to your body flaws, or worse, create Bodily flaws where you don’t have them! Dressing in too-tight clothing sends the wrong signal at work.

Tip #4: Amount of skin showing

For women, the more skin you show, the less influence you have. Do you really want to work harder to earn the respect of your coworkers and your boss? A good rule of thumb is to divide your body into thirds: one third across the top from shoulders to waist, one third from waist to knees, one third from knees to feet. It shows the skin only by one third. If you have a skirt that ends above the knee, then wear a conservative top with long sleeves. If you’re wearing a turtleneck top (no cleavage!), this calls for long pants.

If you want to be seen as a professional, limit the amount of skin that shows.

Tip #5: Color and fabric

Of course, the best way to express who you are is to wear colors that make you look radiant and energized, and to wear the highest quality fabrics you can afford. It’s better to own a few memorable pieces than a closet full of forgettable pieces.

Your best colors are determined by the natural color of your skin, the color of your eyes and hair, and even your personality.

Tip #6: Shoes

We women love our shoes! Shoes make a statement. They complete our outfit. Of course, closed shoes are the most professional style. A modern ankle boot, loafer or gladiator shoe is the perfect complement to pants, dresses or skirts. Sandals that reveal the toes are becoming more acceptable, especially in hot climates. Here are a few things to avoid: lack of pedicures, worn-out shoes, too high (4″ and up), too strappy (those are for date nights), and flip flops are out.

Tip #7: Bare Legs

The good news is that unless you work for a conservative office that specifically requires them, you can leave pantyhose and stockings in your drawer. Bare legs are appropriate for work. Fall and winter bring the opportunity to add colorful tights to the mix, which are a great way to achieve a mixed look.

What do you think? What does the line between looking attractive and looking provocative in the workplace mean to you?