The next time you plan a domestic business trip, make sure you pay as much attention to what you pack in your suitcase as what you bring in your briefcase.
Failing to recognize subtle and not-so-subtle differences of regional corporate dress codes can label you as an out-of-sync out-of-towner.
For a few guidelines, we checked with dressing experts in these cities:
Chicago
”Chicago is on the conservative side,” says Debra Gibson, an image consultant. ”While that whole `Dress for Success` adage is long dead, we tend toward tailored styling, classic accessorizing and well-coiffed hair and makeup.”
Chicagoans also tend to favor fashions in earth tones, she says.
New York
”Pack black and lots of attitude,” says Virginia Sullivan, president of Image Communications International.
Other tips: Bring walkable street shoes (”this is a walking city”); a tote bag (”to carry your office onyour back since there`s no car to dump things in”).
Also be sure to bring along a strong dose of personality (”subtlety gets lost on New Yorkers”).
Washington, D.C.
”This town cares more about looking conservative than being fashionable,” Says JoAnne Nicholson, president of Color 1, an image and training center. To play it safe, wear a classically styled suit in a neutral color, she advises.
In Washington, ”It`s about looking confident and in control,” which also means a strand of pearls and the simplest handbag and briefcase imaginable.
Atlanta
”Take out the hot rollers and makeup if you`re headed down here. Wash-and-wear hair won`t work,” states Susan Bixler, author of ”Professional Presence” (Putnum, $22.95) and president of The Professional Image, a consulting firm.
”Wear something bright, like red, cobalt or purple; we like color,” she continues, adding that softly tailored suits or a feminine coatdresses are de rigeur.
”Make sure you wear jewelry and always wear ears (i.e. earrings).”
colored pumps and ”the slimmest briefcase possible,” complete the perfect Atlanta look.
Dallas
”A women dressed in any of the new menswear-inspired looks isn`t going to win friends in Dallas,” says Pat Shannon, president of Image Anew. Shannon recommends feminine suiting, flesh-toned hosiery, bold jewelry, well-groomed hair and ”strong” makeup.
Los Angeles
”It doesn`t matter if we`re talking about law or banking, there`s nothing typical or conservative about an L.A. businesswoman,” says image consultant Kee Flynn.
”In general, think less structure,” says Flynn. Offbeat colors, short skirts, dress shorts and ethnic jewelry are other ways of loosening up your look for L.A.
San Francisco
”When it comes to style, we are much closer to Chicago and New York than to L.A.,” says wardrobe planner Barbara Jay.
”The best advice is to come prepared for any kind of weather. That means layers, such as knitwear. Too often people don`t count on our unpredictable climate and they`re left shivering.”
Where to buy
Plaid jacket, $292, skirt, $130; silk blouse, $112, olive suede pumps, $69.99; suede gloves, $60; black suit, $299.99; printed scarf, $60; umbrella, $35; black pumps, $185; cashmere sweater, $109 and cardigan, $179; wool skirt, $155; purple coatdress, $256; silk blouse, $164; faux pearls, $35; gold-tone earrings, $30, all from Lord & Taylor. Ethnic earrings, $12, and necklace, $20; from Express. Garment bag, $240, from Bloomingdale`s.
