As a Wild WE, you probably already know that when you look good, you feel good and that's good for business. In this column, Charlotte Maddox, Online Beauty Consultant, addresses your image questions. To ask a question email it to ask@thewildwe.com. If we publish your question, we will offer you a free text ad in our newsletter. All questions will be published anonymously.

A Wild Woman Entrepreneur writes:


I am new to in-person professional networking events and am attending a Chamber of Commerce mixer. As a home-based businesswoman, I don't usually dress up or wear makeup. What would you suggest for makeup and clothing for this networking event?

Charlotte replies:

As you know, first impressions are very important so consider the image you'd like to convey about yourself and your business (as well as the venue). Chamber of Commerce events in a big city typically attract representatives of diverse businesses who wear everything from fairly casual attire to designer suits.

From your wardrobe, pull together an outfit that looks attractive and professional. A great option is a suit-like ensemble. For instance, select a simple dress in a solid color or with a muted design. An alternative is to combine a nice pair of pants or a skirt with a matching top or sweater. Then, add a tailored sweater or nice "sports" jacket in a complementary color and pull the look together with a scarf or piece of jewelry, good shoes and purse. (A great look is to wear a single dark color and then add a splash of bright color with a jacket, shoes and purse.)

Your makeup should enhance your face. If you're comfortable with just a touch of color, frame your eyes with mascara and curl your lashes for an open-eyed effect, smooth blush along your cheekbones and finish with a lipstick that goes with your outfit. If you want more coverage, apply a foundation, tinted moisturizer or powder
(the color should match your jawline and neck perfectly). Since you're attending a professional event, put on a single neutral eye color from your lashes to your brows or add a second, darker color on your eye lids. Draw a fine line along your upper lashes (a pencil in a brown or gray gives a soft effect.) Then complete your look with mascara and an eyelash curler, blush and lipstick.

Labels: beauty inside and out