NO MATTER how well you do at work, you'll still be perceived as inefficient and sloppy if you dress less than perfectly, according to Ms Suzenne Zheng, master trainer for image consultancy First Impressions Image International.

Unfortunately, says Ms Zheng, she sees many Singaporean women making mistakes.

'If I'm conducting a corporate workshop of 30 people, I'd say that 90 per cent of those attending usually need a little work,' says Ms Zheng, who ran the first Fashion Indulgence workshop, Dress To Impress, at Suntec City last Saturday.

She adds that many working women leave the house in the morning with messy hair, the wrong make-up, or even the wrong underwear.

'In the workplace, always project an image of professionalism, efficiency and creativity,' says Ms Zheng, whose Saturday workshop was sold out. 'Create a personal style that is chic yet not trendy.

'Your appearance is one of your greatest tools for communication, so pay attention to it.'

And, in other words, don't blow it. my paper takes a look at common mistakes women make, and tips on how to dress for success.

For more my paper stories click here.