I teach an online professional dress class for individuals in the real estate and financial profession and received a response that said that the needs of women of color are different regarding clothing, undergarments, makeup, hair and skincare. Given this concern I thought I would address to my readers in hopes of helping women of color to be their best.

Today, women of color equates to a multitude of shades of brown in the skin, from light to dark. You are fortunate that you retain your youthful appearance late in life (I am envious!). Look at Lena Horne, she is gorgeous to this very day and without plastic surgery! However, there are special considerations that you need to know as you age. Like myself, my skin was brown in my youth but as I have aged, it has gotten lighter. This process happens to everyone that may require new colors of makeup, clothing as well as hair color. Asians, African Americans, Hispanics and those from Middle East, have basically an olive complexion. With that cool shades of makeup and hair color are the best approach. I have oftentimes seen olive complexions with auburn colored hair that looks great but in most cases a burgandy red is better. With darker complexions, warm shades of red bring out its complement, green, in your skin. When you want to lighten your hair as it grays, go towards cool shades of red and blonde. But in many cases, your gray is a beautiful salt and pepper.

Regarding hair care, most African Americans have extremely dry hair that breaks easily and requires extensive conditioning. Particularly if you chemically straighten it or bleach it, the condition of your hair will be destroyed. Colorists and stylists that are familiar with very dry hair can be more effective in the best treatments and styles for you. As with all men and women, work with your hair and keep in mind your body shape and face as you consider the. If you have an angular face and body, go toward something that has waves or curles. For those that have a round face choose styles that focus on straight lines in it. Basically, you are trying to balance and complement what you have.

Regarding skin care, women and men of color need to give as much caution to the sun as their lighter counterparts. Use a sunscreen or sunblock. The sun promotes premature aging. You don’t want to have wrinkles in your 40’s if you can help it (of course genes have a lot to do with it too). Fortunately, your skin keeps its youthful appearance late in life. But, this is not the case for lighter brown skin shades- get into a daily skin care regime now!!!!! Moisturizers, cleansers, makeup removers, day and night creams and either sun block or sun screen need to be part of your skincare program on a daily basis. Personally, by practicing a skin care program since I was 14 I have been able to hold off the really deep lines and I’m turning 49 this year. If you’re lost get some help through a Mary Kay consultant, Estee Lauder, Avon or any number of companies designed to learn your skin before they suggest products. Don’t be the skin doctor. For all women of color, and men too, get into a skin care regement as soon as you can and you will see the benefits of your efforts within a relatively short period of time.

With clothing, as with all women and men, work from the premise of your profession, the company culture, your personality and where you live. If you live in California, Los Angeles is different from San Francisco and different from Sacremento. Because my Dad lives in Kansas, I visit often, and they don’t dress as we do in Southern California. Moreover, in the computer software industry many times the dress includes kakhis and polo shirts. But my financial advisor always shows up in a suit and is polished from head to toe. So consider where you live, your profession, and your company culture, when addressing your wardrobe selections. Build your wardrobe around the neutrals and then accent them with bright colors and interesting accessories if you’d like. As I say to all my clients, when you are going to work you are going outside your peer group to mainstream so you will have tone down if you’re into extremes.

When it comes to colors that work for individuals of color, colors at their full intensity are right. Not creams and yellows. If you like yellow put a navy shirt or scarf around your neck. Men, please don’t wear a cream or yellow shirt, white or black is great for you. Some other colors that work for you include red, semi-sweet chocolate brown, blueberry, chartreuse, burgundy, purple, taupe, gray, forest green and blue. Don’t wear pastels next to your skin. If you like a pink tie or for women a pink blazer, fine, but wear it with a white shirt next to your skin.

Regarding clothing styles, focus on the classics or versions of them, if you want to be in fashion. Most importantly, make sure they fit. If your shirt or blouse is pulling at the third button, it’s time to go up a size. Men, please make sure that your pants fit at the waist which is right about where your navel is and not 4 inches below. Furthermore, you don’t want your pants draging the floor. You are destroying your investment.

How about undergarments for men and women of color? First and formost don’t wear white. This is particularly important for females. Focus on various shades of beige from light to dark depending on your skin color. If you are very dark consider brown or black undergarments. Also make sure that your bras and underwear fit. To be measured properly for a bra, take the tape measurer and wrap it around right below the breast. This will give you your circumference – or the number in bra sizes. The next measurement should be around the breasts. The difference in these measurements gives you your cup size. For example, one inch difference is an A cup, 2 inches a B and so forth. If you are large go to a specialty shop such as Victoria’s Secret or a department store such as Macy’s to get measured and fitted with the right cup size. If you are large you will need a lot of support but with today’s technology you can get that and a pretty bra. Your underware should fit with no overhanging skin. Tight underwear shows through and is not a pleasant sight.

Hoisery for women of color can vary from suntan to browns to match the skin color. If you want to wear color, such as black or navy, focus on the ultra sheer variety. I would stay away from light colored hoisery but if you are, for example, wearing a winter white pant suit, put on some off-white textured knee highs. Otherwise veer away from lighter colors. If you must, however, again focus on ultra sheer varieties in mushroom and gray, not white.

The diversity in our culture and throughout the world gives us the opportunity to embrace differences. Many companies in the cosmetic and clothing business have recognized this and have created products for all women but most importantly, women of color.