Looking Your Best

Someone who interviewed me by phone recently for an article thought I was a twentysomething business professional with high heels, gray tailored suit and manicured nails.-Not! But I was flattered just the same. And our subsequent e-mail conversation led to greater development of an article idea she had. I hope she was able to sell it.

I know I don't look like everyone else, and I'm definitely not model or movie star material. My hair has been slowly turning gray since my thirties. (I grew out of the ponytail look with an outfit-complementing scrunchi or scarf. Those four years were fun, because I had never had long hair enough to do that.) I struggle mightily with weight loss, and I dream of hats, jewelry and shopping at Nordstrom. Some pairs of shoes are beautiful, but alas, my feet won't ever fit them because of my disability. Lace-ups it always has been…but I make sure they are polished.

People with disabilities can look attractive and professional. Men and women who have disabilities have unique challenges when it comes to dressing for success. Obviously I'm speaking to women here.

Especially if you are sitting down all day, clothing has to be comfortable, not too tight, restrictive or cumbersome, especially when transferring to different seating surfaces. It's okay to find a tailor to alter items if necessary. Make choices that fit the corporate culture. A suit is professional code, but a suit jacket will do fine if the pants don't fit. Black and white is classic, but you can accessorize with colors of your choice. Browns, creams, reds and any solid jewel tones will also work. Gray is considered professional too. I just never liked it. I read an article long ago about color analysis. If the reader was drawn to the gray circle, that meant they were scared of the outside world. Give me red or purple any day-the colors of leadership and royalty! (I'm also a tie-dye fan, but except for a summer wrap that accents certain outfits, it's inappropriate for work.)

Be mindful of buttons. Those too small or in odd shapes can be difficult to handle. Jewelry should be conservative, and match each other and the outfit. Long necklaces, or those without clasps, might work best, but magnetized chains may get caught on your wheelchair and break. Many people find stretch band watches more convenient for the sake of independence. I've had beautiful bracelets, some handmade, some not. But I've been rough on them in the course of a day, so I stopped wearing them. It's fine to wear hats, but just not on job interviews or when representing your organization.

And the manicured nails? Some people just aren't suited to nail salons. You can cut your nails with a mounted one-handed nail clipper, and polish them yourself or with assistance in the color of your choice. Use makeup that is appropriate and that you feel your best in. If eye shadow or mascara is difficult to apply, don't go there. Although you may have favorite perfumes, go easy or don't wear any. (This also goes for men who use favorite strong colognes or aftershave.) Your co-workers may have chemical sensitivities, allergies or asthma. Be considerate.

But going around with head held high and shoulders back, with a warm and enthusiastic smile and manner with everyone, also gets you noticed and remembered.