Lynn Ong, 29, financial business analyst

Works with a multinational corporation; liaises with both colleagues in her company and peers from overseas offices during meetings and courses overseas offices during meetings and courses

Christina Ong:

"The black-and-white combo never fails to cut a classy look, especially on Asians with jet-black hair like Lynn's; so that's an 'A' for her.

This outfit is acceptable for everyday business interaction, but I would advise against it for a first-time meeting with top-brass as it doesn't gel with a global executive image. The sash around her neck coupled with the belt looks too fussy for work and does not suit her petite frame.

I'd make the sleeves longer by 6 to 8cm for a more polished look and add a richer-coloured lipstick to show a sense of assertiveness. Lynn has to balance her feminine looks with high-powered dressing to get ahead."

Joanne Lim:

"Although wearing black-and-white lends an air of formal business dressing, her jersey shirt dress is a little too casual for her job scope.

During meetings with external clients, she should wear formal business outfits such as a corporate suit. Seeing how she is dressed, she seems fashion-forward.

To express her personality and sense of style, she could jazz up a corporate suit by adding colour and style - pairing suits with vibrantly coloured tops and scarves, and accessorising with necklaces and brooches in polished metals."

Teo Ser Lee:

"Being only 29, she can experiment with more colours rather than sticking to monochromes. She looks a bit boxy: The scarf does not add much to the look and the belt also breaks up her body, making her appear shorter than she really is.

Since she is in a corporate environment, she should try skirt or pant suits, particularly jackets with hemlines that reach the waist or just above the hip to flatter her proportions.

Her handbag should not be slung over her shoulder as it creates width and emphasises her boxiness. She should pick out a hand-held bag in a soft, half-moon shape that ends at the knees - drawing attention to the smallest part of her legs."

Graham Perkins, 45, assistant director of "capability" development at a polytechnic

Doesn't teach, but is responsible for establishing industry contacts.

Works with external partners to create classroom and studio facilities for courses in new media, which includes websites, digital animation, podcasts, mobile phones and interactive television

Christina Ong:

"The classic white shirt is just too traditional and ordinary a piece on Graham.

First, fit. The shirt needs to go a size up or have a wider cut so as not to pull across his waistline. He seems tall and fairly well built, so why accentuate a modest tummy?

If Graham has the personality to carry off creative dressing, I would have him wear the collar a little more open. With his relaxed look, partially rolled-up sleeves would add a nice touch of ease to someone with the attitude to carry it off. A darker shade of indigo jeans would also set off his white shirt and create a distinct look."

Joanne Lim:

"There's a hip factor reminiscent of creative techno-guru Steve Jobs, chief executive of Apple. Working in new media, Graham can add vibrant colours to his wardrobe. When meeting potential new external partners, he can opt for a more formal look. Even in a corporate suit, he can still match it with a vibrantly coloured shirt."

Teo Ser Lee:

"If he were meeting students or involved in the setting up of facilities, this casual dressing is acceptable. However, if he were meeting external parties, he should at least put on a long-sleeved shirt, tailored pants, a pair of lace-up leather shoes or even a tie.

His glasses should not be hanging in front of the shirt and he might like to try on a more classic, formal watch to complete the look for his position as an assistant director."

PANEL OF IMAGE CONSULTANTS

Christina Ong, founder of Imageworks Asia

Joanne Lim, chief image coach of Image Success

Teo Ser Lee, founder and director of Protocol Academy

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