Do clothes make the woman?

Have you ever pondered a purchase and told yourself, "Sure, these shoes (skirt, pants, jacket) are expensive, but they're an investment."

Clothes are a kick, but are they really a factor in getting that next promotion or that better job? Can you get as far in your career wearing, say, K-mart as you can wearing Nordstrom? We asked some image consultants and others who earn their living advising women about attire:

Q. Is there a direct payoff in how your bosses view you, if you splurge on the higher-end brands?

A . To a point. "A few pairs of better-quality slacks and a jacket make you appear better paid and someone who can aspire to a (higher) position," says image consultant Ellen York of Women's Image Institute in Seattle.

But size and color matter most to the experts — a too-small designer outfit in the wrong color would rate lower than something cheaper in the right proportion and color for you, several say.

Q. Does a woman's physical appearance enter into this equation?

A . The blunt truth is — yes. Several experts note that weight discrimination is unfair, but real. However, when heavier women wear higher-quality garments and are super well-groomed (e.g., a perfect manicure), that goes a way to counteracting that prejudice.

Information

www.dressingwell.com —

Image consultant Mary Lou Andre's site, with tip and links.

www.womensimageinstitute.com —

The Seattle consultants' site.

Q. How do I build a dress-to-impress wardrobe without going broke?

A. First, try on everything in your closet and be ruthlessly honest, says image consultant and author Mary Lou Andre. "Be conscious of hemlines, overall fit and necklines. Your closet should be 80 percent work attire."

A complete, basic wardrobe, the consultants say, can be put together for $1,000 or less.

"We can do a lot with $500," suggests Andre, author of "Ready to Wear: An Expert's Guide to Choosing and Using Your Wardrobe." Her top priority is a black pantsuit. Her suggestions for sources: Ann Taylor, Macy's, the Worthington line at JC Penney and consignment stores. For accessories, she says, consider discount chains such as Marshalls and T.J. Maxx.

If you consignment shop and find sales, you can assemble a complete wardrobe for under $1,000, including four bottoms, four jackets and 10 tops in two color groups, plus raincoat, neutral shoes that go with all pieces, and accessories, adds Nicole Mertes of Women's Image Institute.

Fill in wardrobe holes piece by piece. "Buy something once a month," suggests York.

Q. What if I'm taking a new, higher-level job and need to step up my wardrobe in one fell swoop. Isn't this what credit cards are for?

A. No! Don't go into credit-card debt, say the image consultants. "The debt and interest can eat you alive," says York. Instead, she suggests, upgrade a wardrobe with $100-$200 per month.

Q. Is a briefcase a requisite item for professional women?

A. "No briefcases here — I don't see them anymore," says Maggie Tsang, owner of Maggie's Shoes in Pike Place Market. "One or two purses, classics that never go out of style, are better."