Playing dress ups - is it good for business?

Then we drove out to DFO - my first experience. My friend suggested Cotton On as the place to purchase some white shorts. $2 later, we were the proud owners of a pair of white shorts that looked pretty smart if you ask me.

Then it was off to Richmond to buy a white colared shirt. We decided a man's shirt would be appropriate, so we headed to Dimmeys. $9 later, we were the estatic owners of a white cotton business shirt.

I owned a pair of shoes that were appropriate after purchasing them one day when I was in Paris walking around for hours in 30 degree heat in a pair of designer high heels. They haven't had an outing since mind you.

We also decided to lash out and buy $10 Rayban Aviator copies, so that we didn't leave our good sunglasses on a table, in a bar or in a taxi.

And there we had it. An outfit that was fitting for a nautical party. We walked in and the scene was set. We were in party mode. The celebration was ready to begin.

At work, playing dress ups can be a little more difficult. It is all about understanding your audience and dressing the part. Knowing when to be conservative and when to be a bit edgy. We are all performing everyday of our lives to different audiences. It can be a deal breaker if we don't perform or dress in the appropriate manner. Do you have any disasters that have killed a deal in your business? Please share.

Mellissah Smith, in Atlanta.