Fall is here! Which means that unless all your presentations are given from a computer in your basement, it’s time to take a critical look at your presentation wardrobe. Like it or not, your audience will judge you instantly by how you look so don’t risk blowing the deal because you aren’t in clothes that look and feel powerful. It’s easier and less expensive than you think, says Sandy Dumont, a corporate image consultant with more than 25 years experience and founder of The Image Architect. Dumont advises professionals to keep “the basics” in their closets at all times and build their wardrobes around them. Here’s how:

For women: Keep a basic black skirt and black pants in your closet and build around it. “You can wear the black every day and then the only updating you need to do is on the top with styles that are more current,” she says. Right now, for instance, Dumont says a cadet-style fitted jacket is popular, so you could pair a fitted jacket with the skirt or pants and look very current and stylish. And keep your eye out for red. Dumont says red is “a really good color this year and will go with the black skirt and pants.” Resist the round-toed shoe trend because it can make your feet look clunky and “peasant-like.” Instead, stick with pointed toes, which she says will make you look “elegant and aristocratic.”

For men: Build your wardrobe around the basic navy blue suit. “If you’re calling on clients, navy is the safest, most professional color you can wear,” says Dumont. If you need more than one suit to get through the week, don’t feel like you need a second color for variety – get a second navy suit. Maybe you could have one pinstripe suit and one plain, or one double-breasted and one single. Either way, stick with navy, then change your shirt and tie to change your appearance. “The tie must dominate,” says Dumont. “It must say: I’m energetic and powerful.” To communicate that message, pick bold ties in strong shades of red, plum, yellow, or gold. And stick with small, repeating patterns. “The bigger the tie pattern, the more the tie wears you,” she cautions. Avoid ties in earth tones or in pastel colors. While baby pink and baby blue ties are “in” right now, you’ll lose your power with them; people will subconsciously perceive you as weaker than you are.

For heavier frames: If you’re the least bit overweight, Dumont advises sticking with a solid color from head to toe. “You’ll look more elongated,” she explains. “People won’t notice you only wear solid-colored pantsuits; they’ll notice nothing. But if you put on a flowered skirt and jacket or anything with two different tones, they’ll notice you’re a big person.” Men, again, should stick with navy but avoid stripes and double-breasted suits. Woman should stick with black or navy and avoid big jewelry or scarves that hang down. “You want attention being pulled up to the face,” she says.

Now you’re ready to dress powerfully and professionally every time, for every presentation. But there’s one last piece of advice Dumont wants to leave with you: before heading out the door, look in the mirror. Does anything stick out? Is your attention instantly drawn to an item, such as your big earrings or the repeating Mickey Mouse figures on your tie? If so, change it. You want the attention on you, not on Mickey.

Want to learn more? Dumont offers a free book and image course on her Web site, http://www.theimagearchitect.com/.