"Don't judge me by my looks, judge me by my competence," we all insist. Unfortunately, we DO judge a book by its cover, and even more so today in this fast-paced world. If you have a state-of-the-art appearance, it will be assumed that you have credentials to match. However, if a single element of your image is dated or if you look "average," it will be assumed that your products or services are dated or ordinary.

Here are ten tips that will enable you to have a dynamic image, so that you can outclass the competition and get on the fast track to success.

1. Get an up-to-date hairdo.
A dated hairdo can undermine an otherwise great look. It is the number one "image destroyer" of most American women. The most polished and professional hairdos are European looks that are straighter, like Katie Couric's new hairdo. Forget bangs that curl under; if you do have bangs you want stylized straight ones like Laura Bush. If you have curly hair, get a precision cut so it doesn't look sloppy. Forget Barbie-doll flips and shags - both appear unkempt. Pageboys look passé, but can be updated with "pointy layering" (a la Couric) so that your hair hugs the face and frames it softly.

2. Wear solid colors.
Solid colors look more professional than patterns and they're more versatile. Large patterns also add pounds. Small patterns, however, do not slim; and they are less powerful and versatile. Save them for blouses.

3. Wear authoritative colors at "power events."
The darker the color, the higher the authority. Black, navy blue and dark charcoal grey are classic business colors because they convey authority. Black is a very complex color and can impart many messages, some negative. Navy blue, on the other hand, is not complex. It suggests authority and "trust," an attribute of blue. That is why it is the "uniform" of business executives as well as policemen.

4. Learn how to wear black successfully.
Black is the darkest color that exists, and thus, the most powerful. That is why it can look severe or intimidating in the hands of amateurs. Black is an excellent color choice for women whose voices and stature are noticeably "weaker" than their male counterparts. Black levels the playing ground. To wear black successfully, you must avoid looking severe, threatening or stand-offish. Lipstick accomplishes this. Here's why: the face is the focal point, and when black is worn without lipstick, the garment takes over. "Colorful" lips subtly catch the eye's attention, giving a pleasant subconscious reaction, while technically insuring that the face remains the focal point. Just as one candle "defeats" darkness, black is defeated by the introduction of color. Pink-family colors (orchid, fuchsia, cherry red) are the most effect for softening black. If black still looks stark, add bold earrings or pin. (See No. 9 below).

20 Somethings: If you have worn pale lipstick or gloss most of your life, black is likely to "wear you." To wear black successfully, switch from brown-toned lipstick to a soft orchid tone (Lancôme's Champagne; Cover Girl's Midnight Mauve). It usually takes an entire week to get used to seeing yourself with lipstick. It takes only a day to start getting compliments.

50 Somethings: Black can easily be ageing with "red" lipstick. Unless you have dark hair and olive skin or darker, avoid burgundy, bright red and orange lipstick. The best colors for you are fuchsia, magenta or cherry red.

5. Avoid pastels and grunge colors.
Unfortunately, pastels convey passivity, timidity, sweetness and fragility; traits that are not conducive to leadership and authority. Pastels also cause fair-skinned women to disappear into their clothing and look invisible. Grunge colors make most people look dreary. They also easily suggest "country weekend" instead of "office."

6. Wear bold colors.
Bold colors (including black, navy, red, magenta, cobalt and royal blue) give a confident, dynamic look.

Some vivid colors are classy and some are flashy; learn to make the distinction. In general, "brash" colors such as orange and lime are flashy; while magenta and racing green are classy. Here's the rule: Jewel tones are classy; food colors are brassy. You want to stand out and be remembered, but not for the wrong thing.

50 Somethings: Women in authority must avoid "shrieking" colors and a high-pitched (shrieking) voice when upset. Years of teaching assertiveness training has yielded evidence that men tune out women's voices when they become high-pitched and excited; plus they immediately relegate them to a negative category. Lower the voice, speak slowly and limit "brash" colors so that you are not perceived negatively.

7. Avoid blazer jackets.
Choose jackets with a distinctive look to appear worldlier. Blazer jackets look too much like a copy of "daddy's jacket," so they appear unimaginative. The only exception is when they are in a bold color or have high-fashion tailoring, so that they look more distinctive. Here's the rule: choose jackets in a style that no man would ever wear!

20 Somethings: avoid wearing your suit with lace-trimmed lingerie-style tops; they too suggestive for the office and will decrease your credibility.

8. Wear Accessories.
Accessories make you look more professional and experienced. Bold earrings add power, but make sure they hug the face so they don't get noticed more than you. Earrings must never jangle. Bold pins soften severe colors and add power. Belts give pants and skirts a finished look.

20 Somethings: avoid jangly earrings and giant hoops; they shout "teenager." 40 Somethings (and older): avoid scarves, because they suggest "ladies lunch" and "bridge game" instead of board room.

50 Somethings: avoid scarves (see above) and pearls. Single-strand pearls easily suggest primness and reserve. Avoid round or oval clip earrings, as they easily look severe or matronly.

9. Keep shoes simple.
Something is wrong if others feel compelled to look at your feet. Plain pumps are best. Wide feet look slimmer in a low-cut shoe; narrow feet are better in a high vamp. Never, ever wear pant shoes with a high tongue with skirts. They make the feet look large and clumsy, and it will suggest that you are clumsy. Avoid high contrast between feet and clothes (light shoes, dark suit, for example), as it will draw attention to the feet.

20 Somethings: Avoid shoes that suggest "teenager," such as flip-flops (even fancy ones), and sandal-style shoes. Strappy 3-inch heels may be very "in" in Hollywood and NYC, but you will look more professional and businesslike in "big city" plain pumps.

10. Avoid long skirts.
Mid-calf skirts look matronly, except with boots. Long skirts form a hard straight line and give a restricted, weighted down appearance.

The way you look shouldn't matter, but it does. It is possible to dress "deliberately" so that you influence the reaction that others have to you. To dress randomly is tantamount to playing Russian roulette with your career.

Sandy Dumont is Executive Director of the Impression Strategies Institute and is a pioneer in the field of image psychology and impression management. She has worked with Fortune 500 companies in Europe and the US for more than 25 years. She is the author of four e-books and two DVDs on the subject of image and writes five monthly columns on the subject. Get a free e-book, TATTLETALE LOOKS, on her website: http://www.theimagearchitect.com/