Women in the workplace use clothing to show their sense of style, but they also want to be taken seriously.

"Harvard University said it only takes two seconds to make a long lasting and very powerful and memorable first impression," says Sandy Dumont, an image consultant.

She worked with fundraiser Tarina Keene to create a power wardrobe makeover from items already in her closet – like a professional black suit and accessories.

“It is university studies that tell you professional make-up makes you come across as more powerful, more credible. You do want to consider wearing makeup to the office. I consider power accessories and lipstick the two most powerful things a woman can do," Dumont stresses.

Other powerful choices are big earrings, pins and necklaces and the right colors.

"80 percent-plus of people are having cool skin and look better in cool primary colors like jewel tones -- emerald green, ruby red, sapphire blue, black, white and navy blue," she notes.

After putting on a vibrant red jacket and changing her lipstick color, Tarina notices the difference.

“It sort of changes your image of yourself. You're whole persona changes, you make an impact and you have a lot higher credibility, you look like you have alot of self assurance,” she says.

Dumont says there are a lot of mistakes that are easy to avoid, especially when it comes to a woman’s bust line and hem line.

"It's just attention grabbing and it takes the attention from you and you don't look serious," Dumont adds, saying a good rule of thumb for skirt length is an inch above or below the knee.