Was it just yesterday I sat comparing myself to the list here and most particularly step 3:

DRESS LIKE YOU MEAN IT When it comes to office attire, "people who get comfortable in their jobs tend to dress comfy. That's a risk," says Jill Bremer, a corporate image consultant whose clients include Intel and Abbott Laboratories. A casual wardrobe signals a casual approach to work. Your best bet: Take a cue from your boss' attire.

Step 3 is not a revelation. I know you need to look professional to get ahead. All this week and in fact every week for awhile now, I've been sprucing it up with button-down shirts, conservative sweaters and lace-up shoes. A high proportion of Kenneth Cole.

But of course that's not what I chose to wear today. Today I reverted to what I've worn my first 3 years here: a print shirt featuring blue trees and one of the widest collars from the 70s; 501 jeans; red converse hi-tops.

Not exactly Execu-wear.

And what a day to choose to wear this. My Admin stopped by a few minutes ago: "There's cake in the conference room if you'd like some; it's to wish X a farewell." (X being one of the high-movers I've met with 'informationally' about my career and who is now leaving the company for another, even higher-moving opportunity.)

I went and wished him well--best to put in a face and a kind word at least. But all I thought was so much for presenting a management image.

*sigh*