Now contrast Keith's "yin" features to those of rugged actor Ian "yang" McShane,  posted on the right. There's dramatic contrast between his hair (dark) and skin tone (lighter). This coloring contrast visually ups his power quotient, which can be good (the dude looks commanding) or bad (not perhaps the guy I'd approach on a street for directions). Moreover, his angular features reinforce his overall look of strength/power.

 Let's use the same principle with two of my favorite actresses, Reece Witherspoon and Anjelica Huston. The former looks more quietly angelic (lighter coloring with little contrast between skin, hair, and eyes) while the latter strikingly commanding (strong hair/skin contrast and angular features). Both women are lovely. Both achieve attention through beauty. My point here is to encourage you to assess your own personal coloring. What messages are sent?

7. Hairstyles talk. On top of your head, on the side of your head, or growing out of your head, hairstyles are a primary nonverbal cue.  Hair can communicate relaxation, business, or nonchalance.  We learned in Power Dressing: Part I that straight lines convey power and curved lines express approachability.

Here's actress Diane Lane, whose luminosity radiates any screen. Would you agree that her hairstyle to the left is softer, friendlier? It features more curves in contrast to the more angular, straight-line cut to the right.  I make no value judgments on these cuts; rather; I encourage discernment and application.

Let's take me. When I'm working/teaching/presenting, I wear my hair pulled straight off my face in a high ponytail. Here I do so in my CNN Anderson Cooper appearance.  Why?  I don't want errant hair strays falling in my face, requiring me to continually push back with my hand (visual distraction).  Worn this way, my hair appears darker straight-on (powerful) and suggests I mean business. But turn this same hairstyle to the side and the soft curve of my high ponytail softens my look. It's possible, then, to have elements of both strength and softness in the same cut.

In contrast, my Psychology Today profile picture shows my hair curved around my cheek bones, lending me an air of softness and approachability.  I've heard students comment I look "younger" and "more approachable" with this style.  "Professor Luccioni, we like you with your hair down.  You actually look....pretty," many voice with no small degree of surprise.  Hey, thank you, beloved UC scholars.  Pop quiz time.  

8.  Shoes matter.  Ever see a movie that began well, proceeded well, and ended with a disappointing thud?  Ever see a person well-coiffed, well-dressed, and then poorly shod? In power situations, don't be that person.

Black Shoe Walking:  For Men

Pictured below are shoes that generally communicate power.  Black color, stiff fabric, and occasional straight line.  While the hue may be shared, the unique styles change perception.

The most powerful men's shoe is a leather wing-tip with a slim sole.  Often worn by bankers and lawyers, they present the most formal image.

An Oxford cap-toe lace-up is close behind.  The horizontal line across the shoe top visually shortens perception of foot length, a wise choice for the man with long feet.

I'm often asked my thoughts on tasseled loafers.  The leather (stiff material) gives them authority, as does the darker color.  But tassels themselves lend a more informal touch, which makes them a great selection for business casual day or occupations that require relaxed relational connection (school counselor or college professor, for example).

Black Shoe Walking:  For Women

What's a powerful woman's shoe? Context is always a factor.  What's powerful in New York is too much in Dallas or Miami.  What's polished in formal cultures is boring in creative industry.  From a pure design element, darker colors, stiff fabric, straight lines, smooth texture, and covered toes and heels promote authority.

Because our emphasis today is "dressing for power", I'd recommend a closed-heel, closed-toe pump. It's the most formal, professional look. I'm no kill-joy, however. I think you can safely wear a higher heel (2-3 inches) provided there's no spike on the tip. One good option is a "stacked heel", a feature I love. Stacked heels look polished enough, but their very design offers foot comfort.

The left shoe is a must-have for many women. Both conservative and fashion-forward occupations could safely wear, although creative types might simultaneously demonstrate visual flair through unique color combinations or dramatic jewelry pieces.  You'll again note the horizontal line across the shoe top; this "cap-toe" feature makes a longer foot appear shorter.  Seek this feature to shorten foot length.

This next shoe is similar in design and color, but has the "peep toe" which allows others to view a woman's toe (or toes). Toes are a lovely body part designed by God, but I think we'd agree toes aren't a power statement. I'm not saying don't wear them; I'm pointing out that many people (especially men) view "toe cleavage" as sexy.

I read some years back that news anchor Diane Sawyer was more likely to wear a sling-back pump (displaying heels) than a peep-toe pump (displaying toes) for evening events. Perhaps Diane might prefer the black shoe to the left, sans the Mary-Jane strap?

And for those of you who claim romantic fashion personalities, here's a black closed-heel, closed-toe pump that covers the skin but boasts a bow that reflects your feminine style of dress. 

Black Shoe Walking:  For Both Men & Women: