Cindy McFarlane, owner of White Radish Design, a website design firm in Sarasota, used to work from home in jeans and T-shirts. But business took off, requiring her to see clients all around the country and to find a new wardrobe.

CINDY’S GOAL:  “To get out of the jeans and flops and into something comfortable yet appropriate for meeting clients. I want to stand out, but not in a bad way.”

JACKIE’S APPROACH: “I wanted to give Cindy a balanced, sophisticated look. Dressing in one color visually adds height to an overall look, so I selected a solid color jacket and skirt in a knit fabric with vertical seaming that added structure and skimmed her curves. I accented the suit with a red silk camisole for simplicity and a healthy dose of color; plus, it creates a vertical line breaking up the solid black. I love the way this jacket closure allows you to see the camisole underneath. I kept the jewelry at her neck light and airy and gave her drop earrings with gold accents to add a little brightness near the face. Cindy is 5-foot, 3-inches, so a high heel was a must, and this nude sling back elongated the leg line, visually adding inches, while the touch of black patent leather across the toe pulled it all together.”

CINDY’S TAKE: “I felt surprisingly comfortable and confident, like a real businessperson, and I still feel like I look creative. It’s amazing what the right cut can do to change your attitude about a traditional suit.”

Where to buy

Jacket, $129, skirt, $79, camisole, $49, earrings, $22, necklace, $20, ring, $35, all from Chico’s; peep-toe sling back shoes, $32.99, Marc Fisher, from TJMaxx.

Story and Styling by Jackie Rogers

Hair by Michelle Bell of Fresh Salon and Spa

Make-Up by Brooke Cupp of Fresh Salon and Spa

Photography by Alex Stafford