Catherine Ferrar, client service coordinator with Stronger Moving & Delivery Service, is responsible for business development, marketing and administrative functions, as well as caring for daughters, Gloria, two, and Natalia, two months, in the office. This multitasking mom, trapped in college-age fashion, needs a more professional style.

CATHERINE’S GOAL: “I want something that looks polished and professional so people see me more as an accomplished woman, not a college kid.”

JACKIE’S TAKE: “I wanted to give Catherine a sophisticated look that was quick and easy to pull together. Her role requires meeting clients as well as attending networking events, so with two little ones it’s all about ease. Dresses are the perfect fit for a busy schedule since they are a complete outfit—no thinking required, just add shoes, jewelry and you’re out the door. Catherine is petite; my goal is to visually create height and a long, lean look. The straighter cut of the dress and empire waist work beautifully on Catherine and instantly add height. Keeping the dress in one color also adds to the effect of a longer look; plus, this color is great with Catherine’s skin tone. The knit fabric is durable, comfy and hugs her figure perfectly. I added a long pendant to create another vertical line and paired it with simple earrings and bangles to keep the look clean and crisp.”

CATHERINE’S TAKE: “Wow!  What a difference clothes can make, not only in the look, but how I felt. My dressed-up college-kid feeling was gone, which is good, considering I’ve been out of college for almost a decade!”

Story and Styling by Jackie Rogers

Hair by Richard Pizzuto of Fresh Salon and Spa

Makeup byBrooke Cupp of Fresh Salon and Spa

Photography by Alex Stafford

Where to buy

Dress, $129, Talbot’s; Ralph Lauren earrings, $32, Kenneth Cole bangles, $48, both from Macy’s; pendant necklace, $14.99, Ann Taylor; shoes her own.