Design fashion game girl

Work it! These eight powerful women are at the top of their game—and know how to dress the part

LITA CUNNINGHAM (left)

Occupation: Human-resources executive, AOL Time Warner, Time Inc. Division. "I provide human-resources support for Fortune, Business 2.0 and Money, as well as the Time Inc. Corporate Sales and Marketing division."

How she got her start: "My college professors encouraged me to pursue a job that would use my people and business skills. In my senior year at the University of Virginia, I negotiated a position in human resources as a college recruiter and have been in this field ever since."

Personal style: "My clothes are part of my `personal marketing campaign'--to advertise myself to the world. I'm obsessed with fit, and details are important."

Job advice: "Everything changes--your profession, your life. You have to anticipate it, accept it and create a plan to reinvent your role and yourself."

Cotton blouse, Gianfranco Ferre Studio. Wool-rayon high-waist wrap skirt, Jean Paul Gaultier. Wool cable-knit cardigan sweater, Roberto Cavalli. Necklace, Agatha, Pin, Edidi. Ring, Lita's own. For details, see Where to Buy.

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MARVET BRITTO

Occupation: President and CEO, The Britto Agency, a full-service entertainment- and sports-publicity, event-design and marketing firm. "I work with diverse A-list clients--from Angela Bassett to Motorola to basketball star Cuttino Mobley--and have to stay abreast of new technologies, trends and fashion."

How she got her start: "I fine-tuned my skills and immersed myself in anything related to publicity. I learned to be tenacious and dedicated, even if the job was less than glorious."

Personal style: "A typical day means going from the office to photo shoots to executive meetings to evening social events, therefore anything I wear has to transition seamlessly."

Job advice: "Whatever area you choose, gain a deep working knowledge of the field--live it, eat it, breathe it!"

Distressed-leather jacket and wool-blend blouse, Roberto Cavalli. Wool skirt with seamed back, Paul Smith Women. Handbag, JoJo. Hosiery, Fogal. For details, see Where to Buy.

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DEIDRE SMALLS (left)

Occupation: Advertising group-management supervisor, Grey Worldwide. "I supervise account managers and manage media budgets ranging from $50 million to $100 million."

What she loves about the work: "Creating advertising that gets consumers talking, drives them to the store and gets them to buy."

Personal style: "Working on a beauty account lets me be very free-spirited in how I dress. It's perfect for a trendy, nonconformist industry."

Job advice: "Don't be afraid to be a Black woman in charge. People respect confidence and passion."

Cashmere sweater and wool-blend skirt, Anne Klein. Hat, Isadora Story at Bluefly.com. Silk flower pin (worn on hat), Elizabeth Gillett Ltd. Handbag and gloves, Roberto Cavalli. For details, see Where to Buy.

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ELLA L.J. EDMONDSON BELL

Occupation: Associate professor (Ph.D.), Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, consultant and coauthor of Our Separate Ways: Black and White Women and the Struggle for Professional Identity (Harvard Business School Press).

How she got her start: "My niche is understanding race, gender and class in organizations."

Personal style: "Flowing clothes with ethnic flair. We should wear clothes that allow the God in us to come through. And who can do that better than a Black woman?"

Job advice: "Find your passion, and don't let anyone deter you."

Alpaca rib-knit dress, leather belt and cotton shrug, Elm Design. Earrings, Roberta Chiarella. For details, see Where to Buy.

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JERRI DEVARD

Occupation: Chief marketing executive, Citibank

How she got her start: "With an M.B.A. in marketing from Clark Atlanta University, I've worked in many industries, from sports and entertainment marketing to cosmetics, and now financial services."

Personal style: "It runs the gamut, from business casual to traditional corporate dress. It depends on the day's agenda."

Job advice: "Know what you do well. Place yourself in a fertile environment so your contributions can flourish."

Double-face wool-crepe jacket and trousers, Linda Allard for Ellen Tracy. Wool sweater, Ann Taylor. Earrings, Ex Ovo at Fragments. See Where to Buy.

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EULA MARIE SMITH (right)

Occupation: Owner of EMS, a fashion-consulting service. "I help my retail clients open up stores by doing everything from finding locations to setting up budgets, training staff and planning events."

How she got her start: "My first job was as a department manager at Nordstrom, and I moved up through the ranks from buyer to store manager to merchandise manager."

Personal style: "Casual chic, with great accessories. Long-lasting style and comfort are important, so I look for clothes I'll wear season after season."

Job advice: "Get out and knock on every door until the right one opens."

Wool-tulle sweaterdress, Plein Sud Jeans, and pants, Plein Sud. Knit capelet, Plein Sud Jeans. Shearling messenger bag, Celine. Bangles, M+J Savitt. For details, see Where to Buy.

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ANDREA MOLETTE-MOORE

Occupation: Group brand media manager, Coca-Cola North America

How she got her start: "At law school I realized I didn't want to work in the field. After graduation I began in advertising as a media buyer-planner for Leo Burnett. I later joined Coca-Cola. My law background gave me communications and negotiation skills--invaluable in the media industry."

Personal style: "I dress a step above business casual, so I'm prepared for a last-minute meeting or dinner."

Job advice: "Don't be shy; share your ideas."

Wool jacket, Megan Park. Cashmere sweater, TSE. Stretch-wool skirt, M. Missoni. Mohair-blend wrap, Glenn Prince. Earrings, Roberta Chiarella. Belt, Marcelle Danan. Hosiery, Wolford. Boots, Stuart Weitzman. For details, see Where to Buy.

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ESI JOHARI EGGLESTON (right)

Occupation: Marketing director, Cover Girl Cosmetics

Best career moves: "I'm one of the youngest Black women to be promoted to marketing director at Cover Girl. I've created new brand ideas and have helped bring in such models as Queen Latifah, Patricia Velasquez and Kiara."

Personal style: "I look for pieces to mix and match that I don't think I'll see everywhere."

Job advice: "Former business associates are great career resources."

Mohair-jersey top and asymmetrical skirt, Plein Sud. Earrings, Roberta Chiarella. Basket-weave shawl, Bajra at Sola. Paisley-print shawl and hat, Helen Welsh. Tote bag, Isabella Fiore. For details, see Where to Buy.

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