It is true that there are a lot more pitfalls for women giving a presentation when it comes to their appearance. Like it or not, it is a reality that a man can spend two minutes shaving, 30 seconds combing his hair (if he has any), and then throw on a classically tailored suit and shirt that he’s had for seven years, and he is good to go. No audience will think twice about his appearance. But since there are infinitely more fashion choices for women—everything from clothes to jewelry to makeup—there are more judgments your audience, both women and men, will make.

Here are a few mistakes that often get female presenters into trouble:

Hair: Make sure you your hair doesn’t obscure your eyes or require touching when you are giving a presentation. If you constantly have to brush your hair back behind your ears while you speak, there is the very real problem that this can seem sexually alluring to some in your audience. If nothing else, it can be distracting and seem unprofessional. While there are certain chic hairstyles that have the bangs going over the eyebrows and touching the eyes, this can be very distracting for audience members if they can’t see your eyes; so try to wear a hairstyle that doesn’t get in your way.

Sex appeal: While showing cleavage and leg is almost always a surefire way to get attention, this is likely to detract from attention to the ideas in your presentation. For most women in most industries most of the time, it is better to strive to be attractive without overtly showcasing sex appeal.

Shoes: By all means, wear shoes that you like and are proud of. However, if you are giving a presentation that requires you to stand—especially for longer than five minutes—make sure you are wearing shoes that are comfortable (or at least don’t cause enough pain to make you wince). And whatever you do, don’t wear a brand new pair of shoes for the first time during a walking or standing presentation.

Makeup: Try to be understated here. Makeup that might be considered normal or appropriate in Los Angeles, Miami, or New York City might be considered way too much if you are giving a breakfast presentation to a commodities trade group in Kansas City. Additionally, if you wear bright lipstick or blush on your cheeks and you are being projected on a video screen while speaking at a large conference hall, the camera and lights can make your makeup appear even more prominent—even cartoonish.

Jewelry: Big earrings and big/multiple bracelets will attract lots of attention; so if that’s what you want, fine. Otherwise, wear smaller and less jewelry than usual—unless, of course, you are a jewelry designer and want to attract attention to designs.

This article was taken from my new book “How to Give a Pretty Good Presentation” You can order a copy from Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Borders, Books-A-Million or from your local bookstore.