Q: I am a dentist, re-entering the workplace after 10 years, and I believe my quite simple look needs improvement. My daily uniform is a knit blouse, slacks, comfortable shoes, solitaire earrings and a necklace, all under a basic white coat. My hair is haphazardly pulled up in a French twist, and I wear little makeup. By the end of the day, after wearing glasses and masks and getting splattered on, I look like a mess. How can I use fashion, makeup and a mid-day commitment to resurrect myself?

Glenn Tunstull

—J.H., Southern California.

A: It's obvious that you're ready to break out your inner fashionista. You just need to strike the right balance—let's call it business-meets-glamour—in your dentist office.

You could splurge on a personal stylist or image consultant to lead your makeover. But I really think you can get on your mark with the free-of-charge personal shoppers and stylists who work at stores from J. Crew to Anthropologie, as well as the big department-store chains. I keep recommending them because these fashion pros can do wonders to steer you to the current looks while staying within your budget and comfort zone.

So, doctor, how about: a red sweater with a trendy leopard-print belt over black knit pants or a black A-line skirt—peeking out under your white lab coat? Polish your look with low-heeled, black patent pumps and black tights. Now, you don't have to worry about wrinkles or soil by 3:30 p.m. And if you love jewelry, try dangling earrings—ones that don't get in your way—for a daily flourish.

Here's a must-do for you: an updated, layered haircut that's still long enough to put up in your trusty French twist—and perhaps a warmer shade with highlights. Makeup pros at the beauty counter can teach you all the tricks to help you can get through the day with minimal fluffing, such as switching to long-wearing lipstick, zapping shine with blotting tissues and using invisible mineral powder for fast touch-ups.

—Email questions to askteri@wsj.com