SEXILY-DRESSED businesswomen are doing themselves harm, according to a study published in the this month's issue of Psychology of Women Quarterly.

The study shows that "sexy self-presentation" such as high heels, a tight skirt and low-cut blouse has a negative effect - but this is limited only to women of high-status positions.

Sexy dressing was viewed as inappropriate for both managers and receptionists, but it was only the managers that evoked hostile emotions and were deemed less intelligent.

The authors state: "A female manager whose appearance emphasised her sexiness elicited less positive emotions, more negative emotions, and perceptions of less competence on a subjective rating scale and less intelligence on an objective scale."

Male and female participants were shown a video of a businesswoman discussing her general background and hobbies.

The scripts and actress remained the same, but her outfit and job changed.

The sexiness manipulation had no effect on judgments of or emotions toward the receptionist, yet the sexy manager was viewed as less competent as compared to her neutrally attired/more typically professionally dressed counterpart (wearing flat shoes, slacks, and a turtleneck).

The report states: "Although various media directed toward women ...encourage women to emphasise their sex appeal, our results suggest that women in high status occupations may have to resist this siren call to obtain the respect of their co-workers."

Monica Garrity, managing director of Letters Of Distinction letting agency in Tadcaster Road, York, and former president of the York branch of the Business And Professional Women organisation, agreed with the report.

She said: "Low-cut dresses go too far. So do frumpy clothes. A balance has to be struck between presenting yourself as womanly and at the same time as someone who has a modern, efficient persona who knows they are talking about. Sensibly sexy, if you like."

Updated: 11:01 Thursday, December 01, 2005