MANILA, Philippines ? In this Inquirer Lifestyle exclusive, we asked real-estate mavericks Camille Villar and Divine Lee what they would wear when closing a business deal.

Rustan?s lent a hand by showing some of its very strong ready-to-wear pieces.

Everyone knows fashion is a strong suit when you?re giving your clients the lowdown on a make-or-break transaction. How you look and project yourself is what gives clients the feeling of trust and the ease enough to make them sign on the dotted line.

Here are simple but standout options to help you send across those useful style signals when pursuing an all-important contract.

Divine Lee
Vice president of sales and marketing, Globe Asiatique

Camille Villar
Head of corporate communications, Vista Land

What will you wear and why when opening a deal? Where would you most likely choose to meet your client?

DL: I?d usually wear something neutral or classic. A basic black or earth-tone dress with killer heels and simple accessories to be exact. Confidence and attitude are always my strongest statement piece.

If opening a deal is like your engagement party, closing the deal is your wedding. I prefer clothes that make me feel confident. Like your wedding day, it?s the day. I?m dressed to conquer it. Power dressing to the max when it comes to this one. A good structured dress or fierce pantsuit paired with pearls and sky-high pumps (which is my standard piece).

When meeting a client for the first time, I?d like to wear something that leaves a proper impression. A crisp white shirt and pants that fit well never fail. I also gravitate toward simple jewelry like pearls, killer heels, and a roomy bag that will fit all my files and gadgets. When dressing for work, I like to keep it simple but smart. I prefer pieces that are timeless but distinct.

When meeting clients for the first time, I?d like to keep it casual by meeting them at a coffee shop near one of our developments, perhaps. I love coffee and afterwards, they can see our projects and see what we?re about.

CV: I?m always in dresses because they?re easy to wear and easy to transform from day to night. So when I close a deal, I?d probably opt to wear a wrap dress in a neutral hue with my high heels, of course, and a bag that makes a statement. I always gravitate toward clean, simple, but flattering silhouettes in basic colors like black, white, beige and red.

I guess when I?m at work, I try not to look too contrived or take my outfits too seriously because there are other things to worry about. But you should always look put-together and professional.

In your line of business, how do customers react to this recession? What is hot in the market at the moment? (high-end, mid-priced or low-cost?)

DL: We cater most to middle and economical housing. I refuse to call it low-cost because low-cost is often mistaken for low-quality and that is never the case since we always make sure we make houses we?d be proud to live in.

As for the recession, it mostly affected the customer confidence in our international sales where they feel more of the recession.

Fortunately, the whole recession didn?t really affect our sales directly. In fact, we launch our biggest township, Xevera Bacolor with 4,000 houses, during the height of the recession and managed to sell everything in four months. Boasting aside, we believe in over-delivering. The project sells itself the minute they walk in.

CV: In Vista Land, the holding company of Camella Homes, Crown Asia and Brittany?we are lucky that we have such a diverse range of products that caters to every segment, from affordable, mid-income to high-end so we are not as affected by the recession.

There has always been a steady demand for homes. What I did notice, however, is that the buyers are now wiser and more discerning than they were. Regardless of whether they are buying a small house or a luxurious apartment, they really search for true value for their money. They want to make sure they get the most out their investment.

Some tips on buying real estate? What are the basic things to look at first?

DL: Be sure to always go to a developer with a good track record. Find out all the costs involve. Read your contract. Match with your finances and lifestyle.

The best advice would always be from the unit owners. Try to talk to them or ask. They would tell you if they are happy with their purchase. Check all the facilities.

Since closing a deal means the beginning of a long working relationship, I?d probably meet my client at our office in Lakefront, Sucat so that they can see the team and where we work. They should be comfortable with us.

CV: Real estate is such a good but big investment so you should really see all the options available to you before you decide.

When buying a home, first and foremost you should determine how much you can afford to invest. Finding the perfect place is really quite relative because different people have different needs.

Some people are looking for more space while to others, location is very important. They prefer to be near work or schools. Other considerations include the community and its amenities.

It is also very, very important to look at the developer?s reputation and track record. You should be certain they can deliver what they have promised. Pay close attention to floor plans and the specifications you?ve signed up for because you might get surprised when the home that?s turned over to you is so far from what you saw in the model unit.