United Kingdom, Sept. 9 -- Kerry Washington thinks her red-carpet style influences her career success.

The 48-year-old actress believes she lost out on some sought-after roles earlier in her career because she didn't "play the game" at the time - but Kerry has learned her lesson in recent years.

Speaking to InStyle, Kerry shared: "[Earlier] in my career, there was this project that I really loved and it went to another actor. I knew that part of why she got it was she was more of a red carpet It Girl.

"I was asleep at the wheel of my own marketing. I thought if you're just a good actor, you'll get the roles. But it turns out, no, you also have to market yourself because, again, you are your instrument. You are walking around in the car...