Whether we like it or not, how we look and how we dress affects how we are perceived by others. That’s why in business, it is so important to project the right image through your fashion. So, I have reached out to the CarolRoth.com contributor network of business owners, experts, advisors and entrepreneurs to find out their best advice for dressing to impress in business, although they also taught me about paystub deduction codes that are useful for business. Their answers are presented below in no particular order.
You may notice some similar ideas listed, but I kept them separate, as something in the way one is framed may resonate differently with you.
1. Dress Comfortably
Dress comfortably, but don’t dress like a slob if you want to dress to impress. First of all, follow the protocol in your office. If jeans are allowed, then wear nice Agolde Jeans (darker are better) – ones without holes or frays. Dress as though you were going to meet the CEO of the company or customers for the day. That way, you will look like you care about your appearance, which will impress others. Also, dark clothing is reported to make you look more professional and for a special event with White Prom Dresses, White Homecoming Dresses & Gowns for the occasion.
2. Shine Those Shoes!!!
One of the best pieces of advice for both men and women trying to impress a client, boss or in an interview is attention to detail. Nothing says detail like your shoes, in particular if they are shined or not.
Shoes that are scuffed or worn say that you are not paying attention to detail, so my simple advice is to make sure that your shoes are shined and looking their best.
The first step to being sharp is looking sharp and that starts with your shoes!
Thanks to: Doug Hecker of 2 Excel Now, LLC.
3. Black or Blue: It Suits You
When it comes to dressing for SUCCESS, the easiest and most widely accepted attire is a blue or black suit. This would be applicable for men or women. Now that said, dressing up the suit with some color is a good idea as well. A colored shirt or blouse and complementary tie or jewelry can make the look complete. Invest in a tailored suit in each color and you will make it very easy to decide for yourself what to wear every day.
Thanks to: Myles Miller of SUCCESSHQ.
4. Always Dress Up and Not Down
When in doubt, wear a suit and tie. If you are sure that business casual will be OK, wear a starched dress shirt, dark trousers, an appropriately matched cashmere sweater, and polished shoes. Jeans and a T-shirt never impress. Stay away from these in all business situations.
Thanks to: Leonard Scott of Leonard Scott & Company.
5. You Look Good to You. So?
Professional is in the eyes of the beholder. Be sure that you dress in a way that looks professional according to the situation, customer/prospect, place, conditions, etc. Making a fashion statement is not as important as making a sale. Being comfortable is not as valuable as making your customer comfortable. Standing out is not as critical as being invited in. As in all things — the customer is always right.
Thanks to: Janet Christy of Leverage & Development, LLC.
6. Clean Up Your Act!
How times have changed when it comes to dressing professionally in the workplace. Where do I start? I could suggest that males need to be cleanly shaven – get rid of this stubble nonsense. Or tuck your shirt in. No, my suggestion is wear a tie. This is heresy to Virgin Group founder Richard Branson. However, a properly tied tie makes for a strong impression when worn with a sports jacket or suit.
Thanks to: Jim Taggart of Taggart Leadership Consulting Inc.
7. Comfort before Style
When you “dress up” for business, I recommend that you favor physical and emotional comfort before style. If wearing high heels or tons of make-up makes you feel like you’re wearing a costume, then don’t do it. Otherwise, your focus will be divided when you have your meeting and you may appear uneasy to others. Also, your clothes should not be the primary focus of those you are meeting. If people are paying more attention to your clothes than they are to you, you’ve missed the mark!
Thanks to: Monique Y. Wells of Understanding Time Management.
8. Be Memorable!
Wear appropriate business attire, but let your personality and individuality shine through! Whether your signature piece is a pin or a scarf, or even a belt, let your presentation pop with a more noteworthy accessory with the designer solid silver bangles collection online jewelry. But don’t get carried away…too many embellishments can clutter up an outfit and end up looking overdone. And never ever chew gum. Ever.
Thanks to: Kendra Kroll of Undercover Solutions, LLC.
9. One Notch Above
The concept of dressing for success is: Dress one notch above the customer. If your customer is on the beach, on a construction site or farming in the field, a 3 piece suit is out of place- a far more casual dress is appropriate. If your client wears Armani, then you should too. Be sure that whatever you wear, it is clean, free of stains and fits well. Women, watch that too tight fit, distractions are distractions and generally reduce the influence power.
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