Dressing to impress is important for when you’re going into the workplace, or you have an important meeting. If you’re meeting someone for the first time, the business attire you wear has a lot to do with how that person sees you for the rest of the relationship.
Saying that choosing the wrong outfit could ruin a business deal isn’t being overdramatic, and we are here to help you make sure that doesn’t happen. Read this article to learn our top tips for what to wear to make yourself look professional.
1. Don’t Overdress
Depending on what your work situation is, you might not need to try too hard to look extra great. For instance, if it is casual Friday, you should do your best to fit in with the casual Friday crowd vs. trying too hard with a suit.
If you overdress, this doesn’t impress most people. Overdressing usually means that you’re nervous and trying too hard in most people’s eyes.
Before you head to a work meeting, make sure you get an idea of who you are meeting and how they normally dress. Overdressing can even offend some people and make the person you’re meeting feel awkward throughout your time together.
Many times finding an outfit that is business casual for women or men is the safest option.
2. Spend Time at the Tailor
One of the best investments you can make is spending time and money getting your clothes tailored. There is nothing that shouts unprofessional more than clothes that don’t fit your body well.
Whether the clothing is too tight or too loose, both of these can be offputting to those around you. Besides not looking good, if your clothes don’t fit well, it’s likely they aren’t comfortable either.
3. Colors and Patterns Are Not Your Friends
If you like to make a statement with your clothing, the business hours are not the time to do it. Colors and patterns can be a severe miss, and you should only take that chance on your own time.
Some colors and patterns might not be flattering to your figure, or it might give the other party a wrong impression as to your mindset for the meeting. Many people think that loud colors and patterns mean you aren’t taking meetings seriously, so you never want to give people that impression.
Instead of going for bright colors and patterns, opt for a black or gray suit, since it is pretty difficult to go wrong with these options.
4. Choose Pants and Suits Wisely
When you’re picking your pants and suits, it’s best if you shy away from jeans or heavy cotton materials. If you wear pants or suits made from synthetic materials, they usually aren’t as good of quality, and it will show.
Investing in good quality pants and suits will pay off in the long run because they can last for a long time.
5. Know When to Use Smart Casual
If you see a meeting is going to have a smart casual dress code, you might get excited to break out some of the trendier pieces in your closet. Even though this is acceptable, it is still important to think about the people that are going to be there.
If the people you are meeting aren’t likely to dress on the trendy side of things, you might opt to go with something a little more muted.
Smart casual is usually best used when in an informal office setting.
6. Get Business Formal Right
Business formal can be a little daunting. You know everyone is going to be dressed perfectly, and you’re really under pressure.
When you see business formal, you know something important is happening. You’ll usually go with business formal when it comes to special dinners, award ceremonies, charity events, and other very formal events.
Business formal is almost like black tie, but you want to be a little more reserved in your clothing choices to keep your air of professionalism.
Business formal for women might mean a dark suit dress, pants, or skirt. Business formal for men might mean a dark suit and tie.
7. When In Doubt—Wear a Tie
If you aren’t sure if a meeting is going to require a tie, it’s best to go with one. It’s easy enough to take the tie off when you take a bathroom break instead, so you can fit in better. On the other hand, if you walk in without a tie, it can look a little unprofessional and disrespectful if everyone else is wearing one.
Rookie move.
While women don’t have to worry about the tie, they might have to worry about whether or not sleeveless is okay. If you want to go sleeveless, wear a little cape or shawl, and see how things are once you get there before you take it off.
8. Shine Your Shoes
If you don’t think people are going to look down at your shoes, you’re mistaken. Making sure your shoes don’t have scuffs, knicks, or anything else that makes them look less than amazing is important for a meeting.
Paying attention to your shoes says that you pay attention to detail, and people like that in business.
9. Don’t Forget Comfort
While it is important to look good and give a good impression, if you’re uncomfortable the whole time you’re there—that’s not going to give a good impression.
Instead, try to find a middle ground between comfort and the appropriate style.
Choosing the Right Business Attire—Made Easy!
Now you know more about choosing the right business attire. Use these tips to get the upper hand in a meeting, to get people to take you seriously, and more.
Do you want to learn more about business and how to get the best results when you’re working? Keep reading our blog to get the help you need.
