Dress for Success

It's an old saying, but a wise one - "Dress for Success."  Once upon a time, dressing for success meant a formal dark suit and tie for the men or a dress or skirt/blouse/blazer for the ladies.

Nowadays, business attire can mean anything from a pair of jeans and nice shirt to the full-out formal suite.  Given the lean towards casual wear, one may be tempted, particularly in a small business or as an entrepreneur, to wear jeans and very casual wear.  I admit, I am guilty as some days, those jeans just sound so much more comfortable at the office.

But, are we cheapening our image by dressing down?  Do you personally feel as positive about a business professional who shows up to a network event wearing jeans and an old top or raggedy jacket as you would about someone who is wearing dress pants and a dress shirt, or at the very least, a nice polo/golf shirt?  Does the person in a suit give off an air of knowledge that he/she would not give off if wearing jeans?  When faced with a decision as to where to spend money based on who has the most "value", would you choose the person in dress clothes or jeans?

The fact is that both people may be equally qualified and the person wearing jeans may be even more knowledgeable, but, because he/she has dressed down, he/she has reduced his/her value to the consumer.

While both the above pictures still look acceptable, imagine the same people in a less posed situation, or in older, less stylish or ill-fitting clothing?  At several recent networking events, styles of dress included ultra mini skirts, baseball caps and loud printed shirts!

 
Think about how people dress at business events you attend.  Does matter of dress affect who you approach for conversation?  What about other people you deal with? 


[Printed t shirts and baseball caps are great for casual wear but not for networking or general business]




 In addition to your appearance to others, it is also vital to think about how our mode of dress affects our own self.  People who dress appropriately for functions, and in business attire, tend to feel more positive about themselves and thus, have higher self-esteem.  When you feel better about yourself, it is apparent to others.  Those who dress down may feel a loss of self-esteem and even feel slobbish or out of place.  Many career coaches will tell you to dress in business attire when conducting phone interviews or internet/phone job searches.  This is based on the simple reason that when you look good, you feel good.  Feeling good can be heard through the telephone, much like chatting with a smile!

Remember also that dressing for business does not have to be expensive!  A few good pieces (classic styles that seldom go out of fashion) can easily be rotated throughout your wardrobe to ensure maximum use at minimum price.  Very few of us can afford a new wardrobe every season!

So dress to impress.  By choosing a professional appearance, you benefit yourself.