Professional Attire:
Dress Like You Mean Business

Contributed by Kristen A. Meinzer

Imagine that there are two outfits placed before you. The first consists of professional pieces, such as crisp shirt, tailored trousers, and matching jacket. All the pieces are clean and ironed. The second outfit is made up of trendy, casual attire. Perhaps a tight pair of jeans, an oversized sweatshirt, and sneakers.

Now, which outfit would you wear if you were invited to a job interview in a business environment? No doubt, it took you only a moment to decide on the first. And more than likely, the reason for your choice was based on your desire to be perceived in a particular way: responsible, intelligent, and professional.

As we’ve all learned by this point in our lives, the clothes we wear relay a certain message about ourselves. They say that we are trustworthy or smart or funny or mysterious or a million other qualities--both good and bad. This is why we dress up to go on dates, attend parties, and, of course, go on job interviews.

The problem is that we sometimes forget that making a good impression isn’t just a one-time deal. In the case of work, winning the boss’s stamp of approval at the job interview is just one step on our career path. It’s just as important to continue impressing him or her (or clientele) everyday that we’re on the job. This goes for both our performance and our appearance.

Let’s say that you want to receive a promotion. How are you going to dress? Like other people in your current position? Or people who are one level up? By dressing for the job you want rather than the job you hold, you'll enable your superiors to better see you in the position you seek.

Imagine now that you are in a position where there is a high level of face-to-face contact with clients. Will the way that you currently dress represent your company well? Will your attire say that clients can trust you with their business? Or that they might want to find someone more business-like with whom to deal? If you dress like a professional, clients will more likely trust that you are one.

Regardless of whether you want a promotion or to win the trust (and business) of a new client, it is important to put the same attention into your appearance everyday on the job as you do at job interviews. After all, everyday, in a sense, is like a job interview when you are attempting to work your way up the ladder.

Unsure of the best way to dress on your climb to the top? Begin by observing the hem lengths, cuts of clothing, accessories, and overall appearance of the group you wish to join. It may seem that emulating the appearance of your superiors has the potential to get pricey, but rest assured, dressing professionally does not necessarily mean spending a lot of money.

If you find that you need to add clothing to your wardrobe, keep in mind that fit is the most important factor in looking professional. A simple pair of black trousers from a second-hand shop that fits well trumps an expensive cashmere sweater that doesn’t. And remember, small details like polished shoes, a matching belt, and appropriate makeup can make a big difference. As you become adept at mirroring the appearance of your superiors, you’ll undoubtedly find that your colleagues, clients, and supervisors take notice.

You might ask if all this attention to appearance is really necessary. Perhaps you know people who have advanced singularly on merit with no regard to dress. Indeed, such promotions occur, but usually into positions that require little public contact. More often than not, positions that entail a high level of contact with department heads and clients require personnel to look the part.

Of course, no one wants to be judged exclusively on the basis of his or her appearance. Not to worry; if you are incompetent at your job, no amount of looking good will disguise that fact. Looking the part is only one hurdle; your skills, talent, personality, and professional accomplishments are what allow you to stay in the game.

So continue to work hard and hone new skills while you’re on the job. And while you’re at it, make sure that everyone else knows, in just one glance, that you mean business.

About the Author:
Kristen A. Meinzer is a freelance writer, educator, and media scholar. She holds a BA from the University of Minnesota and MA from New York University.

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