4 clothing hacks that let you dress to impress for business
The quality of your CV and content of your character should always count for more than your clothing choices.
But first impressions last in business — so picking the wrong ensemble can leave you feeling uncomfortable and the person you’re connecting with wondering if it’s time to call the fashion cops.
With that in mind, here are four clothing hacks that let you dress to impress for business.
Set staff boundaries
Many modern firms feel that traditional office dress codes are no longer relevant.
And millennial employees admire gurus like Mark Zuckerberg whose uniform consists of jeans, t-shirt and trainers.
A completely casual code is perfectly suitable for creative businesses that service certain customer segments.
But even corporate businesses who previously insisted on formal codes are realising that it’s often not necessary or desirable to insist employees dress to the nines every day.
Setting some boundaries is wise — unless you’re cool with working alongside colleagues in y-fronts and onesies. But if you relax a strict code,your team will look and feel far less stuffy.
Comfy customer service
If you run a business with a relatively young clientele it might be time to relax your rules on clothing, tattoos and piercings.
Customers who express themselves with body modifications and unique clothes will feel weird being served by uptight staff in stiff suits, ties and skirts.
But if they’re served by someone who looks a bit like them they’re likely to relax, browse and buy.
Staff will feel more empowered in their favourite clothing and it has no reflection at all on their ability and attitude.
So if your idea of customer service is stuck in the 1950s it’s time to go back to the future with your dress code.
Socialising
When you’re socialising at networking and charity outings you might want to modulate your dress sense slightly to fit the occasion.
So cocktail dresses and tuxedos might still be appropriate for a red carpet event, but you can spice them up with your own signature style.
And toning down a particularly wild outfit is a wise move when mixing and mingling with slightly older potential clients.
Interviews
Wearing a suit and tie or another corporate costume was previously a safe bet when it came to job interviews.
But this is only true if you’ve done your research and are sure it’ll provide a good first impression.
You can nail an interview at many companies in regular clothes that are clean and comfortable — you’ll then have the confidence to relax and project your personality like the superstar they’re looking for.
So check company websites before you pick the ideal interview outfit and you’ll be onto a winner.
Dress codes aren’t as important as they used to be — but the correct clothes can still be crucial.
These four clothing hacks that let you dress to impress for business should boost your sartorial savvy.
What do you wear to work? Share your stories in the comments section.
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