Proper Office Dress Attire - Are You Making Mistakes That Can Sabotage Your Career?

Proper office dress attire can make or break your career. Strong words? Yes, absolutely. But consider this story.

A manager from a large corporation called me for a consultation. She was hiring a new assistant. One person was highly qualified, but made a poor impression. Her clothing, hairstyle and glasses were out of date and didn’t fit properly. This woman gave the impression that she wasn’t clued in to the business world today.

Another candidate was less qualified, but projected a professional, business-like image. Guess who got the job? You’re right – the second candidate. Although she was less qualified, the manager felt that she could train her in the skills she needed.

Bottom line: The manager felt that it would take more work to help the first person project a professional impression, that to train a new person in job skills!

3 Business attire mistakes that can derail your career:

Mistake #1: Dressing for yourself, and not for your company. Are you dressing to express the inner you? On company time, you should be dressing to make your clients feel comfortable. If you don’t look the part, you won’t inspire trust. For example, a financial advisor needs to look fairly traditional for credibility, while a graphic designer in an advertising agency can look trendier.
Solution: Find out about your industry and your clients’ company culture. Dress at the same level or higher. Keep a jacket handy for unexpected meetings. You’ll look impressive, and your career will soar.

Mistake #2: Not paying attention to the details of your outfit. Has you suit seen better days? Is your umbrella broken from the wind? Are your shoes or boots scruffy? No matter how smart you are, you may be giving the perception that details don’t matter to you. Clients may feel that if you don’t pay attention to the details of your outfit, you won’t look after the details of your work either.
Solution: Buff up your image by paying attention to your loose threads and scruffy footwear. Remember that as you exit their office, the last thing clients see are the heels of your shoes. Make sure they aren’t worn down.

Mistake #3: Not updating your image. Are you still sporting the same hairstyle from high school… even though your children are approaching that age? Have your glasses seen better days? Is your suit a few years behind the times? It’s fine to wear classic clothing, but if you don’t update your image, you’ll look like you’re out of date.

Solution: Check the fashion magazines, or get help from a savvy friend or an image consultant. A fresh haircut and new glasses can update your look instantly. A new jacket and accessories from the current season will show that you are stylish, yet still businesslike.
Your business image is your visual resume. It’s important to invest in it. You’ll look like a million bucks, and it will pay off in career success.


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