Dressing for Success | How-to Guides for running your business from Business.com

Back in the day, it was so simple. Men and women wore dark blue suits and white shirts (or blouses) – on the job, at service club meetings, going for loan applications, and for just about any other function save the company picnic. A conservative tie (for women, an MBA bow) and black shoes completed the outfit. Alas, those simple days are forever gone. Casual workplaces (plus pierced and tattooed employees) have made the sartorial guidelines more complicated and less clear. Nonetheless, there are still some guidelines for dressing for success.

Err on the side of conservatism when setting an example for your employees in the workplace, when applying for a loan, or meeting a prospective client.
In general, it’s better to be slightly overdressed than too casual.
Even if you run a tattoo parlor or a Harley-Davidson showroom, if you’re out of the office on business – such as applying for a loan or going to a networking event – remember that a little bit of body art goes a long way, so consider covering some of it up.
Men, lose the earring(s) if you’re at a somewhat stuffy venue such as a local bank applying for a business loan.

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Conservative cut and colors rule

A conservative approach to style, color, aftershave or perfume (meaning wear too little or no aftershave or perfume, not too much) is the rule on the job and in the marketplace. A potential client or a loan officer doesn’t want to see someone who looks even the least bit inappropriate.

I recommend: Check this Syms Dress to Achieve page for descriptions and pictures of suitable clothing, both in the office and on calls, sorted by industry. Washington State University (WSU) has a site to teach you what to wear in a variety of settings. Men, click this WSU Dress to Impress page. Women, click this Dress to Impress page. Order a video from Dress for Success. Get additional detailed clothing advice at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Don’t let your budget beat you

Even if you’re getting your business up and running and don’t have much disposable income, you should still try to look top dollar.

I recommend: This WSU Dress to Impress page will help you build a classy, versatile yet inexpensive wardrobe for the business world.

Learn to tie a tie, guys

If you haven’t worn a tie regularly, don’t wait until the day you have to go apply for a loan or represent your company at a job fair to learn how to tie one on.

I recommend: Avoid a cravat pratfall by checking this tie-a-tie.net resource center, which lists and explains how to tie several popular knots and provides a video for download and links to online necktie retailers. For even more resources on knot-tying, go to Knots on the Web.

Grooming is important, too

The perfect suit and shoes won’t matter one whit if you decide to sport the “bed-head” hairstyle of today’s rock stars at a formal business event. Don’t even use that hairstyle in the workplace if you want to set a good example for employees. Grooming matters, and in general it’s best to be conservative and clean.

I recommend: Get tips on grooming from the Creative Job Search section of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development web site.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

Other than earrings on a female, put away the studs if you’re outside your place of business on a business matter.
Men, no novelty ties outside the workplace, no matter how much you like them or how “conservative” they are, unless they reflect what you do for a living.
Women, no heels taller than two inches and no open-toe shoes when representing your company at a formal business event.
Don’t take off your coat or tie when applying for a loan or on formal business matters.
Pantsuits are generally fine for women, but some experts still think a dress or skirtsuit works better in formal events outside your office.

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