There may be a lot of you asking how to Dress For Success. Outside the adage “Look good, feel good,” there is not really anything that easily prepares you for how to dress so that you succeed. Thankfully, we can offer a few tips to help you start your journey to success.
1. Know The Dress Code
It is important to familiarize yourself with the event that you are going to and know what is expected of you. Here are a few types of dress codes:
Business Formal
For Women: A tailored pantsuit or skirt suit, a blouse or dress shirt, closed-toe heels or flats, and minimal jewelry and accessories.
For Men: A tailored suit in dark colors such as navy, charcoal, or black, a dress shirt, a conservative tie, dress shoes (such as oxfords or derbies), and dark socks.
Business Casual
For Women: Dress slacks, tailored skirts or dresses (of appropriate length), blouses or tops, closed-toe flats or heels, and minimal jewelry and accessories.
For Men: Dress slacks or chinos, a collared shirt (such as a button-down or polo shirt), leather shoes or loafers, and optional blazer or sweater.
Casual
For Women: Casual pants, jeans, or skirts, a blouse, a casual top, or a t-shirt (if appropriate), casual shoes such as flats, sandals, or sneakers, and minimal jewelry and accessories.
For Men: Casual pants (such as khakis or jeans), a polo shirt, a casual button-down shirt, or a t-shirt (if appropriate), casual shoes or sneakers, and a belt.
If these do not fit your needs, you can find a guide for Women’s Dress Code and Men’s Dress Code.
2. Mind Your Hygiene
We understand that some personal grooming can be expensive, but this does not have to be. Whatever style of hair you have is perfectly fine, but you should make sure that your hair does not look like you just woke up. Additionally, some small things like trimmed nails can go a long way.
The handshake briefly disappeared during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it has fully returned. Trimmed nails can make sure that you do not accidentally hurt whoever you are shaking hands with.
3. Dress For The Occasion
Although this may originally seem similar to knowing the dress code, there is a key distinction. Dressing for the occasion revolves around knowing the type of event it is. In a meeting or interview, overdressing can come across as being professional. However, in a more informal environment, overdressing could come across as trying to be the center of attention.
By knowing the type of event you are attending, you can create the best outfit for you. This outfit can help you seize the spotlight and create a lasting positive impression.
4. Pay Attention To Details
This may seem like common sense, but it is still a vital step in dressing for success. Make sure that you can remove any visible strings or lint on your clothes. Also, be sure to make sure that you buttoned everything that has buttons and zipped everything that has zippers.
This is easily something that can be overlooked, but it is crucial in making good impressions. If you see someone with a couple of undone buttons, it gives the impression that you may be forgetful or messy. Even though you may have simply forgotten, it can still leave a bad first impression.
First impressions last, especially bad ones, so you have to be sure you make a good first impression.
5. Confidence Is Key
Having confidence is the most important part of all this. Still, you should not ignore dressing properly. Looking good and feeling good should be thought of as two sides of the same code. By following the dress code tips that we laid out above, you can help make sure that you look good.
Now, you have to be confident. No matter how well-dressed you are, it does not matter if you are nervous. Being slightly nervous is completely acceptable and normal. However, you can not let your nerves stop you from making an impression.
Being able to hold a conversation can lead to relationships. In a professional setting, relationships could be the difference in getting employed. By having the confidence to start a conversation with someone and maintain it at a comfortable pace, you can set yourself up to make a great first impression.
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