Editor’s Note: David Eccles School of Business Marketing + Communications Intern Dylan Conklin gives advice on How to Dress to Impress from his own experiences. This series is called Fashion and Business. Business Ambassador Michelle Van Bui gives advice on How to Dress to Impress for women in business.
Dressing to impress is huge. When you dress to impress, you show people that you care about your appearance and you are more likely to leave a longer lasting impression of yourself. Unfortunately, we live in a society where you are judged based on looks — and that judgment occurs within the first 3 seconds of meeting them. Here are some ways you can avoid bad judgment.
5 Fashion Do’s for Men in Business
- Good grooming. Yes, good grooming is essential if you want to look the part. Having a great hairstyle and good hygiene will leave a good impression when you meet new people in business.
- Match it. Match your belt with your shoes. They don’t have to be the same exact color, but keep it close. Matching everything will keep everything in perspective.
- Wrinkle-free. If you are going to wear a collared shirt, make sure it is wrinkle-free. If it is not, iron it or take it to the cleaners. If you don’t know how to iron a shirt or pants, there are helpful YouTube videos for this.
- Personality. Do not be afraid to show your true self, but keep it professional. People don’t like fake individuals. People like to be around people that are comfortable with themselves and they could be around for a few hours in the school/work day.
- Keep it simple. When shopping for clothes for personal or professional attire, be sure to keep it simple. Solid colors work best for jackets, shirts, pants, etc. Shorts are not part of professional attire. Make sure things fit properly and aren’t baggy or too tight.
Be sure to check out 5 Fashion Don’ts for Women in Business