Dress to impress: your go-to office meeting outfit

Workplace dress codes matter. There is a reason why you shouldn’t attend any office meeting wearing hoodies and slippers. This is because the first impression you make in a meeting is your lasting impression. You won’t ever get a second chance at it. Once you dress inappropriately at a meeting and you will be forever known as the sloppy guy/girl from XYZ company. Do you want that for yourself or your company? This is why it is also important to dress to impress.

Why you must dress to impress

Apart from creating good first impressions, there are various other reasons for you to dress to impress in your office meetings. The reasons include:

  1. Standing out for the right reasons

Some might argue that since they are not leading a meeting and are only attending, they can slack off when it comes to dressing appropriately. Well, think again. It doesn’t matter whether you are a new recruit, you should still aim to dress to impress. Why? This is because, among all your employees, you must stand out for the right reasons. You must relay to your supervisor that you are ambitious, determined and the right person for the job. Not to mention it is easier for the CEO to differentiate you if you are dressed professionally among those who are not.

  1. Being a good representative of your company

Client meeting and impromptu client dinners are quite common in the corporate world. While nowhere does it say that you have to look your best for such meetings, there is an expectation that you have to. After all, as an employee, you are the extension of the brand you are representing. The last thing you would want is to be a poor representation of your organization.

  1. You will feel good if you look good

Hating your job is easy. It is hard to make an effort to change your perception. However, it isn’t that hard to dress appropriately. The good news is that this not-so-hard-job has the potential to make you feel better about your job. A study conducted by Columbia University’s researchers showcased that there was a positive correlation between dressing well and uplifting of mood. So, dressing for the part doesn’t just translate to creating a good first impression. It also boosts your mood and hence puts you at a better position to climb the corporate ladder. 34SP.com did a survey, and 55% of respondents agreed that wearing professional attire makes you more confident.

How to do it?

Are you wondering how you can dress to impress during your office meetings? Don’t worry; we have you covered. Here is how you can create your go-to outfit.

Business Casual Meetings

Some people tend to be confused when the word “Business casual” comes in the equation. How casual are go? Are jeans allowed? Or is it safe to wear a suit instead?

Well, the perfect outfit will differ for men and women.

For Women:

  • Keep the top simple. You can use material like chiffon, jersey or a blouse that is patterned Add a blazer to it and you will achieve a smart look
  • For the bottoms, opt for a suit or structured wool trousers
  • Do you want to wear a skirt instead? If so, a midi skirt will be perfect
  • You can also wear a dress but make sure it is dark colored since such colors look more professional
  • For shoes, you must get your hands on the best oxford shoes out there. Anything ranging from loafers to a heel (maximum 4-inch) is perfect
  • Make sure your accessories aren’t too bold or too many in quantity. Keep it light
  • Ensure your hair doesn’t fall on your face and your perfume isn’t too overpowering

For Men:

 

  • Rather than wearing the same old suits, change things up with a buttoned-up and collared shirt and smart trousers. The preferable color for pants are beige or dark colors
  • You don’t necessarily have to pair it up with a blazer, but it sure does smarten the look. Opt for dark colored blazers if you are wearing one
  • For shoes, go for either Chelsea boats or formal shoes. Don’t experiment with colors. Either choose brown or black
  • A not-so-flashy watch and a belt are the only two accessories you should accompany your outfit with

Formal meetings

Professional boardroom meetings or official outings require a completely different vibe. Your go-to outfit should then include the following:

For Women:

  • The perfect attire for a formal meeting will be a suit. Wear a chiffon or cotton shirt, preferably in lighter shades
  • Wide-legged trousers or formal pants in a dark color is the go-to option for bottoms
  • If you want to wear a skirt instead, go for a pencil skirt. But it shouldn’t be over four fingers above your knees
  • Pumps, brogues or court shoes are the only shoes you should wear
  • If you opt for a dress or a skirt, do wear black or skin-colored tights underneath

For Men:

  • At formal meetings, you can’t go wrong with matched suits
  • White buttoned-up shirts ironed perfectly, is the go-to choice for shirts
  • It is much better to wear a two or three-piece suit instead. Best color options include navy blue or dark charcoal
  • Accessorize it with a tie, cufflinks, and a belt
  • Oxford shoes or brogues along with matching socks are a must

Ending Remarks

Make sure you look the part when entering a boardroom or a restaurant for a meeting. You must also make a point of dressing comfortably. Don’t wear anything that causes you discomfort. This is because discomfort translates to not being confident about your look. This will lead to you giving off the wrong vibes. Also, ensure you don’t pick the wrong colors. Bright colors are almost always a major no in corporate settings. Meanwhile, you can’t go wrong with blue and black.

Keep these tips and outfit suggestions in mind the next time you have to dress up for a meeting. Don’t slack off. You might not feel so, but your career growth depends on it.

Author Bio:

About Michelle Joe: Michelle Joe is a blogger by choice. She loves to discover the world around her.

She likes to share her discoveries, experiences, and express herself through her blogs. You can find her on twitter: @michellejoe524

Julia is a renowned author and social media enthusiast.

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