We have all heard or used the phrase “Dress for Success”. It is perhaps an over used adage but the truth of the matter is that is a true statement. If you are in the job seeking market, you are marketing the brand called “You”, and how that brand is packaged and presented will and can determine whether you get the job or is ever considered.

There is nothing new about the concept of dressing of success. Most business professionals recognize and understand the concept. How you package and present the brand called “You” does make a difference. The first impression is a lasting impression and more often than not you don’t get a second chance. The simple fact is that in the business world, in particular, you are judged by your wardrobe and the clothing you wear and your overall appearance can impact your career. Therefore you should make sure that you make the best first impression. From the moment you step inside the place of employment, you are on stage and all eyes ore on you. Everyone you encounter will evaluate you and draw some conclusion or opinion based on how you are dressed, your overall appearance and how you presented yourself. You have one chance to make a lasting impression, so don’t blow it by how you are dressed.

The image one presents should make prospective employers and clients feel comfortable with you. According to Marjorie Brody, there are three areas of professional presence; the “three V’s:” Visual, Vocal and Verbal. The visual is what we look at, dress, body language, and facial expression. The vocal is your voice. The verbal is the words we choose and speak. The visual component has the most initial impact. That is the packaging of the brand called “You”.

How should you dress? In today’s world there no longer is a single rigid standard of what is correct or appropriate. The choice depends on the industry or job profile the area of the country, the specific business occasion and the message you want the brand “You” to transmit. One of the surest and safest ways to determine what is appropriate for a given company or industry is to call the Human Resources Department of the company you will be interviewing with and ask what the appropriate dress is. When dressing for an interview it is better to error on the conservative side. Corporate employers are impressed with tasteful and conservative clothing and grooming. What does this mean in practical terms?

Men
For men, the suit remains a man’s most reliable business attire. There are always occasions where a well cut suit in beautiful fabric and rich a powerful color is appropriate. You should come dressed professionally, wearing a well pressed, good quality two piece dark suit. Coordinate this with a long sleeve, well pressed white shirt with a colorful silk tie that is not too flashy. If the suit is black, well shined black shoes, black socks with a matching black belt enhances the total appearance. For a navy blue suit, dark blue, well shined shoes will complement the outfit.

Women
The look of women’s traditional business wardrobe has changed significantly. Women can be a little more flexible in their dress for an interview. Business suits options today offer more color choices and more ways for a career woman to express her individuality. A traditional two piece suit is appropriate, however, separates, pants suits, shorter skirts, opaque stockings, sweaters and interesting shoes are part of the updated options available to women. To look both attractive and appropriate a woman should chose a matched skirted suit where the skirt and jacket are the same fabric and color. In some industries a conservatively tailored pant suit or tailored dress is appropriate. Dresses are usually more professional when they are in solid or near solid colors. Dresses with long sleeves are more widely accepted for business wear than short or sleeveless dresses. A pant suit can be very appropriate if tailored and fitted properly and made of fine fabric. Blouses and or sweaters should not be transparent, tight fitting or have a low neckline, reveal waistlines or have other details that detract from your face as a focal point. Shoes should be dark colored pumps cleaned and polished. Avoid opened toed shoes.

Grooming
Grooming is very important. A short neat haircut looks good on a man. Sporting a precision cut or other contemporary hairdo will enhance a woman’s appearance. Make up is important and women should err on the side of too little rather than too much. The selection of make-up should complement skin tone, features and attire. Don’t forget the fingernails; they should be neat, clean and the appropriate length. Accessorize appropriately. Men and women should pay attention to accessories such as jewelry. Wearing several rings, bracelets and earrings does not convey a conservative image. If you are a man and wear an earring, take it off before you go on an interview. Body piercing and tattoos should be covered up. Remember that any aspect of your personal image that creates controversy can cost you the job.

Most corporations and companies have a casual dress policy. Some offices have a business casual dress standard every day and other only one day during the week, generally on Fridays. Dressing down does not dressing sloppy or wearing sloppy clothes. A neat clean conservative and well groomed businesslike appearance is appropriate when business casual is permitted.

The work place has and continues to change and there is no magic formula for dressing for success. Although your corporate wardrobe should create a stylish professional image, it is impossible to identify one outfit that will work well in all business settings. There are important variables that affect the definition of the appropriate appearance. Be sensitive to cues around you. Find out what is expected and accepted in your targeted company. Your goal is to identify the organization’s clothing norm and use this information to create a wardrobe that spells success. Invest in your appearance. It counts.