How to dress for success in any business or networking meeting

As a business coach and host of training and networking events, I meet a lot of people. Often the first thing I notice is someone’s outfit- not so much the detail but what overall impression their style makes. Just like a smile or a friendly handshake, the right clothes for the right business situation give an important message- that they are not only professional but are also comfortable in their shoes…. no pun intended!

If I meet someone who hasn’t made an effort, I will wonder what their attitude to work is generally.  Although I always keep an open mind, others may not and ultimately, you will only get one chance to make a good first impression.

As a woman in business, I do appreciate that clothes, colours and style can express your personal brand just like your business cards or your website. And in an ideal world, your style will be authentic for you and fit the type of business meeting you are in.

But to be fair, that’s not easy, and even I don’t always get it right! Have you ever been to a party where everybody seems to get the ‘dress code’ right, except you?

Networking events are no different. On one occasion I had to address an audience of finance people all dressed in navy blue suits (I wasn’t!). On another occasion I was the only one wearing a navy blue suit amongst an audience of creative people all dressed in jeans and t-shirts! At lunchtime networking groups I often see women in smart dresses rather than suits, and it’s therefore not surprising that knowing how to dress can be quite a challenge!

Things I have learnt during my years of networking:

• You may feel comfortable in jeans, leggings or flip-flops, but your networking contact(s) may hate them and wonder why you haven’t made an effort!
• Always have a smart jacket in the car to be able to up-dress, when attending different meetings on the same day.
• Showing too much cleavage is best avoided when networking.
• If you want to be feminine, dresses always look smart!
• Suits are OK – although beware dark uniform type outfits if you’re not a banker.
• Use accessories like jewellery or scarves to add your own personal touch.
• If you are not sure about what colours to wear generally, do engage an image consultant, the results can be amazing!
• If you feel you could do with a boost of confidence when networking, never underestimate the power of wearing make-up, or having a new hair style. The right look can prevent you from looking tired and washed out.

Finally, my most important tip is one I learnt from image consultant and owner of Dress to Impress, Gill Kellard, many years ago:

“If possible, do your research and check out what people are wearing to meetings. This helps to remove the headache of what to wear and by matching your colleagues they will feel more comfortable as there will be a sense of belonging and acceptance. If you really want your business contacts to sit up and take notice, dress slightly smarter than them. You may have heard of the expression ‘dress for the job you want not the one you’ve got’ – it is the same in business. You need to look successful and look as though you mean business to attract the kind of business you want.” You can find out more about Gill at  www.dresstoimpress.biz

Ute Wieczorek-King is an experienced trainer, mentor and business coach who specialises in helping busy women to be more focused, efficient, visible and profitable in business.

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Copyright  2011, Ute Wieczorek-King

Image Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tinybanquet/3316998722/ Photo from an illustration by designer Edith Head, from the 1967 Random House edition of her book How to Dress for Success.