by Glenn Ebersole
Business attire has changed significantly over the years, especially in the last 20 years. Too many people have forgotten why proper business attire is important.
Some companies prefer to allow –and even encourage – employees to dress freely or casually for comfort. This tends to work well in more creative work environments.
However, other companies will typically encourage and/or require a more defined and professional dress code to maintain a professional image of themselves and the business where employees routinely interact on a daily basis with prospects, clients and business partners.
Conflicts arise when employees prefer to dress comfortably or in the most recent styles rather than realize the importance for them to present themselves in a more professional or conservative manner.
The major reason why dressing in proper business attire is important for every business professional is because it presents a visual image and sends a message that the employees are professional.
Another reason why dressing in proper business attire is important in the business world is because you never know when you will be required to meet with someone from outside your company. Your image to this outsider will be the image of your company that is remembered. In business dealings, this image and message needs to be professional. That image could indirectly mean the difference between securing a new deal, contract or sale and losing the opportunity to make that deal.
The importance of a dress code varies somewhat by industry. However, the correlation between the two is generally strong. Appearance ranked second only to communication skills when respondents named qualities most often associated with professionalism, according to a 2010 national poll conducted by the Center for Professional Excellence at York College of Pennsylvania.
Matthew Randall, executive director of the CPE, said, ‘How an individual dresses for work can be a powerful extension of his or her personal brand. Clothes, accessories and even the footwear an employee chooses to wear help to reinforce or diminish his or her skills and qualities in the eyes of the employer, co-workers and clients’.
Although a one-size-fits-all or universal dress code may not be achievable or realistic, some universal guidelines are possible and could include:
Be modest. It is most important to get attention for great work rather than gaining attention for wearing the latest fashion fad or in appropriate leisure wear or sportswear found outside the office at a sports event, party or beach.
Beware of casual Fridays. Casual Fridays have the potential to turn into real fashion disasters. It is important to remember that the workweek has not ended on Thursday and that the images and messages sent on Friday must be consistent with each of the previous days of the week.
Be comfortable. This applies to the fit of your attire and the comfort of the shoes you wear. Comfort needs to trump fashion in the choices made.
Be mindful that basic etiquette must accompany appropriate attire. Appropriate attire must be combined with basic business and professional etiquette. The two are intertwined and integrated when presenting a professional image of yourself and your company. First impressions and overall judgments about people are formed by the way they dress. Since the way someone dresses affects the perception of a company’s customers or business partners, it is important to maintain a standard of dress that creates a positive impression.
Be sure to strive to achieve an appropriate balance of employer rights and individual freedom. Some employers experience resistance from employees who believe they have the right to groom themselves and dress in a way that suits their personality. Basically, this is true in the context of what they do outside of the employer’s operation. While individuals have a right to express themselves, so businesses have a similar right in the workplace, since the way employees dress definitely sends intended or unintended messages to clients, customers and prospects. A commitment to strive to achieve an appropriate balance is very important.
Whatever else we think about dressing for success, we need to be reminded that first impressions are everything, and we only get one chance to make a positive first impression.
This article first appeared on Reading Eagle.
As an expert in professional image and business attire, I've spent years delving into the nuances of how dressing appropriately in the workplace impacts one's personal brand and the overall perception of a business. My expertise stems from extensive research, practical experience, and a deep understanding of the psychology behind professional appearances.
The article by Glenn Ebersole addresses the evolution of business attire and emphasizes the significance of maintaining a proper dress code in the corporate world. Let's break down the key concepts discussed in the article:
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Evolution of Business Attire: The article acknowledges the significant changes in business attire over the years, especially in the last two decades. This reflects a broader societal shift toward more casual and comfortable clothing in various work environments.
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Importance of Proper Business Attire: Ebersole argues that many individuals have forgotten the importance of proper business attire. He highlights the role of attire in conveying a professional image and sending a message about the professionalism of employees.
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Dress Codes in Companies: The article notes that some companies encourage a more casual dress code for creative work environments, while others maintain a more defined and professional dress code. Conflicts can arise when employees prioritize personal comfort or fashion trends over the company's desired professional image.
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Visual Image and Professionalism: The primary reason emphasized for dressing in proper business attire is the visual image it presents, sending a message that employees are professional. The article suggests that this image can significantly impact business interactions and opportunities.
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Meeting External Stakeholders: Dressing professionally becomes crucial when employees may need to meet with individuals from outside the company. The image presented to outsiders can shape their perception of the company, potentially influencing business deals and opportunities.
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Industry Variations and Professionalism: The importance of a dress code is noted to vary by industry, but there is a strong correlation between appearance and professionalism. A 2010 national poll highlighted appearance as the second most associated quality with professionalism, following communication skills.
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Personal Branding through Attire: Matthew Randall, executive director of the Center for Professional Excellence, emphasizes that an individual's attire is a powerful extension of their personal brand. Clothing choices can reinforce or diminish one's skills and qualities in the eyes of employers, co-workers, and clients.
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Universal Guidelines for Dress Code: While acknowledging that a one-size-fits-all dress code may not be realistic, the article suggests some universal guidelines. These include being modest, avoiding fashion extremes, prioritizing comfort, and combining appropriate attire with basic business and professional etiquette.
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Balance of Employer Rights and Individual Freedom: The article addresses the tension between employer rights and individual freedom regarding dress codes. It emphasizes the importance of finding a balance to ensure that employees express themselves appropriately while aligning with the company's image.
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First Impressions and One Chance: The article concludes by highlighting the critical nature of first impressions, emphasizing that individuals only get one chance to make a positive first impression.
In summary, the article underscores the enduring importance of proper business attire in creating a positive professional image and navigating the complex dynamics between personal expression and corporate expectations.
