What do you wear to work? Does it vary if you are meeting clients or trying to impress someone?

have always been conscious of how I dress. Standing in front of people giving a presentation requires that I wear something that will not distract from the message I want to give out. In fact what I wear is part of the message I give out. It can say a lot about who I am but more importantly I feel that it lets people know that I have bothered to make an effort for them.

I have sat through presentations where the presenter looked like they had been dragged through a hedge backwards. The presentation was as ill prepared as the presenter and I felt far less forgiving to her mistakes. In short, the preparation has to be total. Whether we like it or not, people will judge on first impressions and you only have a short time to do that.

Could your sales be affected by the way you dress and present yourself?

If you are selling a professional service to professional people, rightly or wrongly the client usually expects you to turn up appropriately dressed. Is it right that to sell in a suit and tie environment you need to dress the same? Would they be less open to your ideas if they didn’t feel comfortable with you?.

Would you feel confident with a hospital consultant dressed in a punk t-shirt and ripped jeans. How about a car mechanic in a suit and tie?

Do you use a dress code in your own place of work as a psychological tactic to improve your reception or more to the point, should you?

I firmly believe in the benefits of appropriate dress for work. I want to appear believable in the role and to come across to the people I interact was as such. Personally I don’t wear anything at work which would distract my clients from the message I want to get across. I admit I do use my dress to influence they way they perceive me and my product.

I know this isn’t a new idea but it is surprising how many people overlook this detail. They go to great lengths getting the business ideas and preparing presentations then overlook such an important factor of how they themselves are perceived.

So what did I wear to work today... black trousers and a shirt and jacket. I have sets of clothes that I only wear for work and hate wearing jeans on dress down days. It just feels all wrong to me.

As yes, I admit I feel more assertive if I am wearing high heels. I don't know why - unless I feel that I can always use them as a weapon if I don't get my own way ;)

And don't get me started on underwear. I have heard of women in the board room who always wear red to meetings because it made them feel good about themselves. (I wonder what the board of Ann Summers wear to their meetings?)

I suppose that is the key really. Getting the dress balance right so that you and your staff or clients feel comfortable. In essence, know your customer and work that totally, so that you can get on with business.