How Dressing to Impress Can Foster Your Success
“Dress to impress” is a piece of wisdom that we frequently hear about when pondering clothing options for an interview or office attire, yet the phrase lacks any practical direction for us as we examine the contents of our closet. Precisely what does it mean to be dressed to impress? That is a great question; the answer is “It depends!” Let’s explore together the components of dressing for success and whether those components vary based on your professional goals.
Our culture as a whole has adopted a more casual approach to dressing. Sometimes the phrase “dressing down” describes our transition from a dressy to a casual mindset. Societal expectations used to be that you dressed up to fly or go out to dinner. However, those standards have been relaxed to a more “anything goes” dress code. However, while it might be acceptable to be in shorts, flip-flops, and a tank top to board a flight headed for anywhere in the world, some norms and expectations still exist regarding interview attire.
Many articles advise what to wear or not to wear to an interview or job. When looking at those articles, there are pieces of what I call foundational advice referenced repeatedly. My goal is to summarize what I have read and share those lessons that I have learned during my 30+ year career as an interviewer and interviewee. I will offer you pieces of knowledge as starting points and then fine-tune those elements to cover additional tips to achieve a polished look, such as color choice, accessorizing, and grooming.
Remember that your cover letter and resume get you in the door for an interview, but the interview will bring you the job. Your goal for any interview should revolve around presenting a polished first impression and then selling yourself by responding to the interviewer’s questions to showcase your knowledge, skills, and attitude. I will cover how to respond to tough interview questions for you at a later date; today, I want to focus on unpacking what it means to present a polished first impression, and dress and overall grooming are a large part of making a positive first impression.
Getting Started-Gathering Your Intel
So where and how do you start? Purdue Global contends that the way you present yourself can subtly suggest your understanding (or lack thereof) about the company’s business purpose and culture. They outline in their March 2022 article that the first step is simple observation. Observe what the people who work at the company where you are interviewing or at a similar workplace are wearing. Pay particular attention to how the people working at the job dress. This observation will provide valuable clues about workplace culture and acceptable attire. Some companies are very casual, while others are very formal. If you are lucky enough to have a friend who works at the company or in a similar business, you may also want to reach out to talk with them to gain some insight on what is considered industry-typical attire. Check out social media as well as the company website for valuable clues. Contacting the organization’s human resource department and asking what people typically wear on the job or for an interview is also okay.
Take It Up Just a Notch
Once you have gathered insight into the company culture, your goal is to dress one level above the company’s everyday attire. Elevating your look shows respect and demonstrates that you take the interview seriously. For example, for men, if most of the men at the organization are wearing dress slacks, a button-down, and a tie, you might want to wear that same thing but add a sports coat. If dress slacks and blouses seem the norm for women, you should consider wearing a blazer or suit to take your appearance up a notch.
Presenting a polished image also involves ensuring that whatever you wear is clean and pressed. Your clothing must fit you well, so you won’t be pulling or tugging at your clothes when you should concentrate on the questions the interviewer asks. Finally, it is essential that you feel good in the clothing that you are wearing, as this will help boost your confidence and help you to feel like the rockstar you already are!
In Search of Polish
As mentioned, I’ve been on both sides of the interview process as an interviewer and an interviewee. First impressions are priceless and can go a long way in determining whether or not you receive the position. Check out this article, “Dress for Success: How to Dress for a Job Interview,” by Alison Doyle. This article covers both industry and gender specific tips.
I have interviewed and hired people who didn’t make the best first impression, yet I saw something in them and took the time to drill deeper and discover a hidden jewel. However, the person who is conducting your interview may not have that same time or patience. You don’t want to start the interview from a deficit position if a few simple steps can help propel you ahead of the competition.
The look that you are going for is “polished.” Whether you are interviewing via an online platform or in a face-to-face setting, selecting clothing that you feel presents you at your best is a must. As you scan your closet, consider the compliments you received the last time you wore a particular piece of clothing. Did someone mention that a specific color looked good on you, brought out the color of your eyes, that you looked “put together,” or pointed out that what you were wearing was flattering? Those are all verbal clues you can reflect on and use when selecting clothing for your interview. Knowing that you look good in your clothes becomes evident in how you carry yourself and interact with the world around you.
You don’t have to rush out and shop for brand-new clothing or wear the latest designer fashions to make a good first impression. Selecting clean clothing, free from obvious signs of wear and tear, pressed, and well-fitting are, however, non-negotiable. Stay away from anything too casual, revealing, or tight.
Your Task the Night Before Your Interview
The night before, rather than the morning of your interview, take a few moments to inspect your clothing, looking for any stains, threads, lint, or makeup around the collar, and remedy accordingly. If you have purchased a new suit, jacket, or skirt, clip the threads that typically form an “X” and hold the back vent together, these threads are not “style details”; instead, remove them before wearing. Next, use your steamer or iron to take care of any wrinkles or creases appearing on the clothes that you will be wearing the next day. If you have the option, it’s advisable to stay away from pieces of clothing that are easily wrinkled so that a short commute will not leave you looking disheveled.
Don’t forget about footwear. Select a style and color of footwear to complement your chosen clothing for your interview. Wear closed-toe shoes that are clean and polished. Opt for dress shoes like loafers, oxfords, or pumps. Avoid wearing sneakers, sandals, or overly flashy footwear. You may be invited on a walking tour of the company or organization as part of the interview, and that is not the time that you want to slip out of your new stilettos or the wingtips that are not yet broken in. Go for comfort by selecting form over fashion.
Teasing Out the Finer Details-Color and Pattern
With the foundational elements outlined, it is time to shift attention to some finer details of dressing for success. Color is always a good place to start. The specific company culture, industry, and role you are applying for will influence your color choices. If you are applying for a position in a creative or fashion-oriented field where bold colors are more acceptable, you may have more flexibility. However, I’ve found that it’s generally better to err on the side of caution and choose more conservative colors for a job interview.
Multiple sources and experts will tell you you can’t go wrong with neutral colors. Black, navy blue, brown, gray, or beige are all solid choices for clothing and shoes/boots. These neutral colors are all safe choices that convey a sense of seriousness and competence.
Avoid large or busy patterns, faddish styles, or anything that distracts the listener from you or your message. Bold or unconventional colors (i.e., bright orange, hot pink, or electric green) can be considered unprofessional, especially in many traditional settings. Remember during your wardrobe preparations that your goal is to have the interviewer concentrate on every word you say, not on the geometric patterns or neon colors of your clothing.
Many “dress for success” articles refer to power colors and indicate that “red” is one of those power colors; while that may be true, red may also convey a sense of aggressiveness. Instead, wait to wear your power color until after receiving the position! If you can’t stand not having a pop of color, use color as an accent, but exercise caution and use it sparingly. For example, men can add color or interest to their attire with a tie or pocket square, while women may employ a shell or scarf.
Grooming and Accessories
Staying away from extremes or fads is also a great rule of thumb when it comes to grooming. Remember, you are going for “polished,” and you want your audience to be paying attention to the responses that you are giving to the interview questions, not to the fact that your hair looks like you just climbed out of bed or you remain unbathed for the day. For men, neatly trimmed hair and beard are preferable, and your fingernails should be trimmed and clean. For women, neutral makeup and nail color are recommended. Both genders should stay away from heavy perfumes or colognes.
Jewelry and other accessories are best kept to a minimum not to prove distracting. Opt for minimal and tasteful accessories. Avoid excessive jewelry, oversized logos, or distracting accessories that could steal the spotlight from your qualifications and abilities. Ladies do not carry a purse and a briefcase. Choose one or the other, but never both. If you take a purse, an interview is not the place to carry an oversized bag. Select a small unobtrusive bag. A neutral-colored portfolio that is in good shape may provide you with a spot for your keys and extra copies of your resume.
I am often asked about tattoos and whether or not they should be covered. Once again, the answer to that question is a resounding “It depends!” The industry and its culture will give you a better feel for an answer to that question. For some generations, body art and piercings have become more of the norm than the exception. If you seek a position working with teens or young adults, having piercings or tattoos may make you appear more relatable to the organization’s clientele than someone without those elements. In contrast, body art and piercings in corporate America may be perceived as a deficit.
Rules of Thumb
Many of the rules of thumb presented in this article are just that—rules of thumb. They are intended to guide you as part of your preparation for an interview. They are solid and, in many instances, industry standard. Yet there is nothing more important than showing up as “you.” Colleagues have hired individuals and afterward commented that the individual who showed up for the first day of work was not the one their organization had interviewed or hired. Ultimately, the new employee and their supervisor were miserable, and the employee either quit or was terminated.
Despite the best circumstances, there is always the chance that the fit won’t be there for you, but it underscores the idea that nothing is more important than showing up as “you.” Interviews are two-way communications. Interviewers are trying to learn whether or not you are a good fit for the position. At the same time, you are trying to make that same determination about fit. Dressing for success may mean researching the organization and its culture before submitting your application materials. If the workplace culture you are interested in pursuing won’t allow you to show up as the wonderful person you are, that lack of “fit” may leave you miserable. Wouldn’t you love to look forward to your Mondays?
