Women’s Guide to Dressing for Business Meetings & Presentations
If you are currently, working from home, and do most of your business by phone or online, you can get away with wearing what you like a lot of the time. After all, how would anyone know whether you are wearing your best suit or your favourite pyjamas, whilst speaking with them on the phone? Unless, of course, you are having a visual, online meeting such as one on Zoom, for example!
Now that Covid Lockdown restrictions are easing, there will probably be times, when you’re meeting with clients, potential business partners, sponsors or even attending a job interview so you will need to consider your clothes carefully.
Does appearance really matter?
Several studies have shown that appearance is as important as knowledge or skills when it comes to getting the job,the business or the faith of your client.
To quote journalist, Laura Sinberg: “Although job-related skills and experience rank high in importance in whether or not you land the position, during the initial hiring process they have less power than most of us think. That’s because the first thing we notice about someone is their appearance, and more specifically, the way they are dressed.”
So if, as the saying goes, first impressions are lasting impressions, let’s get it right first time as there may not be a next time!
Consider your client or company
If you are meeting somebody in one of the more conservative businesses, such as banking or law, then more traditional business wear would be appropriate. This might be a smart fitted black or navy jacket with matching skirt or trousers, a simple blouse, toning shoes and smart bag or briefcase.
In a less formal environment, such as advertising, PR or media, something trendier, but still smart, would go down well. Think about the same jacket over a dress, with contrasting bag and shoes and perhaps some subtle jewellery.
In some businesses, such as creative ones, even jeans would be considered acceptable but if in doubt, it is always best to err on the side of caution by sticking to smart clothes in subtle colours.
Think about colour psychology
Certain colours have particular effects on the way people perceive you. Be aware of the messages you are sending out when you wear them!
Black
This is the colour most associated with authority and power and is a safe “corporate” colour that goes down well in most interviews or meetings, particularly in the most formal environments. Black from head to toe can look a little severe so break it up with contrasting or toning accessories.
White
Again, this is a smart, traditional and safe colour for business meetings, but be careful as it stains easily and obviously. Imagine trying to concentrate on what someone is trying to say when you can’t help but focus on the black mark on their collar!
Red
Considered an extreme colour, red symbolises confidence, passion, sexiness, assertion and confrontation, so is probably best only worn in small amounts in the form of accessories.
Brown
Although it is seen as a solid, reliable colour, brown commands less authority than black or navy, in a business environment.
Blue
Navy is considered as “corporate” as black, whilst many surveys show that lighter shades of blue symbolise loyalty and trustworthiness, making it one of the best colours to wear for an interview or business meeting.
Keep accessories simple and subtle
As with stains on clothing, it is difficult for the people you are talking with to concentrate on what you have to say or offer if they are focusing on your chunky diamante necklace! You can’t go wrong if you choose subtle, conservative jewellery, classic handbags and shoes with heels you can walk around in, all day. Needless to say, you should avoid “bling” at all times. The exception to this would be if you were promoting your jewellery and accessory business or if you were trying to get work with a company that sells this type of jewellery!
Dress modestly
Showing your cleavage, midriff or too much leg will send out the wrong messages in a business environment and may prevent you from being taken seriously. Save looking sexy for another time and place. You can still look feminine and attractive but you must aim to do this in an elegant and classy way.
Here are some ways you can achieve this:
- Moderate heels in fashionable but ladylike styles
- Fitted jackets that emphasise the waist
- Stylish blouses, shaped to fit and emphasise your feminine shape without showing your cleavage and preferably, without frills and flounces
- Figure skimming, rather than skin tight, dresses with no fussy details
- Black or natural hosiery (no patterns) or if in summer and in one of the less formal businesses, bare legs with a not-too-short dress may be appropriate
- Classic, feminine watches – and always wear a watch in a business meeting as it conveys punctuality
- Always be well groomed. Wear some make-up as it looks like you’ve made an effort but keep it subtle and natural. Save your dark red lips for a night out!
- Keep nails manicured (no chipped nail polish!) and hair should be neat, not overly styled and not covering too much of the face.
What message do you want to send out?
As the first thing we notice about people is the way they present themselves, you must consider:
- How you want to be perceived as a person, employee or colleague?
- What service or product you are selling or promoting?
Use the information you now have to ensure you dress in a way that conveys your personal message in the right way.
Obviously, you will want to show how your product, service and/or experience can benefit them as clients, partners or employers. This will be much easier if you have already gained their attention for the right reasons i.e. because you look the part!
Yes, Looking good is only half the picture but it’s a great place to start!
For some more great tips on business success, check out this book by Lizzie Edwards : Look like the leader you are
