I once had a boss that had a wonderful outlook on dressing for success. I worked as a Marketing Director for an in home sales company. During one of our weekly sales meeting, one of the Sales Representatives asked the the owner of our company why they had to wear suits and ties. He had a valid point in that they had to crawl around on the floor during the product demonstration. The owner said when you go to a Kia, or Subaru dealership you might see the sales people wearing blue jeans or shorts. If you go into a Mercedes Benz or BMW dealership their sales people will have on suits and ties. It is all about the perception that you give to your customers about the company and the product or service that you represent.

Now that just makes sense doesn't it? Now since I heard that I have started noticing the way that people dress in different businesses. He was right in most cases. I hardly ever see a representative from a Fortune 500 company in blue jeans or shorts. I do however see sales people and other employees at other businesses wearing whatever they please. Don't get me wrong comfort is an issue, but I think you can accomplish both simultaneously. There are many options for dress wear. Women for instance no longer have to wear a dress and high heels to be dressed up. A nice pair of dress slacks and a matching top with some comfortable shoes is just as professional. Of course you must keep the outfit clean, tidy and pressed or it looses it's professional appeal. Men look just as nice in a pair of dress khaki's and a button down shirt. Again keeping the outfit clean and pressed is key.

Learn more about this author, Regina W.
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