How to Dress Like You Mean Business

This article has been contributed by Kontent Factory.

Tomorrow’s a big day for 25-year-old Nisha. Her boss has given her a chance to present the marketing department’s annual budget at the board meeting.This presentation can make or break her career and also determine how fast she can climb the corporate ladder.

Even after coming home from work, she’s gone through the presentation a couple of times. Leaving no stone unturned, Nisha has also prepared answers to questions that the board members might ask about the budget.

Convinced that she’ll be able to deliver without any glitches tomorrow, Nisha decides to call it a night. Just when she’s about to switch off the light, she hears a knock on her door.

It’s her father.

Dad: All prepared for the big day tomorrow?

Nisha: Yup. All set.

Dad: You’ve taken a backup of important files that you’ll need?

Nisha: Yes.

Dad: You’ve prepared notes for points not in the presentation slides?

Nisha: Done. And, I’ve packed my bag as well. Before you ask, I’ve kept my laptop also.

Dad: Good…good. So, tell me what are you planning to wear for this important meeting?

Nisha: Dad! How does it even matter? They want to see how I am planning to spend their funds and the return they’ll get from it. Who cares about what I am going to wear?

Dad: True. The presentation is of utmost importance. But, you’ll be judged the minute you walk into the boardroom. The Board will form an opinion about you – especially when you’re meeting them for the first time - based on the way you are presenting yourself. This opinion, to an extent, will set the tone for your presentation.

Nisha: Huhn?

Dad: See, it’s simple. People decide how serious, reliable, trustworthy and committed you are towards your job by how you present yourself. Your knowledge can only be judged after you start presenting, and till then the first impression has already been made.

Nisha: Oh.

Yes, Nisha’s father is right. At important meetings and conferences, a person is judged on a number of things – personal grooming happens to be one of them. This is even more important for women – given that they have a lot to choose from, the scope for making an error is higher.

So, to ensure that your hard work does not go unnoticed or gets dismissed as a fluke or you do not have to face the Spanish Inquisition just because you turned up wearing baggy jeans and floaters in a room with men wearing three piece suits and women in starched cotton sarees or suits – you need to get the basics of boardroom dressing right.

Here are some tips to follow when choosing your outfit for important meetings – whether in the office or with clients.

1) Colour – Black, white, beige, brown, blue and gray are known to be boardroom favourites where Western outfits are concerned. In Indian wear (sarees and Punjabi suits), you have slightly more choice - rich maroons, greens, mustards, teamed with black or cream (Punjabi suits) are also acceptable.

Although, recent trends allow for a bit of experimentation with colors – extremely bright, peppy, gaudy, shimmery, glittery colors etc. are to be avoided at all costs.

2) Cut and length – Shirts, tops, kurtas or blouses with deep or low necklines are a strict no; no cleavage show is the most basic rule.  

If you are wearing a skirt – anything above the knee should be avoided along with long slits in skirts. The key is a modest and well-tailored outfit.

3) Prints and designs – Outfits with busy or very large prints should be avoided  as they are very distracting. You don’t want people to be trying to figure out what the design on your outfit is while you’re presenting. right?

4) Fabric – Choose fabrics that will not crumple easily and are not transparent or lacy. No nets also. Ensure your outfit is well-ironed.

5) Jewellery – As far as jewellery is concerned your checklist can include – small earrings, a chain with a small pendant, a decent-sized wristwatch or single bracelet (if you want, not necessary). The key here is to keep it to a minimum. No jingling bangles, chunky finger rings or dangling earrings. Anything that causes distraction or makes noise is to be avoided.

6) Shoes – Nothing flashy, chunky or with very high heels. Close-toed pumps with moderate heels matching your outfit are the best choice.

7) Hair – Your hairstyle should be simple and clean. For medium or long hair, a French braid or neatly made bun works best. If you plan on leaving it loose then ensure that your hair does not fall on your face. Stay away from messy (out of bed look) and highly intricate hairstyles. 

8) Makeup – Go for a simple clean and fresh look. No jarring and bright lipsticks or nails painted in neon colors or glittery eye shadow and over the top foundation. Pick makeup that suits your personality and the occasion. If you’re not used to wearing makeup, then do not experiment on this day. Ensure that you’ve taken care of the waxing, threading, manicure and pedicures. Neat and presentable is the key. 

9) Undergarments – Yes. This deserves a mention. Your undergarments should be well fitting and should not be visible through your clothes. If you’re wearing a white top, then go with a nude bra – not fluorescent. If you are wearing trousers, pants or skirts ensure that your panty line is not visible.

These were some of the basic guidelines that will ensure that you turn out looking professional for your meetings and are taken seriously – dress like you mean business and chances are you’ll get the business.

Disclaimer: This holds true for both men and women.