After years of running a large department store for Macy’s, and providing business-appropriate dress seminars all over the country, I realized that there is one determining factor between companies whose people look ultra casual, and those whose people project a professional business casual image. The latter are always seizing a greater market share than their more casual-looking competitors. It’s not enough today to assume your employees know how to interpret business casual. Successful companies have specific dress codes that are aligned with their brand and core values, and they train their staff to understand the importance of how their employees’ image reflects the corporate brand. Large, successful companies know that professional looking people easily obtain more business. Review these “quick tips” to ensure your people look professional and are perceived to be the experts in your industry, on their way to achieve greater success.

Implement A Specific Dress Code

Do not just state to your employees that your company is going “business casual.” There are several levels of business casual, and it is important to know what to wear when working with a client vs. working in the office for the day. Be explicit in the types of dress you suggest your employees wear to be congruent with your brand message and how you wish to be portrayed in your industry.

Think Business Before Casual

Educate your team to consider “business” first and “casual” second. Items like t-shirts, jeans, flip-flops, tank tops and shorts are considered to be weekend apparel. This type of attire is far too casual to project professionalism and authority. However, tailored shirts worn with good quality pants and elegant loafers are casual and comfortable, but still business-like.

Dress to Portray Professionalism, Power & Authority

In the business casual arena there is one item that conveys all of these qualities: the jacket. For both men and women, a jacket is powerful. It is the one essential item that can instantly communicate professionalism and expertise.

Wear Classics, Not Faddish Items

At work it’s important to dress in classic pieces because you want to influence people, not have people commenting on your latest fashions. I always suggest to my clients that they invest in some classic pieces, and mix them with a few modern, trendy items like ties, shirts, blouses, and accessories. Faddish items are expensive when building a working wardrobe and will be out of style within a year or so. Classic items last for 5-7 years!

Power Colors For Business

The colors you wear in business communicate messages. Clothing colors can elicit specific, desired responses from a colleague or potential client. I always coach my professional clients to wear dark neutrals in the workplace. They are more business appropriate than bright or bold colors and communicate that you mean business. This is why you see many designers making suits out of dark fabrics. When you implement these “quick tips” into your company culture, your employees will look polished and professional. Your clients will respect you and perceive your employees to be the true professionals that they are. Dressing well is one of the key factors business people can do to attract more elite clients and grow professionally.

By: Sarah Hathorn