what is not acceptable dress for a business presentation

What To Wear For A Presentation: Your Ultimate Presentation Outfit Style Guide

Table of contents.

Before you take the stage for your next presentation , let’s raid the closet and pick an outfit that will have your audience impressed and make you standout like the thought leader you are.

What you wear is important as it will have a long-lasting impression with your audience. The clothing you wear is one of the first things your audience will see and if you’re not wearing the appropriate outfit, you will not receive the appropriate reaction.

But we’re beyond judging people for what they wear, aren’t we?

Why Your Outfit Matters For A Presentation

Now, we are in a new age where judging one another for what they wear is no longer tolerated but it is embedded in our nurtured upbringing that has us forming conclusions in our subconscious before we even know it.

Psychology plays a role in presentations. Whether it’s the colors we choose for our slides, how we use our body language to communicate, the presentation aids we use and right down to clothing on our backs, each element of a presentation needs to be carefully curated for our intended audience.

What To Wear For A Casual Presentation

Let’s begin with an outfit good for any occasion.

Throughout your career, you’ll be faced with both formal and informal presentations . More often than not, you’ll be presenting more informal presentations than formal. With the frequency being higher for informal or casual presentations, we need to make sure your closet is well equipped for the occasion.

To be clear, there is nothing too defining of a casual presentation other than that the timing you have to prepare is essentially non-existent and it’s usually presented to a smaller audience. Casual presentations can spring up at any time so the outfit you wear should really reflect who you are on a regular basis.

A casual presentation outfit should be one you feel confident in. It should speak to your character and ensure that you’re not portraying to be someone you’re not. Although we prefaced earlier that your presentation outfit should be adapted to the audience you’re presenting to, it’s going to be quite difficult to do that with a casual presentation as these types of presentations just spring up.

Your natural sphere of influence will help dictate how you dress for a casual presentation as this is the audience you’ll likely be presenting to.

If you spend most of your time in an office environment, a business casual outfit might be the right outfit.

If you’re a trades professor teaching young apprentices how to master a trade, then dirty overalls might be the casual presentation outfit for you.

What To Wear For A Presentation In University

Throughout your university studies, you’ll be required to present individually and in groups from first year to your final year seminars. Depending on the class, you might even be graded on your outfit. For example, many courses in BBA programs require you to present in business formal attire as if you were out in the real world.

Depending on the class, the requirement might be different, but it never hurts to be the best dressed person in the room.

You’ll want to draw inspiration from the real word and dress either business casual or business formal.

Unlike the real world where you’ll be earning “adult money”, in university you need to be savvy on a budget. Consider shopping at chain stores like H&M and Zara where you can suits and dresses which aren’t brand names yet are still fashionable.

You’ll want to avoid anything too flashy like a red dress. Although it’s important to attract attention and keep your audience engaged, you don’t want them to be distracted with your outfit.

What To Wear For A Business Presentation At Work

You’ve graduated from university and are now working in the corporate world.

Depending on the industry you find a job in, your employer will have different dress code expectations. You’ll likely be asked to dress either business casual or business formal.

We’ve broken down the two into their own categories to help you better understand each one.

Business Casual Outfit

With most companies adopting a business casual dress code, you’ll likely be placed in a work environment that adopts a business casual outfit approach.

Business casual takes the key elements and ideas of a business formal outfit such as neutral tone colors and dress pants while getting rid of the signature elements like a suit jacket.

However, if you’d still like to add a bit of flair to your outfit, both men and women can throw a sports blazer on top and keep it unbuttoned or do up the second button to keep it interesting.

Business Formal Outfit

Business formal outfits are timeless.

For the men, a classic, old-fashioned navy suit would be your best outfit for a business formal setting.

For the women, you can’t go wrong with a skirt and a blouse. Feel free to swap the skirt with dress pants should you feel more comfortable wearing pants.

Don’t be afraid to accessorize your outfit as well. As boring as the corporate world may seem, it doesn’t have to be completely boring.

Consider adding a watch or some jewelry to add a pit of pop and personality to the outfit. They can act as great icebreakers and speaking points and also act as a sign of success.

What To Wear For A Presentation At A Conference

Depending on the conference, you’re best to wear a business casual outfit or a business formal outfit with a few exceptions.

The exceptions being modifications to your outfit depending on the venue.

Unlike a business meeting which may be done in a corporate office with standard office lighting, a presentation at a conference might have a stage, professional lighting and unique presentation aids such as green screens should the presentation be recorded for a later date.

If the venue has stage lights, avoid wearing a shiny suit. Instead, opt for a matte finish option.

If your venue has a background such as black curtains, avoid a black suit. You’ll appear to be a floating head in videos and images.

With the advancement of technology, more presentations are being held as virtual presentations . With a video conference you can get away with less by only worrying about what will be seen in the frame such as your shirt, hair or blouse.

At the end of the day, your outfit is only part of the many presentation aids you can incorporate into your presentation to make it stand out .

Author:  Ryan

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9 Things to Wear (and 3 to Avoid) for a Presentation

While the occasion may not come around too often, more likely than not, you’ll have to present your own ideas at work at some point. And before you’re standing in front of your bosses and colleagues sharing that business proposal or pitch, figuring out  what to wear for a presentation should be the least of your worries.

Once you’ve practiced your speech a few times and prepped the room, all that’s left is to dress the part. To take away the added stress of finding the right outfit for your big moment, we tapped Lauren McGoodwin, founder and CEO of Career Contessa , for her best advice on what to wear based on your work environment.

“When dressing for a presentation, it’s important to wear something you’re comfortable in, and something that makes you feel confident,” says McGoodwin. In a formal setting, she recommends a full suit . “I’d recommend going with a fitted black or navy suit, comfortable heel, and classic hair.”

If your office has a more creative flair, don’t be afraid to let that show through your look. “There’s room to experiment, but you still want to keep it professional with fitted pieces, such as a  colorful pencil skirt or a long-sleeve dress,” McGoodwin tells us.

Working at a startup? A casual environment still calls for a level of professionalism during certain moments, and a presentation is no exception. “Denim is pretty widely accepted in the startup environment, but keeping the professional tone, I’d recommend a  dark wash and adding a great blazer .”

McGoodwin also suggests leaving anything that restricts your ability to move at home—after all, this type of meeting requires gestures and movement in the room. She says to leave those ripped jeans, loose-fitting tops, and teetering heels at home for another time. Now, shop our favorite looks to ace your next presentation.

When working in a more formal environment, it's important to dress the part—especially when it comes to giving a presentation. Show your colleagues that you mean business with suit pieces like a blazer and tailored trousers.

Nothing says promotion like a chic power blazer. Available in sizes FR 34 to FR 42.

Dress to impress in this blazer and the matching bottoms ($50) and ace your next presentation. Available in sizes XS to XL.

In this dress, you mean business. Available in sizes 10 to 20.

If you happen to work in a more creative environment that allows a bit more sartorial freedom, let your personality shine while staying polished for your presentation. A textured skirt or pants will pair so well with an easy and chic button-down.

You'll want to wear this print all season long. Available in sizes 34 to 40.

These are so perfect for spring and summer. Available in sizes  2 to 26W .

This skirt will show just the right amount of your personality. Available in sizes 2 to 10.

Just because you work at a casual startup company doesn't mean that you have to dress the part. Stay stylish and professional with a streamlined ensemble of skinny jeans and a top with an unexpected detail.

This twist detail is so unique. Available in sizes 34 to 40.

If you're in a casual startup environment, wear these for work or for the weekend. Available in sizes 00 to 24.

These jeans are so flattering. Available in sizes 24 to 33.

With these pieces, you’ll be sure to command the room the next time you’ve got a presentation in the books.

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What to wear for public speaking (and what absolutely positively not to wear) before your next speech

by Kolarele Sonaike

I wasn’t really naked. I simply didn’t have any clothes on – Josephine Baker

What to wear. What to wear. What to wear for public speaking.

What to wear for public speaking is a much more important question than even I used to think. In my practice as a barrister, the options for clothes were pretty limited. Dark Suit, white shirt, dark tie, dark shoes, dark gown – and on top of it all a funny looking white wig made of horse hair! First impressions matter in all things, and public speaking is no different. Even before you say your first word, the audience will make a silent judgment about you, based largely on the way you look. Make the right impression, and you’ll get the audience on side from the start. Get it wrong, and however strong your speech, your audience will spend the whole time distracted by your clashing colours.

From the jeans and turtleneck of Steve Jobs to the colourful and elegant headscarves of Malala Yousafzai, what you wear can often have as much impact on the message people receive, as what you actually say.

So before you suffer your next wardrobe malfunction, here are some tips to consider on what to wear for public speaking and what you absolutely positively should not wear before your next speech. It’s a long list, but don’t be scared. The one rule to rule them all is… Be Yourself!

The Three Things to Think About

When it comes to choosing what to wear for public speaking, there are basically three things to think about:

• Comfort & Practicality

“Style is whatever you want to do, if you can do it with confidence” George Clinton

S ubstance, of course, is key when it comes to speechmaking. You can’t get away with weak content and cover it up by looking good. But beyond the content of your speech, the style you bring to the stage is still massively important for two big reasons: One – the impression your audience gets of you; Two – the confidence you get from looking good.

Annie Francesca, the Reinvention Stylist recommends that we ask ourselves

“ What clothes can I wear that will make me feel powerful? Look for clothing that makes you feel as if you are literally wearing a superhero cape. When you dress in the way that reflects the person you want to show up on stage, you literally attract that magic”

The things to consider when thinking about the style of what you wear are:

• do you personally feel confident in the outfit?
• can you add a signature piece? Something that uniquely represents you? (I have a thing for yellow socks!)
• choose your primary colour carefully (here’s a good article for the meaning of certain colours)
• think about the backdrop to your speech (if it’s going to be a black backdrop you probably want to avoid black clothes; if you’ve got a white backdrop or screen, avoid white – especially if you’re going to be on video as light levels can play havoc with white clothes)
• hair – if you’re follicly challenged like me, this isn’t so much of a worry. Otherwise, consider things like – will your hair be combed, unkept, tied up, swept back, styled, kept natural etc.
• beards – clean shaven, stubbled, full bearded
• glasses – will you wear glasses or contacts
• culture – consider the culture of the country, region, industry, company, audience and be sure that what you wear comports with the culture
• skirt & blouse, dress or trouser suit
• smart or casual or smart casual or casually smart (is there a difference?) ; street or corporate;
• Ironed or rumpled?
• jewellery & accessories – what will you wear?  what impression will they create?
• the occasion – what is appropriate for the occasion itself
• shoes – colour, style, formality, stilettos vs flats; brogues or trainers; polished
• skin showing – bare or covered arms; high/low neckline; open/closed buttons; cleavage
• skin tone – pale skin often benefits from darker shades, whilst darker skin will often carry off lighter colours well. I love pink shirts for instance!
• makeup – heavy, light, natural, accentuated
• loose or tight fitting clothes
• hat, cap, headscarf or open
• cologne/perfume – will you use any? What scent? How strong?
• breath – your mouth will get very dry, which will probably accentuate your breath. Consider what you eat beforehand. I personally get very conscious of my breath during a speech so I’ll always carry some mentos for emergencies

Chimamanda Ngozie

Don’t try to be anyone else but yourself. It isn’t worth it!

COMFORT & PRACTICALITY

Carl Lewis for Pirelli

No sense looking great if it affects your performance. At the same time you consider style, you’ve got to think about your comfort and the practicalities of giving a presentation. Think about:

• will it allow for movement (of your arms, neck, legs, bending, demonstrating) – I feel really constricted with a buttoned-up shirt so any chance I get I dispense with my tie and undo the top button. So think about the practicality of suits, pencil skirts, tight tops
• sweat patches – some tops don’t handle sweat well at all. So, unless you know you’ll be as cool as a cucumber, plan for the inevitable sweat
• temperature of the venue – will you get too hot/cold
• spare clothes – do you need to bring a spare of something in case of problems?
• Shoes – especially if you are standing
• tears, stains, loose threads, missing buttons etc – check your outfit for defects because they’ll bother you otherwise

You will have 100 other things to worry about when the moment of your speech comes, so don’t make what you wear thing number 101.

You’ve thought about your style and your comfort. But remember, this is ultimately about the impression you make on your audience. So the final and most important thing to consider is what message you want to make with what you wear for public speaking. We saw a classic example of this with Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg. Zuck is normally a T-shirt and hoodie guy because it fits with his non-corporate accessible techie image. But he knew that that wouldn’t cut it for his appearance to answer questions before an angry (non-tech savvy) US Congress.

So we saw him in a sharp tailor-made sober suit and standard blue tie. Message – I’m serious about this. So, think about:

• matching or challenging your audience’s expectations – do you want to blend in or stand out? Are you one of them or apart from them?
• the tone you are giving about yourself – are you serious, funny, professional, relaxed, accessible, austere, affluent, humble
• jewellery and accessories – are they distracting, jangling or noisy?
• Colours – every colour has a meaning so choose carefully .
• will you use a meaningful prop e.g. scientist’s lab coat; yo-yo

Be in control of the message your appearance gives so that there is perfect consistency and symmetry between your look and your message.

And some Dos & Don’ts 

• Do have a dress rehearsal. Practise your presentation in full dress. It will help you decide whether you’ve chosen wisely
• Don’t wear red if you’re a woman.  According to research , red as a primary colour for an outfit apparently signals sexual receptiveness to men, and triggers defensiveness in women
• Do pick two outfits the day before and sleep on it. The right one will pick itself in the morning.
• Don’t wear stripes unless you are a fashion expert and absolutely confident in your choice. Moving stripes play havoc with eyes and cameras
• Do get a friend to give you a 360 check just before you speak. You won’t notice fluff on your back, an open fly, or spinach in your teeth
• Don’t over worry about your look. You have a 99% chance of being absolutely fine. And even if you end up looking a bit odd, your audience won’t hold it against you.

I guess all that remains is to show you my personal go to public speaking costume. Grey suit, pink shirt (though it looks kind of white on camera), no tie open button (cos I hate ties); a single button done up on my jacket so I’m neat but my arms are not restricted. Although you cant see it, my shoes were black and polished and of course, I was wearing yellow socks!

If you’ve got this far, you’ll definitely like my free live webinar: How to become an outstanding public speaker even if you are not a natural performer and without being overwhelmed by fear 

Kolarele sonaike, the great speech consultancy, pin it on pinterest.

What to Wear for a Presentation: 10 Tips

by Rob Biesenbach | Presentation/Speech Tips

Like it or not, audiences are making all kinds of conscious and unconscious judgments about you before you even utter your first word. They’re looking for clues about whether you’re worth their attention, and most of those clues come from your appearance — your posture, your gait, your hair and, yes, your wardrobe.

So it’s really important that you set the right tone from the start, and wear clothes that make a strong first impression or, at minimum, don’t undermine you.

Here are my tips on common wardrobe pitfalls and how to avoid them..

1. Dress to Feel Good

Most of us have a go-to outfit or article of clothing like this in our closet. Choose that and you’re much more likely to feel poised and confident in front of an audience.

2. Dress to Look Good

Of course, there are reasonable limits to Rule 1. If your “feel good” clothes are the ones you wear to mow the lawn or go to the gym, that’s obviously not going to work for a big presentation.

The traditional rule of thumb is that you should dress one level above your audience. In the business casual era, that’s getting harder to figure out, but the general principle is, if your audience is wearing sport coats, you wear a suit, if they’re in khakis and button downs you put on a sport coat, etc.

And I apologize. I know these examples are completely male-centric, but that’s what I happen to be. If you’re looking for advice specific to women, there are people (women) to consult who are more qualified  than I am to weigh in on this.

The bottom line is, your wardrobe should help you project authority. You should look like you belong up there sharing knowledge with a group. So whatever level of dress you wear, from a t-shirt to suit, it should be high quality, well tailored and contemporary.

3. Dress for the Audience/Venue

Figuring out what to wear for a presentation used to be so easy. Throw on a business suit and tie (or a sharp dress or suit for women) and you were all set. But outside of a few industries, hardly anyone wears neckties these days. (And even for those professions that do, like the law, they usually dress down for conferences and similar events.)

So you want to look to your audience for context. The tech industry is a widely cited example — show up at a conference of developers in a suit and tie and you’ll be written off as old-fashioned and out of touch.

But you never know. I have one client whose people all wore suits and ties to my workshops; on the other hand, I spoke to a bunch of lawyers who were dressed in jeans.

The smart thing to do is to check with the organizers in advance and to dress with flexibility in mind so you can change things up on-site (add a tie or shed a jacket, for instance).

4. Dress for Your Brand (Who You Are)

Your clothes should match who you are. A zany creative type will probably dress in an edgy or avante garde way. A risk management consultant would look more at home in a conservative suit.

It all depends on where you “belong” — in the boardroom or the backroom.

Also, a suit and tie doesn’t have to be stodgy. A trendy outfit — slim pants, fitted jacket, narrow tie, spread collar — makes a statement of its own.

5. Avoid Brand New Clothes

Always road test your outfits before wearing them on stage. Standing in the spotlight in front of several hundred people is a terrible time to find out that your shirt has an annoying tag that chafes your neck or your pants get easily wrinkled or your fabric is more sheer than you expected.

6. Don’t Try to Be Hip if You’re Not

The latest uniform among middle-aged men seems to be jeans, sport coats and t-shirts. If you’re going to try to pull this off, here are a few guidelines:

• Invest in high quality, fashionable jeans tailored to your physique. The cool factor you’re going for will be totally undermined by “dad (or mom) jeans,” baggy, slouchy jeans, or the kind of jeans you’d wear to mow the lawn.
• Make sure you wear a blazer or sport coat that pairs well with jeans. I see a lot of guys throw on what is very obviously a suit jacket over jeans and that is wrong, wrong, wrong. Read up on the important difference between suits, sport coats and blazers.
• If you must wear a t-shirt (as opposed to, say, a button down), make sure it’s a nice one that fits well and isn’t all stretched out or faded. And if the label says “Hanes” or “Jockey” what you have is an under shirt.

7. Keep it Simple

If the audience’s main takeaway is remembering what you wore, you’re doing it wrong. Unless you have a certain brand that calls for bright red pants or a hat with a giant yellow feather, it’s best to dress simply. Avoid colors or accessories or jewelry that might distract the audience, make noise or cause a glare under stage lights.

8. Wear Something that Holds a Lavalier

The best placement for a lavalier (clip-on) microphone is centered on your upper chest. People often clip them to a lapel, but that’s a bad idea because every time you turn your head, the sound level will change.

The ideal thing to wear to accommodate a lavalier is a button down shirt (it should go near the second button) or a necktie (clip it a few inches below the knot).

For everything else, it all depends on the type of clips the AV people have and whether there are actual AV pros there at all. Do your research  or consult an AV professional (which I am NOT) if you can.

9. Double-check the Program

This is a funny one. A friend recently reported feeling chagrined to discover that the outfit she was wearing for a speech was the same appearing in her conference program photo.

I personally have given up worrying about this, as I happened to wear a favorite outfit in my headshots and I don’t have enough clothes to just stop wearing it for speeches!

But if this is an issue for you, keep it in mind. Also, it’s one more good reason to dress in something basic and neutral — either for your headshot, on stage or both.

10. Take Off That Name Tag!

Most of all, focus on what matters.

Off the top of my head I can list more than a dozen things more important to a presentation’s success than your choice of clothing: the power of your ideas, how clearly they’re structured, the energy and passion you bring to them, your connection to the audience, the way you move and gesture, and more.

Compared to all that, figuring out what to wear for a presentation seems downright trivial. But an inappropriate outfit can handicap you from the start. And the right one can make a subtle but important difference in the way you feel and the authority you project.

When it comes to presentations, the little things often add up to something big, so a few extra moments’ consideration — and some extra investment — should be well worth it.

Photo Credit: Orbmiser Flickr via Compfight cc

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A Comprehensive Guide to Business Attire (with Examples)

By Status.net Editorial Team on May 8, 2023 — 12 minutes to read

A Comprehensive Guide to Business Attire: Examples and Tips

With various dress codes, expectations, and styles, it’s essential to have a comprehensive understanding of what is considered appropriate and professional in different settings. Understanding the difference between business formal, business professional, and business casual attire is crucial for those entering or already immersed in the corporate world. These dress codes vary in formality and are often dictated by the industry or company culture. This guide will break down the different types of business attire, provide examples for each category, and offer tips to help you make the best impression in your professional life.

Understanding Business Attire Categories

Business formal.

Business formal attire is the most formal dress code in a professional setting. It is often required for high-level events or meetings and includes clothing items such as dark suits and ties, skirt suits, or suit dresses. For both men and women, classic, conservative colors like black, navy, or charcoal gray are preferred.

Examples of business formal attire:

• A dark pants suit or skirt suit with a light button-down shirt and formal shoes like Oxfords, loafers, heels, or formal flats.
• A black suit with a white button-down shirt, a tie, and polished dress shoes.
• A long evening gown for formal events (in some cases).

Business Professional

Business professional attire is slightly less formal than business formal and is often required in industries like finance, law, government, and accounting. Men can wear dark-colored suits, dress shirts, ties, and dress shoes, while women can opt for dresses, slacks, skirts, or suits with blazers, paired with heels or flats.

Examples of business professional attire:

• A crisp button-down shirt or blouse with a blazer, dress pants or skirt, and loafers or heels.
• A well-fitted dark-colored suit with a conservative tie and dress shoes.
• A tidy dress with a blazer or a collared blouse and dress pants, accompanied by professional shoes.

Business Casual

Business casual attire strikes a balance between formal and casual dress codes. This category allows for more variety and personal expression and is often the standard dress code in modern work environments. Business casual attire can include khaki pants, printed dresses, jumpers, or polo shirts with the company logo.

Examples of business casual attire:

• Khaki pants with a polo shirt or a button-down shirt, paired with loafers or flats.
• A printed dress or jumper with a cardigan, blazer, or light jacket and comfortable shoes.
• Dressy jeans or slacks with a collared shirt, sweater, or blouse and casual yet polished shoes.

Casual attire is the most relaxed dress code and is typically reserved for informal events or workplaces with a laid-back atmosphere. This category includes clothing items like jeans, casual dresses, t-shirts, and sneakers. It’s essential to maintain a polished and professional appearance even in a casual setting, so avoid overly distressed clothing, athletic wear, or revealing garments.

Examples of casual attire:

• Dark, well-fitted jeans with a casual blouse or button-down shirt and fashionable sneakers or casual shoes.
• A casual dress or skirt with a simple top, paired with sandals or flats.
• A comfortable yet polished t-shirt with chinos or relaxed-fit slacks and casual shoes.

Business Formal Attire

Business formal attire for men typically consists of a two-piece suit in dark, tailored colors like gray, brown, navy, or black. A classic button-down shirt in a muted color is an essential part of men’s business formal attire. The tie should be conservative in design and color. Polished leather dress shoes such as Oxfords or loafers are essential, and leather belts should match the shoe color.

Women’s business formal attire includes a well-tailored skirt suit or pantsuit in dark colors like black, navy, or gray. The suit should be paired with a modest, simple blouse or button-down shirt. Footwear should be conservative, with either heels or formal flats in a neutral color. Hosiery is recommended when wearing a skirt. Jewelry and accessories should be minimal and elegant.

• For men: A navy suit, light blue button-down shirt, and a conservative red tie, paired with black leather Oxfords and a matching belt.
• For women: A black skirt suit with a white blouse, low-to-medium height heel shoes in a neutral color, and delicate, simple jewelry.

Business Professional Attire

Business professional attire for men typically consists of a suit or a blazer with a pair of dress pants. Dark-colored suits in shades like gray, brown, navy, or black are the most suitable choices. A classic button-down shirt, preferably in muted colors, should be worn with the suit or blazer. A matching tie is also essential to complete the look.

Men are advised to wear polished dress shoes, such as Oxfords or loafers, with business professional attire. Socks should be darker shades that complement the suit and not too flashy. The belt should also match the shoes for a cohesive appearance.

For women, business professional attire includes tidy dresses, pencil skirts, or slacks. Dresses and skirts should be knee-length or longer. Pairing a skirt or slacks with a neat button-down shirt or blouse is recommended. A blazer is also essential for a complete business professional look. Women can opt for conservative, well-fitted suits as well.

Shoes for business professional attire would include closed-toe heels, flats, or loafers. Women should opt for hosiery that matches their skin tone or the color of their skirt or pants. Accessories should be minimal, and makeup should be kept to a natural-looking, professional appearance.

• Men: A navy suit with a crisp white button-down shirt, black tie, black Oxford shoes, and black dress socks.
• Women: A charcoal gray skirt suit with a light blue blouse, black pumps, and sheer black pantyhose.

Business Casual Attire

Business casual attire for men typically incorporates a balance between professional and comfortable clothing. Men can opt for button-down shirts, polo shirts, or collared shirts, which can be paired with dress slacks or khakis. Dark jeans without holes or tears can also be acceptable in some workplaces. In terms of footwear, loafers, Oxfords, or tie-up shoes are suitable options.

Women’s business casual attire is similar to men’s in terms of balancing professionalism with comfort. Appropriate options for women include blouses, sweaters, and button-down shirts worn with slacks or skirts (knee-length or longer). Dark jeans without holes can also be suitable in some settings. Alternatively, knee-length or maxi dresses may be appropriate. For footwear, women can wear closed-toed shoes like pumps, flats, or boots.

Here are a few examples of business casual attire for both men and women:

• Light blue button-down shirt paired with khaki pants and brown Oxfords.
• White polo shirt with dark dress pants and loafers.
• Black blouse, knee-length skirt, and black pumps.
• Maxi dress with a cardigan and flats.

Casual Attire

Casual attire for men allows for more freedom in choosing clothing items and styles. This can include jeans, chinos, or khaki pants, which can be paired with a variety of shirt styles, such as polo shirts, casual button-down shirts, and t-shirts. Footwear options can range from sneakers to loafers, depending on the occasion and the colors in your outfit. It is important to keep your clothing items clean, pressed, and in good condition.

Women’s casual attire can include a wide range of clothing items and styles, such as skirts, dresses, jeans, leggings, or pants. Tops can range from simple t-shirts to blouses or casual button-down shirts. Shoes can include flats, sandals, sneakers, or low-heeled options, depending on the outfit and the occasion. Accessories, such as jewelry or scarves, can be added to personalize and enhance the overall look.

• Men’s casual outfit : A pair of dark-wash jeans or chinos, a white polo or casual button-down shirt, and a pair of clean sneakers or loafers.
• Women’s casual outfit : A knee-length skirt or dress, a simple blouse or t-shirt, and a pair of comfortable flats or sandals. Or, a pair of jeans or leggings, a casual button-down shirt or tunic, and a pair of low-heeled shoes or sneakers.

Dressing for Different Industries

Finance and legal.

In the finance and legal sectors, business attire typically leans more formal. This is because these industries are often associated with professionalism and a conservative dress code. For both men and women, a dark suit is the standard choice. Men should wear a matching tie, and a light-colored button-down shirt. For women, options include a skirt suit, pantsuit, or a suit dress. Appropriate shoes for both sexes include formal flats, heels, Oxfords, or loafers.

• Men: Dark suit, white button-down shirt, and matching tie
• Women: Black skirt suit with a light-colored blouse
• Women: Dark pantsuit with a button-down shirt

The technology industry is known for having a more relaxed dress code compared to finance and legal sectors. Business casual attire is often the norm here. However, it is still crucial to maintain a professional appearance, especially if you are meeting clients or attending a formal event. Men can wear slacks or khaki pants paired with a collared shirt. Women can opt for slacks or a knee-length skirt with a blouse, a mid-length professional dress, or a polo shirt.

• Men: Khaki pants, collared shirt with or without a tie
• Women: Mid-length professional dress and a sweater or blazer
• Women: Slacks, blouse, and a cardigan

Creative industries, such as advertising or design, often allow for more flexibility and self-expression in terms of dress code. Business casual attire is common, but you can usually incorporate more colors, patterns, and unique pieces into your outfit. However, maintaining a professional look is essential, even in a more casual environment. Men can try pairing colored or patterned slacks with a casual button-down shirt or sweater, while women can experiment with bold prints, skirts, and unique accessories.

• Men: Patterned slacks, button-down shirt, and a sweater
• Women: Bold print dress with a blazer or cardigan
• Women: Colorful skirt, blouse, and statement accessories

Occasion-Based Tips

When dressing for an interview, it is crucial to make a positive first impression by wearing appropriate attire. Business professional attire is typically recommended for interviews, ensuring a polished appearance. Examples of appropriate interview attire include:

• Dark-colored business suit
• Solid light-colored or white button-down shirt with sleeves
• Conservative colored tie

It is also essential to wear clean, polished dress shoes and ensure that your hair, nails, and facial hair are clean and neatly groomed.

Meetings and Presentations

For meetings and presentations, business professional or business casual attire may be suitable, depending on your role and the company’s dress code. When in doubt, opt for a more formal look to convey professionalism. Some examples of attire for meetings and presentations include:

• Dress shirt or blouse with a blazer
• Dress slacks or skirt
• Heels, loafers, or flats

Incorporate light or muted tones in clothing and avoid colors and patterns that are too bold. Stripes are a safe choice for patterns, if necessary.

Networking Events

Networking events can range from informal meetups to more formal gatherings. As a rule of thumb, choose business casual attire to balance professionalism and approachability. Examples of business casual attire for networking events include:

• Button-down shirts or polo shirts
• Sweaters or collared shirts
• Dress slacks, khaki pants, or dark denim jeans without holes or tears

Shoes should be appropriate for the event, such as loafers, Oxfords, or tie-up shoes. Always remember to dress for the company culture and adjust your attire accordingly, keeping in mind that your appearance represents your professionalism in these settings.

Seasonal Considerations

Seasonal factors can influence the choice of fabrics, colors, and style of clothing:

During the summer months, professionals should prioritize lightweight fabrics that help with breathability and allow for better air circulation. Opt for materials such as cotton, linen, or lightweight wool blends to avoid excessive perspiration and maintain a professional appearance.

Colors can also help maintain a summer business wardrobe. Lighter, muted tones can be versatile and professional. Look for options like light gray, beige, and light blue for suits, slacks, and skirts.

Some summer business attire examples include:

• A light-colored, lightweight suit with a white button-down shirt and a subtle patterned tie.
• A beige linen dress with a lightweight blazer and dress sandals.
• A light gray, tailored skirt and short-sleeved blouse paired with peep-toe heels.

In the colder months, it’s crucial to stay warm while maintaining a professional appearance. Choose heavier fabrics such as wool, cashmere, or tweed for suits, jackets, and skirts. Layering can be essential to keep warm; wear thermal or silk undergarments to retain heat without adding bulk to the outfit.

Winter business colors tend to be darker and more conservative. Opt for navy, charcoal, or deep burgundy as they convey professionalism and confidence.

Some winter business attire examples include:

• A charcoal wool suit with a crisp white dress shirt, a dark-colored tie, and black Oxford shoes.
• A navy sweater dress with tights, ankle boots, and a structured blazer.
• A tweed skirt paired with a cashmere turtleneck sweater and leather knee-high boots.

Maintaining Your Wardrobe

Investing in timeless pieces.

When selecting business attire, it’s essential to invest in timeless pieces that can be easily mixed and matched to create various outfits. Classic clothing items, such as a well-fitted blazer, tailored trousers, or a pencil skirt, are worth investing in, as they will never go out of style. Also, consider investing in high-quality materials like wool, silk, and cotton, which are not only more durable but also exude professionalism.

Examples of timeless pieces include:

• Dark-colored suit (navy, black, or charcoal)
• Crisp, white button-down shirt
• Tailored dress pants or a pencil skirt

Caring for Your Clothes

Proper care and maintenance of your business attire are crucial for ensuring your garments remain in excellent condition and continue to project a professional appearance. Regularly laundering and pressing your clothes will help remove any stains and wrinkles, maintaining a crisp, clean look. When cleaning your garments, be sure to follow the specific care instructions provided by the manufacturer to avoid damage.

Shoe care is also vital, so make sure to polish and clean your dress shoes as needed. Investing in quality shoe trees can help keep the shape of your shoes and prolong their lifespan.

To keep your clothes organized and easy to access, develop a system for organizing your wardrobe. This could include separate sections for different types of garments, hanging similar items together, or arranging clothes by color.

Some tips for caring for your clothes include:

• Always read and follow care label instructions
• Use quality pressing irons and gentle detergents
• Store your clothes properly, using padded hangers to avoid creasing

Invest time in maintaining your wardrobe, and you’ll always be prepared to put your best foot forward in the professional world.

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Presentation Preparation: 5 Tips on What to Wear

December 8, 2014 / Blog presentation preparation, presentation tips, what to wear for presentations

To get the audience on your side, you need to show them that you’re a credible and reliable source . In other words, you’ll have to establish rapport by making a positive first impression. We spend a lot of time carefully planning and preparing visuals that will help enhance our presentations. Why can’t the same be true for the way we present ourselves to an audience? If you do it right, the clothes you wear can be a great way to make a statement and inject some personality into your presentation.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you’re deciding what to wear for a presentation:

Dress for the occasion

As with most things, presentation wear depends on the context of a given situation. Before you can decide which clothes to wear, you need to consider key details about your presentation. Even if they seem unrelated to clothing, the information you have will actually help you set some parameters and decide what type of look you should go for.

What is your presentation about? If you’re set to deliver an executive report, it makes sense to be in business formal attire. On the other hand, if you’re leading a seminar, you might be allowed to go for something a little less formal. What about the venue of your presentation? If you’re presenting within your organization, your choice of clothing will obviously depend on a specific dress code. If you’ll be at a trade show or conference, you can take into account the culture within the industry. Those working in more creative fields can opt to wear something casual. Meanwhile, people working in investment and finance will be restricted to more conservative choices like tailor-fit suits and dress shirts.

Think of what the audience might wear

Another way to figure out an appropriate attire is by thinking of what the audience might wear. If there’s one rule to keep in mind about what to wear for presentations, it’s that you should always dress slightly better than the people you’re addressing. Who are you expecting in your audience? If you’re delivering an executive presentation, come to the venue in your best suit. For less formal crowds, your safest bet is to dress in business casual.

Business casual is your middle ground. It’s the perfect choice for situations when you’re not expecting a highly formal crowd, but you don’t want to risk looking too sloppy either. Scott Schwertly of Ethos3 describes it as “the grey zone of office dressing.” For men, you can opt to dress down your button-down shirts with a pair of khakis and loafers. James Wilson, a contributor for the Business Insider, provides a complete guide to business casual for men . For women, you can choose to wear your trousers with a blouse and cardigan. The blog Corporette offers some pretty useful tips for women struggling to find the balance between formal and casual.

Don’t neglect comfort

Body language plays an important role in presentation delivery. As we’ve noted before , you can’t just stand in one spot throughout an hour-long presentation. Audiences want to see something dynamic and engaging. To do that, you need to be mindful of your non-verbal cues. Wearing clothes that restrict your movement will definitely harm your ability to deliver a great presentation.

Prioritize your comfort by wearing clothes that fit you well. If you wear anything that’s too tight or too loose, you might eventually find yourself fidgeting with your clothes. To avoid distracting the audience, wear clothes that you don’t have to adjust constantly. For women, expect that you’ll be on your feet for most of the time. Heels might add an elegant touch to what you’re wearing, but they might also cause you great discomfort after some amount of time. If you’re someone who isn’t used to wearing high heels, you can opt for wedges or low-heeled dress shoes instead.

Avoid bright colors or distracting prints

As a presenter, it’s your job to make sure that the audience remains attentive and engaged. Considering how short our attention spans have gotten, you should assume that the littlest things can easily prove distracting. Aside from constantly fidgeting with your clothes, you can also distract the audience by wearing pieces with bright colors and over-the-top prints.

While an interesting design can add personality to your outfit, anything that’s too loud can easily attract unwanted attention. To experiment with color, choose a more muted shade and balance it out with something more neutral. For example, you can opt to wear a deep green tie paired with classic colors like white, black, or grey.

For women, you can add a bit of creativity to your outfits by wearing some jewelry. When choosing accessories, make sure you avoid pieces that are too large or noisy like hoop earrings and bangles. Instead, you can go for a simple necklace and a pair of stud earrings.

Pay close attention to details

Once you’ve finally decided on what to wear, you need to make sure that every detail is perfect for your presentation. While the audience might not see that your shirt is missing a button from afar, they might notice it once you’re networking around the room. Check the clothes you want to wear for anything amiss, like a loose thread or a small stain. You should also take the time to polish your shoes. For women, be sure to check your stockings for runs. If you notice wrinkles on your shirt right before you face the audience, you can check our presentation hack for a quick fix.

Aside from that, it’s also important to make sure your hair is well-groomed. Women should keep their hair out of their face with a bun or a ponytail. It’s also important to have a bit of makeup on. Meanwhile, men should always make sure to trim or shave their facial hair.

Remember that first impression are especially crucial when delivering presentations. Control how the audience perceives you by taking extra care with the clothes you choose to wear.

READ MORE: 

• What to Wear for a Presentation – Chron
• What to wear during a Business Presentation – Art of Public Speaking
• How To Avoid Disaster – Six Rules For What To Wear When Giving A Speech – Forbes

Images:  Robert Sheie  via  Flickr

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How To Choose A Perfect Presentation Outfit: Best Step-by-Step Guide in 2024

Jane Ng • 08 April, 2024 • 7 min read

As Jean Cocteau, a French writer, designer, playwright, artist, and filmmaker, stated, “Style is a simple method of conveying complex ideas.” Undeniably, a person’s choice of clothing can significantly impact the perception they create, making it a formidable tool for communication.

So, if you wish to make a strong impression on your audience, the following presentation outfit  tips can assist you in appearing confident and “shining” when you take the stage to speak.

Table of Contents

Why your presentation outfit matters , how to choose a perfect presentation outfit.

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Humans are creatures easily impressed by appearance, so your presentation outfit will determine your first impression on your audience. 

Furthermore, it brings personal benefits as it reflects your professionalism, confidence, and competence . A well-groomed and appropriate outfit can boost your self-assurance and comfort, which leads to an improved presentation.

For example, wearing a suit and tie to a business presentation shows that you take the event seriously and well-prepared. On the other hand, wearing casual and wrinkled clothes can show your lack of professionalism and attention to detail. It can reduce the weight of your words.

Moreover, the way you dress can also affect your self-perception. Don’t limit yourself to dull, everyday outfits. Choosing the right costume for your presentation can be a valuable investment in enhancing your success as a speaker.

Here are some tips on how to choose the perfect presentation outfit:

1/ Know Your Audience

A beautiful outfit is not only because of the design but also depends on the wearer choosing the right situation and suitable for their audience. 

Whether you’re presenting in a class or a corporate meeting, it’s essential to identify your audience. 

• For example, a suit and tie may be appropriate for a formal business presentation, while a more casual, creative gathering may allow for a more relaxed look.

Besides, you should wear clothes with light or neutral colours, limiting cumbersome designs or patterns.

2/ Dress for your body type

An outfit that is too wide or too tight not only does not enhance the beauty of your body but also makes you look sloppy and less confident when appearing in front of a crowd. By determining the right body type, you will have the right clothing choices: 

• If you have a slender figure, consider wearing clothing made from lightweight, flowing fabrics to add volume to your frame.
• On the other hand, if you have a full frame, minimalist designs in structured and firm materials will be your best bet.

If you’re unsure what looks best, try a few options and see what feels the most comfortable and confident.

3/ Choose the right colors

Color plays a significant role in creating a visual impression on others. For this reason, it’s best to choose neutral hues that evoke a warm and welcoming vibe, such as navy blue, white, pink, and soft pastel tones. 

These shades are versatile and suitable for a range of events, skin tones, and personal preferences. They are considered to be approachable and work well for many people.

4/ Pay attention to details

When putting together a presentation outfit, it’s essential to pay attention to even the smallest details. Here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to the details of your presentation outfit:

• Cleanliness. Make sure your outfit is clean and free of any stains or spills. 
• Free of wrinkles. A well-pressed outfit is a sign of attention to detail and professionalism. Ensure your clothes are free of wrinkles and creases and that your collars, cuffs, and hemlines are neat.
• Accessories. Choose accessories that complement your outfit and do not overpower it. Stick to a simple and understated look to avoid distractions.
• Matching. Make sure that your accessories match your outfit in style and colour. 

5/ In conclusion, be yourself 

It’s crucial to remember that following these tips doesn’t mean much if you’re dressing in a way that feels unnatural to you. If you have a creative personality, showcase it through your outfit choice. 

For example, if you feel that wearing bold and striking colors will enhance your presentation, then wear bold and striking colors.

Keep in mind that the content of your presentation and the way you introduce yourself are the most critical factors. However, confidence can significantly impact the overall outcome of your performance. The way you dress and how you feel about it affects your true self, so choose an outfit that makes you feel confident.

In conclusion, the biggest takeaway is that confidence and staying true to your personal style is the best outfit you can wear. Everything else is secondary. So, focus on feeling confident, and the rest will fall into place.

Final Thoughts 

Finding the perfect presentation outfit on the first try is difficult. If you are confused, you can consult with friends or find inspiration from the star, a fashionista with the same body shape and pursuing the style you love. Remember to be honest with yourself. What are your strengths and weaknesses? What impression do you want to leave the audience? Once these questions are answered, finding the perfect outfit won’t be too far off the mark.

What if you’ve found the right outfit for you and now want to make presentations interesting and creative, and engage your audience even more? Discover the public template library of AhaSlides now!

A writer who wants to create practical and valuable content for the audience

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• Mar 2, 2020

How to Dress for a Presentation: Everything You Need to Know

Updated: Nov 13, 2023

You're standing in front of a room full of people. All eyes are on you.

Presenting to a group of people can be challenging even for seasoned presenters, but get it right and they can open up a world of opportunities. Yet your content isn't the only thing that needs to be valuable and on point when you are on stage speaking.

Your visual presentation, including your personal style and clothing, also needs to be spot on. Why?

First and foremost it's for confidence.

For most people, being in front of a room full of people can be incredibly nerve wracking. Wearing a well-considered outfit that makes you look and feel professional helps to boost your confidence and give you a sense of presence.

The audience will immediately see and sense this, and that helps give you credibility.

People will start to judge you as soon as you walk onto a stage or are standing in front of a group of people. They will be wondering if you are worth their attention and forming their first impression of you. This gives you a golden window of opportunity to influence the audience's assumption of you, establish your authority and give them confidence in what's to come.

So, what should you wear on stage when speaking?

First things first, you need to think about the type and style of event.

How many people are you presenting to?

Is it a day or night time event?

Where is the event being held?

Will there be other presenters?

Who are you presenting to?

Knowing the above information first is key to helping you select the right outfit that will support your personal brand image.

Major conferences will often provide dress guidelines for presenters and tend to prefer clean, tailored designs, although this can depend on industry (i.e the technology industry is well known for being very casual; the arts industry is much more creative and fashion forward).

If you are speaking at a major conference and aren't provided any guidelines, don't be afraid to ask what is preferred and/or expected.

Have a look at past conference photos to get a feel for the event, and the audience. If these aren't available, ask the event organiser for the information and then aim to dress at least one level up from your audience to position yourself with authority.

Below are some example outfits that are professional and contemporary, and work well for speaking engagements for female professionals and leaders.

Notice that items are clean with classic/contemporary lines and with pops of colour. This ensures that you stand out, without being too distracting for your audience.

Feeling lost in your style? Take our FREE 3-minute Style Archetype Assessment to discover the attire that resonates with your authentic self and the message you'd like to convey, plus the first 3 steps to take towards your style success.

What should you wear if your event is virtual?

A business smart casual look is usually best for virtual events. This maintains a sense of professionalism while not feeling too overdressed for an online forum.

If you're a female professional or leader, smart blouses and shirts work well. If you'd like to add another layer of authority, you can opt for a blazer.

You also need to consider the background of your Zoom call or video conference. You want to make sure your outfit doesn't blend in too much with your background.

If you'd like more tips around dressing for virtual events, head to my post What To Wear When Presenting Online .

What colour should you wear for a presentation?

I always recommend to wear colour when speaking on stage. This is a time when you want to stand out and the easiest way to do this is through the use of colour.

The only exception to this would be if black (or another neutral colour) is one of your BEST colours and there is some design element to the outfit which adds a point of interest and prevents it from looking flat.

But keep in mind that colour is always far more interesting than a neutral outfit and it makes you far more memorable.

Choose a colour that really flatters you – a professional colour analysis is invaluable to helping you understand the exact tones and shades that make you look your best.

Different colours will transmit different messages, so decide what you want your outfit to say and how you want to be perceived:

Red stimulates the physical senses and can be worn to feel confident and to attract attention. A red dress will say ‘I am here’. Red projects authority and can be worn to show you are in control.

Blue is the most universally liked colour, so it is a safe colour and is ideal in serious, formal settings. It indicates confidence, reliability, trust and tranquility.

Pink is a good colour to relax tense relations and generate sympathy as it's calm and feminine. The colour of hope, it inspires positive outcomes and is non threatening. It's perfect for an elegant tea time. Too much bright pink can create a childish image but it can be combined with darker shades for more sophistication and strength.

Orange relates to social communication. It is physically and mentally stimulating and gets people thinking and talking. Wear orange to feel positive and uplifted. However its not recommended to wear too much orange in formal or elegant settings as orange can also transmit superficiality.

Yellow can awaken greater confidence, enthusiasm and optimism. It can uplift our spirit, and those around us, quickly. Be cautious in very sunny places when the colour can appear electric in bright light.

Purple is a sophisticated colour, associated with diplomacy, luxury and royalty. It usually communicates the finest possible quality, however the wrong tone of purple can appear cheap and nasty, faster than any other colour. It indicates creativity and spirituality.

Green is an emotionally positive colour, synonymous with tranquility and strongly connected with nature. It will help sustain a good mood within yourself and your surroundings.

Choose solid colours or a simple pattern or print but avoid really fussy or large prints, which will only distract your audience from the message that you are trying to get across.

What styles of clothing are best?

Your clothing should fit well and be contemporary, without being too fashion forward. Clean lines and tailored pieces of clothing will help to position you as professional and credible.

Great options include:

A pencil or tailored A-line skirt and blouse

A shift dress with a blazer

A wrap dress

A pant suit

Pants and a blouse

Along with your clothing, be sure to consider your grooming. You hair, skin, nails and makeup should also look smart and professional and complete your look.

Your best outfit for public speaking i s something that you feel comfortable and confident in. Always prepare your outfit prior and road test it. By that I mean walk around it and make sure you can move freely and comfortably. I also recommend taking a quick video of yourself. Testing your outfit first means that you'll avoid any fashion faux pas's on stage - such as perspiring in non-breathable or heavy fabrics, wearing fabrics that crinkle easily or are too sheer or too tight. All of these will be magnified ten fold when you have a spotlight on you.

If you'd like to talk with me about your current style situation and how I might be able to help, book in a call with me here .

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What to Wear to...A Work Presentation

Your foolproof guide to getting dressed for a big day at the office

Giving a speech or presentation at work can be super nerve-wracking—and getting dressed for the occasion can be just as stressful. When all eyes are on you, you want to look professional and presentable without being ostentatious. We’ve pulled together foolproof looks for both business formal and business casual dress codes so all you have to think about is nailing your performance. Go get 'em!

BUSINESS FORMAL The dreaded business formal—common in finance, law, and insurance—conjures painful memories of “Working Girl”-style pairings of white sneakers with shoulder-padded power suits. The good news: no more shoulder pads. The bad news: suits are still the go-to when it comes to formal work attire for both men and women. This is not the time to explore your fashion prowess—you should err on the conservative side when it comes to presenting.

1. The Suit For women, either a pants suit or skirt suit in a dark, neutral color is appropriate. For a slightly softer look, try navy instead of black as it tends to provide less contrast between the suit and your skin, especially in fluorescent lighting. A light or “tropical” wool will help take the suit from spring into fall. A good rule is to buy a suit from a brand that sells the pieces as separates. Just like with swimsuits, everyone’s tops and bottoms are different so it's great to have the option to choose different sizes.

  2. The Blouse A good blouse can be hard to find—but a new company, aptly dubbed The Shirt by Rochelle Behrens, has finally solved the uniquely feminine problem of between-button puckering. The Shirt contains a hidden button that keeps your blouse fully closed so that no one is distracted—including you. Plus, the narrow armholes of this sleeveless shirt keep the band of your bra hidden.

Try: The Shirt Sleeveless Shirt, $129, the-shirt.com

  3. The Jewelry Business formal calls for little to no jewelry, but you can wear a pair of studs. Make them small and simple to show some femininity without being obtrusive.

Try: Nordstrom Princess 1ct Cubic Zirconia Stud Earrings, $44, nordstrom.com

  4. The Shoes Choose a sensible heel (3” or less) with a closed toe in a neutral color. That doesn’t automatically mean it has to be boring—try a low-heel D’Orsay pump, which has cutout sides, for a little jolt of femininity on your feet.

Try: Sam Edelman Opal Heel, $110, piperlime.com

  5. The Hose Yes, you read that right—actual pantyhose. Thankfully, we have a great study in Kate Middleton when it comes to sheers. The Duchess of Cambridge manages to pull off super sheers which are mandated by royal protocol without evoking images of Aerobicize, which means there’s hope for the rest of us mere mortals.

Try: Spanx In Power Line Super Shaping Sheers, $26, spanx.com

  BUSINESS CASUAL Since less than 9 percent of American companies require business formal attire full time (according to the Houston Chronicle ), business casual is the happy medium for most. Try to get a suggested attire list or sample dress dossier from your company in order to decipher how strict their dress code actually is.

1. The Pants Go with a trouser instead of a crop or a skinny pant, unless your office is super casual. Make sure that the pants fit correctly and are hemmed to the appropriate length (they shouldn’t touch the floor). Pants can be worn creased or uncreased.

Try: J.Crew Cafe Trouser, $89.50, jcrew.com

  2. The Blouse Have a little fun with texture or color in your business casual blouse—just make sure to adhere to any sleeveless rules your office might have. It’s also a good idea even in business casual to make sure you’re showing little to no cleavage—a crewneck silk blouse like this one has you covered.

Try: Vince Camuto Rose Blouse, $99, vincecamuto.com

  3. The Cardigan Instead of a jacket, try a shot of springy color in a softly shaped cardigan that will create a great contrast against crisp pants. Go for a longer cardigan that hits at the hips to help elongate your shape and create a more polished look.

Try: Banana Republic Long Cardigan, $69.50, bananarepublic.com

  4. The Jewelry A statement piece of jewelry can bring in a bit of your personality. Keep the jewelry to either a fun stud or a cheerful pendant necklace to avoid too much visual stimulation.

Try: Sabine Rhinestone Flower Necklace, $38, piperlime.com

  5. The Shoes Depending on your office’s policies, you can vary the heel height and shape in a business casual outfit. We went all out in this outfit with a great leopard print single sole pump. A little bit of pizazz popping out from underneath your trousers winks at your fashion sense.

Try: Enzo Angiolini Pointed Toe Pumps, $120, bloomingdales.com

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How to Dress for Public Speaking

Suit or sweater?

Pants or a dress?

Does how you dress impact your effectiveness as a speaker? If so, how?

Eric Hudon ( @erichudonca ) asks this on Twitter:

@6minutes How should a speaker dress and in what circumstance? Casual, Formal, Other? What is to be avoided?

In this article, we examine clothing do’s and don’ts for public speakers .

Dress Like Your Audience is Dressed

Different speaking situations call for different clothing styles, but you are usually pretty safe if you are clean, tidy, and dressed as your audience is dressed. Why?

• Ethos (your credibility) is one of three pillars of persuasion .
• To develop ethos, you emphasize your similarity to your audience.
• One practical way to achieve this is by dressing similarly to them.

So, how do you know how your audience will dress? Do your audience analysis ! If the venue is a recurring conference or setting, go with what people wore last time. If you are presenting at a venue which is new to you, ask the event organizer what the usual dress code is. If there is a strong dress code, adhere to it!

This doesn’t mean you have to wear the identical suit or dress that everyone in your audience wears. There’s obviously quite a bit of latitude here. The point is that you don’t want to be significantly over-dressed or significantly under-dressed.

But I’ve heard that I should dress better than my audience?

“ The key is that you look professional and respectful. Once you start talking, they shouldn’t be noticing what you are wearing anyway. ”

Conventional wisdom says that you should dress one notch higher than your audience is dressed. Why a notch higher?

• To stand out?
• To earn respect?
• To hint at your success and affluence?

I don’t think any of those are particularly strong reasons for dressing above the level of your audience. Instead, I think the motivation for the “dress one notch higher” advice is that it buys you a little insurance in case your audience analysis was flawed.

• If you dress one notch higher than your predicted audience dress code, and the audience is dressed fancier than you predicted, then you are still safe.
• Of course, if your estimate is wrong the other way, you can show up significantly over-dressed.

I wouldn’t worry too much either way. The key is that you look professional and respectful. Once you start talking, they shouldn’t be noticing what you are wearing anyway.

Public Speaking Clothing Taboos

If a good rule of thumb is to dress at (or just above) the same level as your audience, what would the opposite of that be?

The worst thing you can do is dress in such a manner that makes you stand out… for all the wrong reasons.

Any area you emphasize will be noticed — most often in a distracting way. […] Do you like the fit of the lower-cut neckline of your new wraparound blouse? You can bet your cleavage will be noticed. Think about what you’re emphasizing as you dress. Consider what you can emphasize that stresses your professionalism and your expertise, not your sexuality.

Another general taboo is shirts with sayings on them, especially if the saying is potentially offensive to any member of your audience. Again, you want the attention to be on the words you speak, not the words on your shirt.

• Exception: If the saying on the shirt is tied to your presentation, this may be appropriate. For example, if you are speaking to raise money for cancer research, then a “I’m a survivor” t-shirt may not only be appropriate, but may cement your authenticity.

As suggested earlier, be sure you show up clean and tidy. Failure to do so may be interpreted as a lack of respect for your audience.

Plan for Clothing Malfunctions and Mishaps

Nobody wants a clothing malfunction to occur to them. A few ways to guard against these negative events include:

• Consider taking a second outfit , particularly if you are travelling or if the presentation is really important. You’ll want that insurance in case something happens (e.g. an untimely spill) before your presentation.
• Be careful with what you eat or drink just before your presentation. Grape juice and spaghetti sauce are probably not wise choices.
• Don’t tempt fate with clothes that are too tight . Speaking is (or should be) a physical activity, and you don’t want to pop a button or rip a seam when you’re moving around. (I’ve seen both happen.)
• Similarly, you may wish to avoid overly loose clothes or accessories which can get caught in odd places, like on a lectern or a flip chart stand.

But what if, despite your best efforts, a clothing malfunction happens anyway?

Roll with it. Fix it discreetly, if you can (e.g. an undone button, or an unzipped zipper). Sometimes, you’ll be the last person in the room to notice. Just laugh it off and get back to providing value for your audience.

When is it Okay to Go Against the Grain?

In certain (rare) situations, it may be appropriate for you to throw out all of the conventional wisdom and use your clothing to capture attention.

If you give this a try, I’d suggest doing it in the early part of your presentation. By the time you are bringing the powerful messages, you’ll be dressed “normal” again so the audience can take you seriously.

Other Speaker Clothing Considerations

The clothing you wear can have an impact beyond the way you look standing in front of the room.

• Avoid noisy clothing or accessories . It’s not good if your shirt, pants, or jewellery distract your audience every time you move.
• Comfort is important too . Your energy level and delivery can be negatively impacted if you are wearing really uncomfortable clothing or shoes. This is especially important if you are speaking for a long keynote, or an all-day course. Pyjamas are not appropriate, but there is middle ground.
• Will you be wearing a microphone ? If so, consider where it will be pinned.
• What gestures, actions, or props do you have planned? Will they work with what you are wearing?
• Before you get called up to speak, remove any potentially distracting items (e.g. ID badges, cell phones, sunglasses, hats)

In summary, do clothes make the speaker?

The point here is not that clothes don’t matter at all, but that we should not be drawn into thinking that there is some scientifically based recipe that is guaranteed to enable us to convey a favourable impression to every member of the every audience, regardless of the particular circumstances of the occasion.

Perhaps the best advice I can give on what to wear is simply this: Wear a smile, because that will probably carry more weight than any piece of clothing.

Your Turn: What’s Your Opinion?

Do you have a clothing preference when speaking? Can you share a story about a speaker who was or was not dressed appropriately?

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13 comments.

Excellent article and quotes, Andrew.

Your clothing can also be part of your personal branding.

Example: Black turtleneck sweater, blue jeans, and white sneakers – Steve Jobs.

Thanks for the Post!

To all my speaking students: Great Um’s article and how to dress article as well!

I’m a job search coach, so I provide my clients with pages of dress-for-success tips. For women, it’s crucial, because we’re judged much more harshly than men when it comes to personal appearance.

One thing I’ve seen women do on stage that is a terrible distraction is to wear a skirt well above the knees. When the stage is elevated, your legs get a lot of attention, and if they’re not attractive, you really do yourself a disservice.

Women in particular need to make sure that when they’ll be wearing a wireless microphone, you need a place to clip the microphone (a lapel, front pocket, front button flap) AND a place to put the battery pack (pocket, belt). I’ve learned this the hard way. I once wore a tailored dress with absolutely nothing to attach either one to. Nothing worse than speaking while holding the wireless mike and its battery pack.

As your personal brand builds you have the flexibility to dress how you want. In the beginning its good to go with the professional standard. I wouldn’t try to pull a Steve Jobs just starting out.

Good suggestions, Andrew. I tend to err on the side of a professional appearance when I’m speaking before a new audience. I think it sends a good message and it provides me a little more pride.

Although this is a little off topic, proper attire is important for sales calls, as well. A business suit and tie may not sit well in a manufacturing setting, though every presentation (and business) is unique.

Great ideas. I teach 911 Education and encourage our folks to dress for the event. Thanks for sharing your expertise. Kay

Aloha Andrew,

Your information on appropriate attire reiterated my recollections of my past speaking engagements as I challenge my upcoming event on Maui! My challenge is delivering a 30 minute talk of my journey as a small business owner. It is projected to inspire new start up entrepreneurs! Thank you for the tips and clarity of dressing for your audience and being comfortable. As I prepare myself I feel confident with your 6 minute rules! Mahalo!

Enjoyed the articles I have read

Mr.Andrew Dlugan My family and travel to many churches a outdoor events also festivals I have always dress one step above the audience unless it is an outdoor event.But I have some members of the group that wants to dress sometimes in tennis shoes and t shirts.My husband and was wondering is there anyway to convince them how important it is they do dress most of the time but we sing at a prison they want to dress in jeans and t shirts what do you think

Thank you Andrew for a fabulous article on room set up and now on Clothing. Look forward to more.

Dress tastefully and simply. What you wear should compliment the presentation not detract. The idea is for people to listen to the speaker not spend time critiquing their wardrobe. It is also important for the speaker to be comfortable. If not, he or she will be consumed with making adjustments.

Are there any restrictions to wearing a hat giving a speech?

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Whether you frequently give presentations or are only required to do so occasionally in your line of work, you’ve probably wondered how you can ensure that every part of your presentation goes off without a hitch.  While the content of your presentation , your confidence levels, and how you hold yourself can all contribute to your success, there’s also the matter of your outfit choice.

Because everyone’s attention is on you during a company presentation, take the time to consider the following ‘dress to impress’ tips.

Identify Your Weaknesses

Even before you contemplate your outfit choices, it can be a good idea to identify the things you know you might do or experience that might be distracting for yourself and those you’re presenting to.

For example, if you know you’re prone to sweating when you’re nervous, premium nose pads for your glasses might be how you stop them from slipping off your face. You might also refrain from wearing colors that show up sweat patches or materials that retain heat or don’t promote superior breathability. By solving some of these problems before your presentation, you might be more comfortable and confident in yourself as you present in front of your peers.

Wear Clothing That Makes You Feel Good

You might assume that the best way to feel confident during a presentation is to dress in the sharpest, most well-tailored outfit you can find. While dressing nicely can be crucial, it shouldn’t come at the expense of your comfort. It’s essential to strike a balance between feeling good and looking good.

Wear clothing that feels comfortable against your body, fits snugly in all the right places, and doesn’t irritate your skin. Many business people have a go-to outfit for important meetings, and if you have such an outfit, there’s no reason why you can’t use it for an upcoming presentation.

Get Help If You Need It

If you’re rarely called upon to lead a presentation or even give a speech in front of your colleagues or business clients, you may not feel confident in making the right clothing choices. You likely have more skills than you think you do, but you might see the value in asking for help if you need it.

You might have a co-worker you can rely on for helpful advice, or you may even like to visit a local professional clothing store and have a shop assistant help you pick out an outfit. Both are suitable solutions for your wardrobe woes.

Dress for Your Audience

Most business professionals used to have no issues deciding what to wear for an important presentation or meeting. A business suit and tie or an office-appropriate dress was almost guaranteed to be suitable for any occasion. However, workplace dynamics are changing, and the people or organization you’re presenting for may not have a strict dress code as they might have done in the past. As a result, if you were to dress in a smart suit and tie in a room full of casually dressed employees, you might feel largely overdressed.

If you’re presenting for your own company, you’ll likely know exactly what dress code is required, which can make choosing your outfit a much easier process. However, if you’ll be presenting for another business, research can be necessary. Don’t be afraid to view company websites and talk with employees you already have connections with. You can then make sure you stand out for what you’re presenting, not for what you’re wearing.

Let Your Outfit Reflect Your Brand

Alongside ensuring that your outfit suits your audience and confidence levels, there’s also value in ensuring that it reflects your own brand , especially when presenting to prospective business partners, clients, and colleagues. While you’ll still want to look professional, making sure you’re able to tell a story about your company while presenting information about it can be crucial.

For example, delivering a speech on behalf of a law firm might see you wearing a tailored, sharp-looking, and commanding suit, but you might feel more at home in semi-casual trousers and a shirt if you work for an edgy marketing company.

Be Careful with Accessories

When you’re delivering a presentation, you want the focus to be on what you’re talking about and showing, rather than what you’re wearing. However, if you were to over-accessorize, you run the risk of your shiny gold Rolex watch or oversized cufflinks becoming more important to your audience than the message you’re trying to get across. Generally, conservative cufflinks, a simple necklace, and a pair of earrings are all suitable accessory options for any sex to pair with their outfit.

Don’t Wear Brand New Clothing

While there’s nothing wrong with going clothes shopping before delivering an important presentation, you might see the value in wearing your new outfit at least once or twice before your big event. By doing so, you can establish any weaknesses and areas that might pose problems. You’re also able to create a small amount of wear that gets rid of that ‘new’ look.

Most importantly, wearing new clothing before your presentation can mean you’re aware of any features that might cause irritation, such as a tag that scratches your skin or an in-seam that causes itchiness.

Don’t Neglect Your Footwear

You might put a lot of thought into the color of your suit or dress, the best tie to match your shirt, and accessories to tie the look together, but don’t forget your footwear. You might have the smartest tailor-made suit, but all eyes can be drawn to footwear that’s dirty or imperfect in another way. If you’re purchasing a new outfit for an important presentation , consider purchasing shoes to match. You can then be sure they’re fresh, polished, and ready to tie in with your flawless look.

Preparing for a presentation or speech can be about more than making sure you’ve written informative notes and have all your slides in order. What you wear can be equally crucial. Take the time to think about your audience, what’s currently in your wardrobe, and the outfit that will make the most impact without distracting from the content of your presentation. You can then be ready to present to your colleagues or clients with confidence.

Continue to: Self-Presentation in Presentations Positive Body Image

See also: Building a Personal Brand That Will Boost Your Career Dress to Impress: Accessorizing Your Way to Top-Tier Influence

How to Dress for a Presentation? The Ultimate Guide for Men

Are you wondering how to dress for a presentation? As a former student who just recently finished business school I’ve had my fair share of presentations. 

Throughout the years, I’ve been complimented on my style when it comes to presentation day as I’ve figured out some tricks to really elevate my look. 

What to Wear for a Presentation for Guys

For presentations, dressing business casual is the most appropriate way to dress. This can mean anything from a nice suit to a pair of dark jeans and a collared shirt. By dressing in business casual attire you’ll look professional, but not like you’re going to attend a wedding. Finding that sweet spot where you’re not under or over dressed is really important.

In this post, I will be sharing men’s presentation outfit ideas as well some important tips on how your clothing can you feel more comfortable and confident during your presentation. You’ll also find out what to avoid so you look your best.

Men’s Presentation Outfit Ideas

Tops, Shirts and Sweaters

The basics:

When going for a business casual look, you have a couple great choices.

A polo shirt is a casual top for a presentation and it will be comfortable. I would recommend choosing a simple color like white or navy blue depending on the pants you plan on wearing. This will be a simple shirt but often simple looks the best.

A white dress shirt with a distinct pattern is a great choice when dressing business casual. If you get a nice fitting dress shirt it will make you look very sharp. Many people will stick to wearing polo shirts when presenting so wearing a dress shirt will make it look as if you put more effort into your outfit.

Elevate your look:

If you want to elevate your look you can add a sports jacket or blazer to your outfit. Wearing a blazer will make you look more formal and put together. If that’s the look you are going for, it’s the perfect item to add to your outfit. Keep it mind you may get hot during your presentation wearing a sports coat, so choose your fabric wisely.

Chinos are the perfect presentation pants. I recommend either navy blue or khaki as they will go with almost any shirt color you choose. A white dress shirt and navy blue chinos will make a great business casual outfit.

If you prefer to wear dress pants those work well too. Dress pants will give a more formal look, however do be careful not to look overdressed if you’re in a college or casual workplace setting.

If you don’t have any of the pants I mentioned, black jeans will do in a pinch. If that’s all you got, just make it work! It’s not always about having the nicest clothes but it’s how you wear them.

Black dress shoes are perfect for presentations. If you want to dress business casual, classic black dress shoes are a wardrobe staple and must have. They always look good and are so versatile that you can wear them anywhere.

Brown dress shoes are also a great shoe to wear for presentations. I would recommend wearing these with the blue chinos as blue and brown go really well together when it comes to clothing.

If you like loafers they will give you a more stylish look. Many people will present in classic dress shoes. However, if you want to look good as well as stand out, a nice pair of loafers with the right pants will look great.

Clothing Accessories

A watch it an important accessory to wear with your presentation outfit. A smart watch or a watch with a leather strap will look great for the business casual look and it will add to your outfit. A gold or silver watch it’s perfectly fine, however don’t wear something that’s overly flashy.

Wearing a belt is a must. Make sure you the belt is the same colour as your shoes. It will make your look a lot sharper than having a different shoe colour than your belt.

What to Avoid Wearing For Presentations

Flashy Colours

When presenting it’s a good idea to avoid wearing flashy colours. Wearing bright pink, green, yellow or tie-dye should absolutely be avoided, as you don’t want to distract from your message and presentation.

Save the fun and more outlandish outfits for other occasions and look professional for presentations.

Additionally, if you tend to sweat, avoid grey and other colours that will make it obvious that you are sweating.

Baggy Clothing

Avoid baggy clothing! Clothing should fit well and never be too tight or too baggy.

Ripped Clothing

Ripped clothing looks great when you’re going to a party, but not so much for a presentation. Remember, you want to dress business casual which requires a clean and sharp outfit.

Dirty Clothes

Always avoid wearing dirty clothes. If your shirt is dirty it will be very noticeable when presenting so do your best to keep your nicer clothing clean and ready to wear in your closet.

If you happen to get a small stain on your shirt, using a stain removal stick like Tide to Go is a good temporary solution.

Flashy Jewelry

When presenting there’s nothing wrong with some wearing some nice accessories. However, you’ll want to avoid wearing super flashy jewelry. A shiny gold watch, or huge chain or diamond necklace could be distracting when you present. Wearing some simple jewelry is best for presentations.

Can I Wear Sneakers for a Presentation?

No, sneakers are way too casual for presentations. Instead, you can wear dress shoes or loafers, which are the appropriate style and look you want.

Do I Need to Wear a Tie For a Presentation?

If you’re making a presentation at work where suits are often worn, like in finance, then you may want to wear a tie. However, the current style is wearing a suit and dress shirt and leaving the top button open, without a tie.

Always make sure you know what your audience and peers expect. These days, in most settings you probably can skip a tie.

Should I Wear a Shirt Tucked or Untucked for a Presentation?

When it comes to dressing for a presentation, you can decide on tucking your shirt in based on what you are wearing and your personal style.

If you are wearing a dress shirt, tucking it in will look more professional. If you are wearing a collared t-shirt you can wear it untucked.

At the end of the day, wear your shirt the way you think you look your best and feel comfortable.

Being comfortable in the clothes that you are wearing is really important. If you show up to the presentation and your shirt collar is irritating you, it will bother you while presenting.

It’s important to try on your outfit in advance and make sure that you are comfortable.

When choosing shoes, make sure they are comfortable and not too tight. Often times, dress shoes or loafers can give you blisters, especially if it’s the first time that you are wearing them.

If you have to wear the shoes all day, you won’t regret investing in good quality shoes that are comfortable.

When shopping for clothes be patient and choose clothes that fit your body well. If you choose something just because it’s business casual or it looks good on the manaquin, it doesn’t mean that it will look good on you.

The fit of your clothing will go hand and hand with how confident you feel in your outfit.

Wearing cologne is a small detail that can greatly improve your appearance. Smelling good will enhance your look and having a nice scent will make it seem as if you put more thought into your outfit.

Make sure to not over do it on the cologne. Wearing too much cologne can be a distraction from the presentation which is something you seriously want to avoid.

Wearing an outfit that fits you nicely, is comfortable and that you know makes you look good will make you instantly more confident.

When it comes to presenting, confidence is key and it all starts with the clothes you are wearing. It’s important to be confident during your presentation as it will make your presentation go a lot smoother.

Final Thoughts

In this article we’ve gone over what clothing to wear for a presentation, as well as tips to make you look and feel confident. Good luck on your presentation!

Have questions or presentation outfit suggestions? Please let me know in the comments below.

Ethan Schattauer

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How to Dress for a Conference

Last Updated: October 10, 2021 Approved

This article was co-authored by Elle Monus . Elle Monus is an Image Consultant and the Co-Founder of True Image Group. With over 11 years of fashion industry experience, she specializes in holistic approaches to branding, size-inclusive image consulting, and personal styling. Additionally, Elle has had the opportunity to work on several New York Fashion Week shows and has been featured in multiple media outlets, such as Racked. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 85% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 331,270 times.

When you attend a conference, you often do so with the intention of establishing connections and creating impressions with other professionals in your field. As a result, you should put your best foot forward in the fashion department. Before you decide what to wear, verify whether or not the conference you attend has any guidelines for dress. Otherwise, use your best judgment to determine what level of dress your conference requires. Also remember that presentation and reception attire will likely vary from attendance attire.

Professional Business Conferences

Casual Conferences

Presentation Attire

Community Q&A

• If the conference you're attending is for white-collar "business professionals" or an academic conference, you should adhere to a stricter style of business dress. Business casual is often appropriate for passive observers, but you may want to lean more toward traditional business attire if you're there to impress anyone. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• If you are attending a conference with other co-workers, then by default, you should dress according to your office's dress code. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Keep the climate in mind. A winter conference will require heavier clothing than a summer conference, even if it is indoors. Likewise, a conference in Florida will require lighter clothes than one held in Alaska. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Things You’ll Need

• Dress trousers
• Khaki pants
• Dark-wash denim jeans
• Button-down shirt
• Blazer, sports jacket, or suit jacket
• Leather shoes
• Simple accessories

You Might Also Like

• ↑ Elle Monus. Image Consultant. Expert Interview. 7 September 2021.
• http://www.realmenrealstyle.com/dressing-sharp-conference/
• http://www.stylingyou.com.au/2011/02/fab-friday-style-tip-dressing-for-a-conference/

About This Article

If you want to look your best for a conference, it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed, so bringing a blazer is never a bad idea. Pair your blazer with either dress trousers or a knee-length skirt in the same color. Under your blazer, wear either a button-down collared shirt or a formal blouse. A knee-length professional dress is also an option, but if you’re wearing a skirt or a dress, make sure to wear pantyhose underneath. Your shoes should be black or brown leather loafers, flats, or heels. For some tips on accessorizing with ties, belts, and jewelry, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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What to Wear at Your Next Business Presentation

…(or what not to wear) at your next business presentation.

In any situation you have only 90 seconds to create a good first impression. Research shows that 93% of the impact of a first impression is formed on non-verbal communication i.e. how we speak and how we look and behave. So as you stand in front of your audience you need to ensure you are giving the right signals.

Considerations

Consider what you want your image to say about you against what it currently says about you.

List 5 adjectives to describe your company or business and then see if your business wear matches that.

Friendly or approachable : means avoid a severe look

Innovative : means current, up-to-date

International : could mean a change from dressing head to toe in M&S!

Creative : means dressing with some imagination

Efficient : means not forgetting one element of grooming

Now the ‘must’ rules

Look at the whole picture and check every element of your appearance, starting at your head and ending at your feet.

Hair – Does it look well groomed or are you having yet another bad hair day? If so, get a good haircut and learn how to style it.

Make up – Under strong lighting looks can dull and it is essential that you do not loose eye contact with your audience.

Ladies – make-up is essential for the right impact as it shows attention to grooming and detail.

Men – consider using powder and a little eye make-up to give definition if you are speaking on-stage under strong lights (actors and politicians do!)

Make sure you are entirely comfortable and feel confident in what you are wearing as all eyes will be on you. Choose an outfit that is appropriate to what you are speaking about. Avoid anything too tight as it will only detract attention from what you are saying and all eyes will be on your unsightly bits. A looser fit is more flattering and can make you look 10 pounds thinner.

If you have figure challenge don’t draw attention to it. A paunch on a man is best hidden by buttoning a good fitting jacket. Women should avoid wearing items such as front opening blouses, shirts etc if they are full busted; you want to avoid any possible exposé’s.

It’s worth checking what colour the stage set is and if possible compliment or contrast with it to avoid blending into the background.

Make sure the colour you wear compliments your skin tone, hair and eye colour and does not over power you. If you are petite a brighter colour may help you to stand out in front of a large audience.

What’s seen

Check your outline. Remove everything from your pockets and anything distracting that dangles or jangles when you move.

Polish your shoes as these are often at eye level and make sure you are not noted for being ‘down-at-heel’.

If you wear glasses ensure they have nonreflective glass in them in order to avoid the lights bouncing off the lenses and losing eye contact.

Always take a spare outfit, particularly if you happen to be accident prone or if you are speaking after dinner as you may just find that the gravy has mysteriously jumped onto your tie.

Never travel a long distance in the outfit you are speaking in. You can always slip to the loo to change. Nothing looks worse than a speaker who looks as if they have slept in their outfit.

Finally, consider who you are speaking to and how they will be dressed. But be warned, dressing down can be fatal! Ask what the dress-code for the event is but always stay on the smart side of casual. You will never offend anyone by being smart.

This article was supplied by image matters , the corporate division of color me beautiful.

Here are a few more ideas

We get asked a lot what should be worn for presentations.

“All the world is a stage and we are just players on it” said Willaim Shakespeare. When you are on stage people will be observing you closely. You need to create the right impression.

Here are some of our hints and tips about how you can chose what to wear.

1. Polish your shoes. If you are up on a stage – your shoes will be at their eye level. We hear a lot of articles about being half dressed. A lot of people dress up well and don’t clean their shoes. Fatal.

2. Smart or casual? The modern trend for dressing down makes it very difficult to know what to wear. Our advice is simple – it generally it always pays to dress on the smart side. If all the audience is going to dress down – dress down yourself, but be on the smarter end.

3. Take a spare outfit. Take a spare tie or even a spare shirt (blouse) or even a spare suit (dress). If you are presenting after dinner you don’t want to get caught out by a bit of gravy or sauce falling onto your tie. If it can go wrong it generally will.

4. Check on the colour of the background. Lots of conferences dress the set up in a particular colour. Find out what colour the background id and wear a complementary colour. If you are a woman you do not want to wear a red dress on a purple background. Men have less to worry about – mainly just the colour of the tie.

If you do not know who Buford is then I suggest that you visit his web site www.fuddwhacker.com

6. Empty your pockets. You don’t want coins clinking in your pockets while you walk around on stage.

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The Complete Guide To Business Meetings And How To Dress For Them

Strategic Advisor Board

Dressing for business meetings can be tricky. You want to dress professionally, but you also want to be comfortable and make a good impression. The dress code for business meetings can vary depending on the type of meeting, the company, and the industry. Here is a complete guide to dressing for business meetings so you can dress confidently.

What Is A Business Meeting, And Why Are They Important?

A  business meeting  is a gathering of people who have been convened to achieve a common goal through discussion and collaboration. Business meetings can be internal, between employees of the same company, or external, between representatives of different companies. They can also be formal or informal.

The purpose of a business meeting is to make decisions, resolve problems, and discuss important issues. Business meetings are an essential part of running a successful business.

They provide an opportunity for employees to share information, give and receive feedback, and brainstorm solutions to challenges.

Let's Discuss The Dress For Success.

Your new business suit is a great way to show that you're serious about working in this corporate environment. Make sure your clothes fit well and are appropriate for the office, as not doing so may cause some confusion with coworkers who see past these things!

Dressing up and carrying yourself well is essential in levelling your career. With the changing corporate culture, most companies prefer a laid-back business casual dress code while others follow strict professional guidelines that can be very different from each other. Although there's tons of information available on what to wear for any occasion or company policy, don't just follow it blindly - instead, search through their website if possible, so you know exactly how they want people dressed when visiting them!

Business formal dress codes can be a little more challenging than business casual attire. But don't worry; we've saved you all the hard work with this brief guide to professional outfits! Keep reading for tips and tricks on what types of clothes make sense in your workplace environment.

How To Dress For A Business Meeting?

The dress code for a business meeting depends on the type of meeting, the company, and the industry. For example, if you are attending a meeting with a client, you will want to dress more formally than if you are attending a meeting with your boss.

If you are unsure of the dress code, it is always best to err on the side of caution and dress more formally. You can always dress down if the dress code is more casual than expected.

Here are some general guidelines for dressing for different types of business meetings:

Business Professional Attire For Men 

Dressing up for work is an important first step in professional growth. Maintaining the recommended dress code of your firm can take you far with this quest, so we've compiled some essential tips to help make it easy!

Business Suit

There is no better way to make an impression on a business professional than with the right outfit. 

A clean and classic suit will get you through your meetings in style while also ensuring that people are paying attention because they want what's best for their company and how well-dressed everyone around them appears!

Formal Dress Shirt

It's not just about what you wear on your feet, but also how it looks. The perfect shirt for any  suit  will be a light neutral colour in contrast with the dark colours of wool or linen suits and can go up to white if desired; this ensures that there isn't too much mixing between different shades, making everything seem muffled together.

A business meeting is perfect for dressing up and showing your best self. Wearing a tie is a great way to do this. Ties come in many different colours and patterns, so you can express your personality while still looking professional.

If you're looking for a bolder style statement, go with ties in red or blue. But make sure the length of your tie sits just right and is barely above where it would rest on top if tucked into pants belt loops!

Dress shoes

Your shoes are just as important as the rest of your outfit. Dress shoes should be clean and polished. If you're wearing a suit, make sure your shoes are the same colour as your suit. If you're wearing dress pants, make sure your shoes match your pants.

Wearing the wrong shoes can ruin your whole outfit, so make sure you pay attention to this detail!

Business Professional Attire For Women 

Business women have a limited wardrobe to choose from when it comes time for the money office dress codes. For example, many men can go with one suit and be done sorting out their professional appearance for the day.

However, this is not always true for female counterparts who want to ensure they're looking good in any situation where aesthetics matter as much or even more than comfort level!

Formal Skirt

How to dress for success : it's not just what you wear, but how your clothes make a statement. When attending an important meeting or event where the temperature is higher than usual, and air conditioning isn't available - don't forget that formality can be just as important in these situations! 

A suit will always work with any occasion while also providing great coverage.

If you have the opportunity to dress down, consider a pencil skirt. This look is sleek and professional without being too formal.

Pair your skirt with a dress shirt or blouse. Avoid going too casual with your top, as this will make the whole outfit look less put together.

Wearing a blazer suit is appropriate for both men and women. Women can wear either black or white shirts under their suits, but make sure the shirt you choose fits well, so it doesn't look like an afterthought on your body!

You might also want to splash some colour with another bold piece, such as this cool striped top from our store today that features horizontal stripes in reds against greys--a perfect way to mix things up while still being cohesive across all three looks (work + casual).

Dress Shoes

As with men, your shoes are just as important as the rest of your outfit. Dress shoes should be clean and polished. If you're wearing a suit, make sure your shoes are the same colour as your suit. If you're wearing dress pants, make sure your shoes match your pants.

Wearing the wrong shoes can ruin your whole outfit, so pay attention to this detail!

Your hairstyle should be tidy. If you have long hair, it's pulled back away from your face. If you have short hair, consider using some product to style it into place.

Remember, you want to look professional and put-together, so take the time to style your hair accordingly.

Less is more when it comes to makeup for a business meeting. You want to look polished and professional but don't want to look like you're trying too hard. Try to  look natural .

Stick to neutral colours that compliment your skin tone. Use a light foundation or BB cream, and add a touch of mascara and lip gloss.

What Are The Tips For Dressing For A Business Meeting?

To make a good first impression , being prepared and respectful is important. To leave an everlasting impact on those you meet. Here are some tips for dressing for a business meeting:

Choose The Right Fit

Well-fitting clothes are the mark of a well put together individual. Make sure you don't have baggy or loose-fitting garments, as this will only lend credence to your unclad state!

Your trousers should fit smoothly against each other without dragging on anything below them; likewise, for all other items in corresponding categories - blazer/coat sleeves and midsection area included.

Watch The Details

Be sure to attend to all the little details of your outfit. It means ensuring your dress shoes are polished, your blazer fits well, your dress shirt is tucked in, and your belt matches your shoes.

Pay Attention To The Colors You Choose

When picking out colours for a business meeting, it's important to consider both the message you want to send and the image you want to project.

For example, if you're meeting with a potential client, you might want to dress in a professional and approachable way. In this case, you might wear a light blue dress shirt with a navy blazer.

Go For A Subtle Fragrance.

It might be tempting to go for a strong cologne or perfume, but in a business meeting, it's important to err on the side of caution. Stick to a light, subtle fragrance that won't be overwhelming to those around you.

Dressing for a business meeting doesn't have to be difficult. 

Just remember to dress in a way that's both professional and respectful. With these tips, you'll make a good impression on those you meet!

Ways To Dress For A Business Meeting

Wearing clothing that makes you feel confident is important for your professional success. If the quality or style isn't right, then it can affect how well you do at work and even your self-confidence! Investing in good clothes will show off an elegant side to make up for any lack of fashion knowhow out there - remember: less might be more when picking outfits, so save yourself time by going with something classic instead of trendy though still eye-catching enough, such as black dress shirts paired nicely.

Take Care Of Your Comfort.

Your comfort should be your priority when picking an outfit for a business meeting. If you're not comfortable, it will show on your face and in your body language.

Choose the clothing you can move in easily, and ensure it's not too tight or constricting. You want to be able to focus on the meeting, not on your clothes!

Pick The Right Dress Code.

There are a few different dress codes for business meetings, so it's important to choose the right one for the meeting you're going to.

If you're unsure what dress code to go for, it's always better to dress up than dress down. It's better to be over-dressed than under-dressed!

Take Accessories Seriously

Your accessories can make or break your outfit. They should be chosen carefully to complement your clothing and the overall look you're going for.

For example, wearing a dress shirt and tie, your watch should be simple and elegant. You don't want to wear a big, chunky watch that will take away from your look.

Make sure your jewellery is also subdued and doesn't make too much noise. You don't want to be fidgeting with your jewellery during the meeting!

Try Synthetic Fabrics!

Try synthetic fabrics if you're looking for an alternative to natural fabrics. They're often cheaper and easier to care for and can be just as stylish.

Polyester, for example, is a synthetic fabric often used in dress shirts. It's wrinkle-resistant and easy to care for, making it a great choice for business meetings.

Dress In Layers

Layering your clothing is a great way to stay comfortable during a business meeting.

You can dress in layers by wearing a dress shirt under a sweater or blazer. You can take off a layer if you feel too warm.

Layering allows you to mix and match different colours and patterns, giving your outfit more interest.

Do And Dont's Of Business Professional Dress Code 

When it comes to dressing code for business meetings, there are a few dos and don'ts that you should keep in mind.

In today's business world, first impressions are everything. How you dress says a lot about who you are and how you want to be perceived. That's why it's important to dress the part when you're representing your company. Remember a few dress code dos and don'ts when getting dressed for work.

For starters, it's important to dress for the job you want, not the job you have. Even if you're just starting your career, dressing the part will help you exude confidence and command respect from your colleagues.

It's also important to remember that less is always more regarding business dress. Stick to classic, clean-cut looks in neutral colours like black, grey or navy. And make sure your clothing is well-tailored and wrinkle-free - nothing says "unprofessional" quite like an ill-fitting suit or a rumpled shirt.

Of course, there are also a few dress code no-nos to avoid at all costs. First and foremost, steer clear of anything too casual - think jeans, t-shirts, shorts or sweatshirts. It would help if you also avoided anything that's overly revealing or provocative and anything with offensive words or images.

And finally, make sure your shoes are clean and polished - scuffed shoes can make even the sharpest outfit look sloppy.

Parting Words

Remember to dress for the occasion the next time you have a meeting! If in doubt, contact your local  Strategic Advisor Board , and we'll be happy to help.

The Strategic Advisor Board is designed to help you get over, around or through so you can reach your next goal. That is what we were built for and we are really good. Just reach out and touch us here  to setup a call and have a quick conversation with our team today.

Written and Published By The Strategic Advisor Board Team C. 2017-2023 Strategic Advisor Board / M&C All Rights Reserved www.strategicadvisorboard.com  /  [email protected]

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What Is Business Casual? A Guide to Dressing for the Office

A s workplaces have evolved, so too has office attire. Hybrid schedules and remote work have spurred an era of casual dressing. Yet the informal shift doesn't equate to an open invitation to wear just any old thing in your closet. And while the easygoing vibe is a nice new normal, it challenges us to redefine what is business casual in this current workspace environment.

"As the name indicates, it's a more relaxed version of formal business wear," says fashion advisor Alison Lumbatis, CEO of Outfit Formulas, an online personal-styling program. But those open boundaries mean that if we're not careful, we can accidentally go too far. The question is, how can we be comfortable and stylish while maintaining the requisite professional appearance?

This isn't solely about clothing either; it's also a matter of etiquette . Business etiquette , digital etiquette , work-socializing etiquette—all pose the challenge of sending the right message gracefully through the various fashion-behavior landscapes. "The old rule used to be, if you wore it to play, you shouldn't wear it to work," says Kat Griffin, founder and editor-in-chief of Corporette, who advises on how to dress for work and still look stylish. "But these days, a lot of clothing items that used to be included in this unspoken list, like sleeveless tops, jeans [and] sandals, can now be worn to many offices without seeming disrespectful."

Part of success lies in understanding your office's specific culture, the same way you need to learn the email etiquette , texting etiquette and Zoom etiquette rules , which can take some time and observation. Keep in mind that some offices have seemingly strange etiquette rules that take a moment to catch on to. With that in mind, Lumbatis and Griffin are here to offer general guidelines for an office environment that's not too formal yet doesn't entirely say anything-goes. They're offering up advice on all the pieces you need and what not to wear under any circumstances, and they're answering your pressing questions about today's office dress code.

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What is business casual, exactly?

Today, business casual should strike a balance between comfort, style and professionalism. It's a delicate equilibrium that combines the traditional elements of business attire with the relaxed nature of casualwear. "I'd say one top rule is, clothing should fit properly," says Griffin. "Too-tight pants or pants that are falling down aren't going to be appropriate for any office."

Additionally, while there is a higher degree of flexibility these days, and thankfully, there are many etiquette rules that changed in the past decade , there are still some very iffy outfit choices. Griffin suggests you skip anything that shows "unexpected skin." This includes clothing with cutout details, midriff-baring tops, shorts or skirts that expose the upper thigh and excessive cleavage—and these rules go for both genders.

Determining what is business casual is about more than selecting office-appropriate clothing items. It's also a matter of deciding what constitutes your self-representation. Sort out how to say yes to the pieces you feel really showcase who you want to be at the office (and how to say no to those that don't).

"Really think about how you want to present yourself," says Griffin. "If you're creating a personal brand that should match what you want people to expect from your work, consider things like reliability, attention to detail, cleanliness and neatness, not 'super cute.'" Your outfit is not just a combination of clothing items but a nonverbal communication of your work ethic, competence and professionalism.

Examples of business casual for men

Yesterday's obligatory daily suits are being replaced by a more personalized approach. But everyone makes mistakes while shopping for a work wardrobe. Thankfully, the fashion experts are here to guide you. The goal, they say, is to still project a professional image but with an individual style. This doesn't mean all formal elements are discarded. Instead, they're simply blended with casual pieces to create a refined yet relaxed look.

So what is business casual for men? The items below fit the bill.

The rise of athleisure has given clean, simple sneakers a place in the office. Opt for a minimalistic white pair and make sure to keep them immaculate. With casual suits or slacks, they put a modern twist on traditional office wear.

A pair of classic straight-fit jeans in a dark or medium wash can work well in a business-casual environment. The key is to ensure they're in good condition—no fraying, rips or holes—and reach your ankles. Pair them with a button-down shirt for a smart, laid-back look.

Button-down shirts

Either tucked into dress pants or left untucked with jeans, these are classic-cool. The top two to three buttons can be left open if you're not wearing a tie.

In certain offices, solid-color, well-fitted T-shirts are acceptable, especially when layered under a jacket. Just skip the graphics and elements like sports team logos. Your outfit can still be a conversation starter —but for the right reasons.

Khaki pants and chinos are versatile, and when worn properly, they can work for the office without looking like weekend wear. Pair them with short- or long-sleeved button-downs to keep the look polished.

Dress pants, particularly in a modern fit, are a safe and adaptable option. You can easily adjust the formality with your pick of shirt and shoes. For a more easygoing look, pair with a crisp solid T-shirt and clean sneakers ; for something a bit more pro, go with a collar and loafers or leather shoes.

Blazers and casual jackets are a great addition for a hit of cool sophistication. A sport coat, for instance, can effortlessly upgrade a basic pair of jeans. Choose a fit that's comfortable (nothing too tight) and works with your body type. For instance, if you're short, avoid long jackets.

Examples of business casual for women

Thankfully, there's a shift toward self-expression through fashion at work, eliminating the clone-like feeling of wearing corporate duds that every other woman is also wearing—totally vanilla skirt suits are out, for one. These items will keep you comfortable throughout your day while helping you look professional, sophisticated and stylish.

What is business casual for women? The following items all qualify.

Dark wash always comes across as sophisticated and chic, and to elevate the look even more, go for a trouser-style or wide-leg cut. The key is to ensure they're in prime condition, so avoid rips or excessive distressing. Jeans go great with feminine tops or solid T-shirts and structured blazers.

Pairing clean, simple sneakers with dresses and dress pants is a super stylish, modern look. Just avoid athletic sneakers and stick to anything solid or two-tone.

These will be your daily saviors. A comfortable pair of flats goes with pretty much anything, and you have options: Pick a neutral shade or a vibrant hue, or go bolder with a print. The same goes for low heels.

When choosing sandals , go for styles that provide substantial foot coverage, maintaining the line between too-casual and professional.

Dresses offer an excellent, fuss-free, one-and-done outfit. Sheath, A-line and midi styles offer the most versatility—they can be dressed up with a blazer or toned down with a cardigan or denim jacket , depending on your office environment.

Ankle length or in a traditional trouser cut, slacks are absolute staples and totally worth the investment of stocking up on multiple colors. Try on a variety of styles and go for what you feel most comfortable (and most confident) in.

Knee-length to midi skirts are as flexible as dress pants for the office. A pencil skirt works wonders with a printed blouse and neutral flat or heel for a reliable look for pretty much any situation.

Fitted button-down dress shirts will go with pretty much anything: pants, skirts, jeans, you name it. This is where you can bring out your personality, so take advantage. Depending on your personal style, you might go with prints, bold colors, neutrals, lace embellishments or details like tie-necks, ruffles or puffed sleeves.

These are a business-casual "yes"—but with caveats. Your tees need to be clean, structured (meaning they hold their shape and aren't worn out) and solid or patterned, not blazed with graphic images. Adding a good T-shirt is a great way to tone down the dressiness of a suit.

As for athleisure tees, save those for exercise. And mind proper gym etiquette when you do wear them.

Blazers, moto jackets and cardigans add personality and polish to any outfit, and they're go-to layering pieces. Don't shy away from patterned or brightly colored options; they'll make your look pop more. Remember, business casual means dressing respectfully—it doesn't mean blending into the background.

Business casual don'ts

Despite the relaxed rules, when it comes down to what is considered business casual, there are certain items that remain strictly off-limits at work. We're all prone to etiquette mistakes , but these fashion flubs are easy to fix. Our experts say skip these to make sure your look is professional and your rep stays intact.

• Stretched-out T-shirts: These look sloppy, giving the impression that you don't care about your personal appearance.
• Torn or distressed jeans: While jeans have made their way into the business casual realm, overly distressed or torn versions come across as too casual.
• Athletic shoes: Unless your office is extremely casual, avoid them. Super-sporty sneakers make it look like you're ready to hit the gym rather than the office.
• Flip-flops: These are way too relaxed. Plus, no one wants to see that much of your feet.
• Spaghetti straps: These reveal too much skin for the workplace, and this goes for both men and women.
• Gym or yoga gear: Sports bras , leggings , shorts, sweats , workout tees, joggers —it doesn't matter how cute or matching they may be. Save them for after work.
• Graphic or slogan tees: These can be distracting and potentially offensive. Avoid any clothing that could become a talking point for the wrong reasons. You don't need to spend your time issuing apologies for your insulting outfits.
• Overly tight or baggy clothes: Both extremes come off as unprofessional. Clothing should fit well and flatter your shape without being too revealing or sloppy.
• Overly loud clothing and shoes: Things like faux-leather pants, slide sandals and clogs with wooden soles are all best avoided. These items can be seen as distracting, annoying or not fitting for a professional environment.
• Heavy perfume: If people can smell you from more than a foot away, consider toning down the amount of perfume you use. And yes, when a co-worker breaks this social rule, you have every right to complain nicely .
• Anything with wear and tear: Clothes with stains, holes, missing buttons, tons of pilling or a layer of pet hair signal a lack of attention to detail and can detract from your overall professional image.

Still stumped by how to create a work-appropriate wardrobe or wondering, What is business casual attire supposed to look like in certain situations? The pros are answering some of your most commonly asked questions.

How do I look more formal if I work in a conservative setting?

If your office is conservative but not formal enough to require you to wear a two-piece suit daily, then a button-down shirt and tie with dress shoes is a safe outfit for men. For women, pants or a skirt with a button-down shirt or blouse and neutral flats can be your staples.

I have a very creative job. Just how casual can I get?

"Be sure to ask during the hiring process, and use your co-workers' attire for clues," says Lumbatis. "You want to catch on to any essential social etiquette secrets . In creative careers, it's fun to show your personality through interesting cuts; bright, bold colors; patterns and styles that are a little outside the box."

What's a great go-to outfit for a job interview?

"You can never go wrong with a formal professional two-piece suit [for women, either a pant or skirt suit], white or light blue button-down and dress shoes or sleek flats with minimal accessories," says Lumbatis. Feeling like you're wearing a smart outfit that isn't off-brand will keep your brain focused when figuring out what to say in an interview .

Should I dress up more when I have a meeting with my boss?

It doesn't hurt! "Looking more polished does help you show up as the best version of yourself and gives your confidence a boost, especially if you have a presentation or an important meeting," says Lumbatis.

What's an easy way to look more pulled together when I have an important meeting or presentation?

"I always advise people to have a blazer in the office so they can grab it for more formal events. For women, if you want to scale up even more, you can throw on pointy-toed flats or low heels, if you wear them," says Griffin.

Feeling great in your outfit translates to a stronger performance because not only are you confident, but you're also not distracted by worrying whether you look the part you want to play in the company. And in these situations, you need to focus. We all know it's not easy to find the perfect thing to say , so anything that helps is worth pursuing.

Should I dress differently if I'm going for a promotion?

"Absolutely! You've heard the saying to dress for the part you want, not the part you have," says Lumbatis. "Plus, research proves that how we dress has an effect on how we feel and show up in the world. Looking sharp helps you stay strong when deciding how to ask for a raise , for instance, or a promotion. Take in how your higher-ups dress, and use that as a cue."

If I can't quite read the office yet, how creative and casual can I dare to go?

"You want co-workers, bosses and clients to think about your work first. It's OK to express yourself and show your personality, but remember that what you wear reflects immediately on how people perceive you as a professional," Griffin points out. Give yourself three weeks of wearing more conservative clothing while observing, then make adjustments that feel more freeing and comfortable.

Do the rules for what is business casual loosen in the summer?

"Yes and no," says Griffin. "I think unexpected skin is still not OK, even when it's hot out." That said, this is a time when thinner or flowier fabrics are acceptable, pants that end above the ankle to mid-calf are cool, and you can lose the jacket.

About the experts

• Alison Lumbatis is the CEO and founder of Outfit Formulas , an online personal-styling program. Through this platform, she has helped more than 150,000 members refine their wardrobes, discover their personal style and experience the transformative power of dressing with confidence.
• Kat Griffin is the founder and editor-in-chief of Corporette, a lifestyle blog dedicated to helping professional women navigate fashion in the workplace. Leveraging her experience in a Wall Street office, she provides insightful advice on maintaining professionalism while embracing personal style.

The post What Is Business Casual? A Guide to Dressing for the Office appeared first on Reader's Digest .