How to dress for a client meeting?

Elegant or rather casual? A suit or a jacket? You only have seven seconds to make a good impression. Don’t waste this. Read the article on how to dress for a business meeting.

Outfit that matches the industry

Good research is indispensable before a client meeting. What is the vendor’s business? What dress code does their company follow? Check the brand’s social media – you will certainly find a photograph of the team there, showing you what to expect.

Most popular dress codes:

• formal – followed in corporations, law firms and banks.

  What to wear? Men: a suit Women: an elegant dress.

• business – most often seen at trading, pharmaceutical and educational companies.

  What to wear? Men: elegant trousers, a shirt and a sports jacket Women: a skirt and a shirt or a dress
  

• casual – most small and medium enterprises have no strict dress code.

  What to wear?  Keep your outfit neat and clean.

• creative – the entire artistic industry that does project work, such as advertising or graphic agencies, has greater freedom in terms of colors.

  What to wear? Choose an outfit that reflects your personality or the industry you work for.

   

Good advice!

Do you feel that you totally missed the dress code during a client meeting? You’re wearing a suit and the other employees came in camo pants? Take off you jacket, roll up you shirt sleeves and you will immediately feel better.

Color matters

The color of our clothes provides information about our character and disposition. Before wearing a vivid red dress or a shirt with yellow pineapples, think of what your vendor will make of it when they see you.

The most appropriate clothing colors for a business meeting include:

• dark blue (color representing seriousness, peace and dignity),
• white (symbolizes elegance, peace and trust),
• blue (color representing elegance and communication skills);
• black (stands for knowledge);
• gray (a neutral color, often used in negotiations or dispute settlement).

   

See: Secrets of a good CV: 5 simple tips

Feel good

You need to feel at ease during a business meeting. If your clothes are uncomfortable, you’ll be trying to cut the discussion short instead of focusing on the conversation. A shirt that hardly fastens on your abdomen or chest is not the best idea.

Remember!

High heels should cover the toes and heel. Don’t wear shoes with heels higher than 8 cm for business meetings.

Read also: 9 principles of writing business e-mails

Pay attention to details

Accessories supplementing a business stylization are the best way to stand out and be remembered. Try something original. Ensure that your shoes are clean, wear a watch and modest jewelry. Forget manicure in gaudy colors and aggressive makeup.

– Studies conducted at the Harvard University show that our counterparty’s hair attracts most attention during a conversation. Taking care of your hair is a good idea, regardless of sex. It is also said that well-groomed hands are your visiting card. People often look at your hands during business meetings – says Marta Kamińska from Solutions.Rent.

There’s of course more to this than just appearance. What matters is what you have to say and how you present yourself during the conversation. Good luck!

Looking for a place for business meetings with clients? Click here!