How to dress for client meetings

Believe it or not…

People still meet in person. –And meeting with a client can be stressful.
How do you make a great first impression?

Here are a few timely tips…

Do your homework —Research the company, their style and culture. If it’s a law firm, bank or large consulting firm, they’re going to dress in suits, dresses, etc. If it’s a tech firm, advertising agency or small start-up, they’re probably a lot more casual. But don’t make the mistake of showing up in jeans just because they allow it. You’re there to compete for a job. Show respect for the occasion. You won’t be criticized for wearing a jacket, pencil skirt and heels with an artsy pin or set of earrings — something that is uniquely you.
Dress for the “yes” — Appearance is about more than clothes; make-up, hair and nails are key to making a good impression. Don’t do dagger fingernails; it screams “I’m not serious.” A nice manicure will suffice. Let make-up bring out your best features, but keep it for daytime. A recent study reported in the Harvard Business Review shows that the majority of people identify casual business attire and neutral colors as helping to create an appearance of authenticity and trustworthiness. The same survey showed that “business professional attire” (more formal dress) is more often associated with “expertise.”
Do heels make the deal? — They can if you need to add height. And if you can pull off looking comfortable in them. Practice walking in nice heels (they don’t need to be 4 inchers.) And before you commit to the shoes, pull the entire outfit together from top to bottom. If you’ve got great legs and you dress conservatively, the right heels can make the look.
When in doubt, black is best — A little black dress (with sleeves), a black jacket and gray skirt, or a black cashmere button front sweater with a red skirt are great options. Finish of the look with a red lip and a chin-length bob, and you’ll make a polished impression.