Business Dress Code: How to Make an Impression!
Impact is no accident. Colour, style and presence that open doors.
'Clothes make the man', and we have known this since long before Mark Twain's witticism. The right presence, which to no small degree includes clothing, style and choice of colour, opens doors.
Whether someone is just at the start of their career or has already reached the executive floor: in professional life, an appropriate, well-kept dress code always matters. So we spoke with an expert. Colour and style consultant Claudia Schober knows how colour and style can change the impression a person makes, especially when it comes to business attire.
Her clients are by no means only women: 'Pretty much exactly half and half, so half women, half men', is how Schober describes the gender split of her clientele. She has worked as a colour and style consultant since 1996, and in that time has advised politicians as well as public figures and senior managers.
A personal touch despite strict dress-code rules
'Internationally, the dress code at leadership level is very similar', says Schober. 'But it does not all have to be handled strictly. We are all only human and we want to show our personality. When it comes to the right dress code there are rules of thumb, but they can be loosened with a personal twist.' Often there is no blanket answer. It depends on the topic and the goal, on the company, the position and, of course, the personality.
The impact of clothing in business
Depending on position and profession, Schober has developed different clothing hierarchies for women and men. The choice of outfit is not only a question of your own generation, it should also take into account whom you are due to meet that day.
Tips for business
There are still sectors that place greater value on a formal dress code. Lawyers, bankers and senior managers are expected to convey gravitas.
Rules of thumb for the business outfit
- The two-layer principle. A blouse or top combined with a blazer conveys status, for women and men alike.
- Gravitas in formal sectors. A tie and long-sleeved shirt rather than short-sleeved shirts that hint at leisure time.
- Do not give away competence. Overly feminine details such as long hair worn loose or tops that are too tight or too low-cut weaken the perceived professional competence.
Dress code for the job interview
Tidy clothing suited to the company, the sector and the position is one of the basic requirements at a job interview if you want to remain in the running for a role.
For the job interview
- Fit the setting. Match your clothing to the company, sector and position.
- When in doubt, ask. 'Anyone who is unsure about this should find out in advance', advises Schober.
- Restraint, with one exception. A certain amount of restraint in clothing and make-up, but by all means that little extra to stay memorable: a distinctive watch, a piece of jewellery, a bag or an asymmetric top.
Business attire made easy
A personal colour consultation takes around an hour and a half. For those starting their careers it is more fundamental, while from the age of 35 it is more about fine-tuning. Anyone going through a career change, for example from IT to sales, should raise their styling accordingly. For senior leaders in particular, colour-coordinating the wardrobe makes it easier to strike the right presence in a business context.