When you attend an interview or an important meeting that could decide the future of your career, you need to pay great attention to the details and leave nothing to chance. Try the outfit on a few days ahead of the event and make sure it fits perfectly. If not, see a tailor as a matter of urgency. Badly fitting clothes may convey an impression of carelessness or lack of focus.
Of course, a lot depends on the type of meeting. You would change your approach between a formal event and one that is smart casual. That said, it is still a business function and requires clothing that is in a good state of repair, not worn or scuffed, and without dangling threads or missing buttons. It still requires that you put adequate forethought and preparation into selecting an outfit.
This guide will help both men and women dress appropriately when their success is at stake.
Men’s Formal Attire
There is not much room for individuality when it comes to formal attire. You will have to rely on how you speak and respond to ensure that you stand out if there is competition. Formal attire means wearing a suit. Business colours are expected, e.g., grey, navy blue, or black. This is not a time for flamboyance. While a junior executive can get away with off-the-shelf suits, a senior executive should invest in a personal tailor. Suits should be plain or pin striped.
Match the blazer with a dress shirt that reaches the wrist and is buttoned up there. It is not considered acceptable to roll up your sleeves halfway through the meeting. Don’t worry, most meetings take place in an air-conditioned office or boardroom, so you will not be uncomfortably warm. The ideal colours are white or light blue.
Ties should match the pants and suit, but they need to contrast with your dress shirt. There are a limited number of tie patterns (see here) and these can be a good choice. Choose socks to match your suit. They must not reveal your ankles. Dress shoes are required; these are lace-up. The colour of your belt and shoes should be identical. Wear classy cufflinks.
Women’s Formal Attire
A dress is great and the simplest option for a formal meeting. It must be a perfect fit and the length should reach exactly just above the knee, no shorter or longer. Full sleeves or three-quarter sleeves are great. But everything about your dress should say tailored. No frills and fuss. No wide sleeves. And above all, no low cuts. Choose business colours, which for a woman, can be grey, navy blue, maroon, or black. Only opt for red if you are leading the meeting and want to add a note of ultra-confidence. Avoid patterns and scarves. Stick to clear lines and monochrome.
A full suit is your next option. Here, you can get away with a patterned suit if the colours are modest and the pattern is small. The main colour should still be one of those noted above for dresses. Alternatively, wear a pencil skirt, again to just above the knees, with a matching jacket. A cashmere sweater with a high or rounded neck in maroon with a grey suit is an example of the look you are aiming for. You can also don a tailored button-up shirt. Stick to formal colours or white. Nothing see-through, though and underwear must not be showing.
Shoes should have a decent heel, meaning one that looks good with the rest of your outfit but that you can walk in with confidence. Nude heels are sometimes recommended by the fashion fundi, with a matching handbag. Otherwise, wear shoes that match at least one colour of your outfit.
General Rules for Men and Women
Clothing must be pressed and squeaky clean. Hems should be neat and not frayed. Often, a person will get this right with the whole outfit but put on shoes that have scuff marks. Polish your shoes with a damp cloth to remove any grime. Preferably buy a new set of shoes if the meeting is really important and can affect your career or standing.
Remember to remove all price tags, pins, etc. Again, people often overlook the price sticker beneath their shoes. Don’t count on nobody noticing.
Accessories should be minimal and not stand out. Bulky jewellery is out. This applies to earrings as well. Stick to silver or gold chains with a small pendant (women) and decent cufflinks (men). Remove tongue, nose, and eyebrow piercings and keep tattoos covered.
Make sure you have shaved appropriately. A man need not be clean-shaven, but facial hair should have a neat, groomed appearance.
If your important meeting is late in the day, pack your tote bag for the day with your outfit and hang it up as soon as you get to work. Bring a small steam iron in case you need to remove any creases. You want your outfit to be fresh for the meeting, which it won’t be if you wear it for six hours before your meeting. You can take a designer tote bag with you into the meeting but choose one that matches your outfit. See here for designer tote bags.
If you dress correctly for an important meeting, you will be able to focus without distraction.