Business Etiquette: Proper Attire Impacts Promotion

Does it really matter what I wear to work as long as I get the job done? Depending on the company’s culture, it may. According to a recent CareerBuilder.com survey, 41% of employers state that people who dress better or more professionally tend to be promoted more often than others in their organization.

If you’re vying for a promotion in the Financial Services industry, 55% of the employers state that people who dress better or more professionally tend to be promoted more often than others in their organization. In IT and manufacturing the numbers are lower — 37% and 34% — although the familiar adage ‘dress for success’ still rings true.

It’s not only with promotion where dress may be a factor, of the 2,765 employers surveyed, 35% said they sent an employee home for unsuitable work attire.

To bolster the business look, some employers now provide their employees guidelines on the difference between too casual and business casual. For example, 64% of employers say flip-flops are too casual, 49% also indicate mini-skirts as inappropriate, while 28% say jeans are considered too casual.

So what is appropriate business casual attire? CareerBuilder.com offers the following suggestions:

1. Start with the basics – Start with a pair of black pants, a dark pant suit, some button-down collared shirts and a classic pair of dark shoes. Once you have the staples, you can continue to build your wardrobe to give you plenty of professional options.
2. Keep it neat and clean – Make sure your pants, shirts and other clothes are ironed, stain free and in good condition. When your clothes look sloppy, so do you.
3. Steer clear of bar attire – Don’t mistake the office for your local watering hole. Leave the slinky shirts, tight pants and cut off t-shirts at home.
4. Look the part – Have a client presentation or a meeting with the CEO? Dress for the part, making sure you choose appropriate articles of clothing for your role.

For business casual in the summer, it’s best to check your company’s dress code policy especially before wearing any of the following.

1. Sandals and open-toed shoes — If your toes are going to be exposed, keep your feet clean and neatly pedicured.
2. Capri pants and gauchos — Some styles of these cropped and flowing pants can be quite dressy. If you choose to wear them, pair them with dressy, professional heels.
3. Polos and T-shirts — Stick to conservative, basic styles in a good quality material. Shirts should never be too tight or have large prints or logos.
4. Trendy jewelry — Big earrings, necklaces and belts are very popular right now, but use discretion when wearing them to work. Avoid wearing accessories — like large earrings that jangle — that can become distracting to others.
5. Leave these at home — Above all, avoid any clothing that is sheer, sloppy or revealing. The following are some of the worst offenders:

Denim shorts
Short skirts
Halter, strapless or tank tops
Flip-flops
Workout attire
Beachwear
Midriff-bearing clothing
Concert T-shirts or shirts with offensive slogans or logos