What not to wear to meetings

Even if your office has a casual dress code or dress-down Fridays, it doesn’t mean you should rock up to a meeting wearing flip flops and cut-off jeans. Here are 6 tips on things you definitely shouldn’t wear to business meeting.

1. Synthetic materials
If you’re negotiating an important business deal, stay away from synthetics as you’ll probably feel uncomfortable and start to sweat. Dark sweat patches on your shirt or blouse are not a good look during a meeting, so stick to natural materials such as cotton. They’re much more comfortable against your skin and are also breathable, which is great for stressful meetings.

Business Woman with her Feat on a Table Wearing Heals

2. Jeans and t-shirts
It’s essential to create a good first impression, so even if your office has a casual dress code, don’t turn up to a business meeting in scruffy jeans and an old t-shirt.  It looks unprofessional and can give the impression that you’re as uninterested in your work as you are in your appearance.

3. Short skirts and low-cut tops
Ladies – you may have a great body, but you don’t want colleagues and clients staring at your legs or cleavage during a meeting. If you want to be taken seriously, make sure you stick to a knee-length skirt and a classic shirt that’s not too revealing.

4. Flashy accessories
Don’t show up to a business meeting looking like an over-decorated Christmas tree. Dangly earrings, bracelets, big rings and extravagant necklaces may give the impression that you’re showing off and can detract from your presentation. Some jewellery is fine, but stick to classic items that blend in with your outfit. The same rule goes for shoes: you don’t want people to be more focused on your expensive Manolo Blahniks than they are on you, so save them for nights out instead of trips into the office.

And as for men, you may love your pricey Rolex watch, but don’t flash it in front of potential clients as it may put them off.

5. Flip-flops
It may be an incredibly hot day and far too stuffy for socks, but nothing looks quite as unprofessional as wearing flip flops. If you want to go sockless in the summer, there are plenty of smart, flat shoes around. Ladies can wear ballet pumps or sandals, and men can opt for deck shoes if need be. So, unless you work for a global tech company where these things are encouraged, keep your flip-flops for the garden or the beach.

Business Person with Their Feat on Their Desk Wearing Flip Flops

6. Wet hair
You may regularly go for a swim before work, or use your lunch hour to get in a workout at the gym, but never turn up to a meeting with wet hair. It gives the impression that you’re in a rush or have no interest in your appearance. It doesn’t take long to dry your hair (you can even turn up the blower in your car while driving), and always keep a brush handy to tidy up your locks before that big, important meeting.

 

Posted by Ashleigh Sharp

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