Knowing how to dress in a business environment can be vital to career success. Whatever the business environment — formal or less than formal — a person’s appearance can either establish or weaken his or her credibility.

Knowing how to dress in a business environment can be vital to career success. Whatever the business environment — formal or less than formal — a person’s appearance can either establish or weaken his or her credibility. Right or wrong, opinions are formed about people based on their appearance because in the workplace, people are evaluated by the image they project. Whenever you walk out of your door and into your workplace, your goal should be to “dress for success and dress to impress” because you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Remember, it’s the total package that leads to success, and your professional attire completes the package. Your appearance should be the least thing you have to worry about as you climb the corporate ladder. When selecting your professional attire, keep the following in mind:
1. Take a look around you and see what your counterparts and co-workers are wearing. Use your own judgment and follow your instinct.
2. Always look professional, polished, and poised regardless of the work environment. Office attire for any work environment should be neat, clean, and free of excess wrinkles.
3. Casual Fridays should be reserved for the business casual look. It’s okay to be creative but don’t get carried away. Business is business even on a Friday.
This is La Shawn Samuel for Career Management in a Minute. For questions and other tips on advancing your career, please e-mail me at lashawnsamuel.cox.net.