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Since moving to the DC metro area I stepped up my personal appearance quite a bit. I made quite an investment in shoes and accessories. When I have business meetings I typically wear slacks and a collared dress shirt. I started wearing suits recently and I'm considering a suit and tie as a full-time look when appropriate. Obviously, for running errands and the weekends I'd be casual. My suit and tie look would mostly be for in the office, meetings and hanging out at after hours spots and dinners.
Any perceptions or benefits to this look for both social and business environments?
You'll look more professional and people will pay more attention to you in both environments. Business-wise, it might make it easier to see someone higher up the chain vs. being passed off to a lower level. Socially, you might get a better table and service.
Any perceptions or benefits to this look for both social and business environments?
What are your colleagues wearing? If you're overdressing, you probably have something to sell. Tooth brushes, cars, insurance, ...credibility. Some people might view you as being a phony baloney.
Colleagues are mostly khaki and polo or slacks and dress shirt. It really varies. I'm an IT professional so some times I can be working at a retail place or in a business meeting at a brokerage firm. Obviously, I dress for any occasion; but I'm considering making a suit and tie a part of my regular work week routine.
Colleagues are mostly khaki and polo or slacks and dress shirt. It really varies. I'm an IT professional so some times I can be working at a retail place or in a business meeting at a brokerage firm. Obviously, I dress for any occasion; but I'm considering making a suit and tie a part of my regular work week routine.
Go for it. You should always have suits in your normal routine of clothes at work, if not the preferred option. Should you ever have the need to leave early or come in late (due to an interview), you won't have everyone asking, "so, are you dressed up for an interview?"
What are your colleagues wearing? If you're overdressing, you probably have something to sell. Tooth brushes, cars, insurance, ...credibility. Some people might view you as being a phony baloney.
I was going to say this. There is such a thing as "too much." My husband had an employee like that once. He wore a suite every day even when, at most, his higher-ups wore a shirt and tie. It looked like he was trying too hard; like he had something to prove.
boss is normally in slack, dress shirt and tie sans jacket. i rarely see my boss though as i work from home mostly or i'm in meetings at client sites or traveling. because of the nature of DC, there's lots of activity after hours at the bars and happy hours. it would mostly be a suit and tie when at client sites doing IT consulting work. i'm moving beyond the IT consultant look with khaki's and a polo or pens in my shirt pocket. i'm sort of preparing for the look of the next position i want to attain. i have observed that on initial client meetings it does effect client perception.
I think you'll be fine. I wouldn't worry about all this "you'll look like you're trying to hard" since they already know you and your abilities.
And I don't blame you for not wanting to sport the khaki pants and polo look. My last job had that sort of dress code and the absolute last thing I wanted to do was go out directly from work with that look.
Since moving to the DC metro area I stepped up my personal appearance quite a bit. I made quite an investment in shoes and accessories. When I have business meetings I typically wear slacks and a collared dress shirt. I started wearing suits recently and I'm considering a suit and tie as a full-time look when appropriate. Obviously, for running errands and the weekends I'd be casual. My suit and tie look would mostly be for in the office, meetings and hanging out at after hours spots and dinners.
Any perceptions or benefits to this look for both social and business environments?
If you want to be a suit guy then be a suit guy. If it makes you feel better about yourself and how others perceive you that is great. Just be sure it fits very well and have it tailored if it doesn't. Just keep the end of your tie out of the shredder!!
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