How to Dress in Sales

How do you dress for sales meetings? Why does it matter? Believe it or not, your outfit affects your sales process.

People often underestimate the importance of our attire but it affects us more than you think. We’re quick to make judgments the minute we meet someone and these opinions are hard to change.

We form an opinion of someone in the first few seconds. And like it or not, this is often based on appearance. Make that first impression count, you only get one chance.

More and more companies are relaxing their dress code. But you should be careful how casually you dress. Looking too casual can derail the progress you’ve made with your prospects. Dressing poorly prevents you from being taken seriously, and can even make you seem untrustworthy.

Err on the Side of Overdressed

It’s always safer to be more formal. Dressing more casually than your client can make you seem unprofessional and disinterested.

Don’t be afraid to put on a suit. Limit the accessories, put away the flashy tie or necklace, and keep your make-up simple. Make sure your attire fits you well so you look clean and professional. If you’re doubting the fit, double check or ask for a second opinion. You’d be surprised at how many of us are actually wearing ill-fitting suits.

“Always dress for the position you want – not the one you already have.” – Giorgio Armani

Want to get that promotion for the new year? Dressing in a nice suit shows that you’re trustworthy, professional, ambitious, confident and ready for the next level.

Your dress code reflects the league you’re playing. Dress better and aim higher.

Dress Codes Matter

Even when you’re not in the field meeting prospects and customers, your office attire is just as important. It shows your boss that you’re not just a good salesperson but also a great leader who is professional, has the right attitude and is ready for a promotion. Your attire can deliver that message and help you make a lasting impression.

Coming to the office dressed professionally is a way of showing your coworkers respect and appreciation as well.

If your company has a dress code, you should follow it. Even on casual Fridays, you should dress professionally. Stay clear of sandals, shorts, and t-shirts.

The higher your position, the more formal your dress code has to be, whether you’re outside or inside the office. Show your employees and peers that you can be trusted as a boss and a top performer by looking like one.

Clothing Dont’s

I get it — making time to pick out the perfect outfit in the morning is not high on your priority list. But grabbing the first things you put your hands on in the morning can mean delivering your sales pitch in a shirt and tie that don’t match. Looking disorganized makes your sales pitch seem equally messy, no matter how good it actually is.

Tuck your shirt in, polish your shoes, and brush that bed hair. Your outfit shouldn’t be too short or tight, or show too much skin – that can come off the wrong way in a business environment.

Here’s a quick tip: Pick out your outfit the night before. Plan your outfit according to who you’re meeting. That way you’ll be ready to shine in your meetings without any extra effort in the morning.

Put yourself in their shoes

If you were your customer, imagine someone trying to sell you a product looking like they just rolled out of bed. If he looked like he couldn’t even be bothered to iron his shirt or clean his shoes, would you trust him enough to buy their product?

I wouldn’t either.

Always dress like the person you would buy something from. With the right attire, your customers will trust you more and feel comfortable sharing their needs. This gives you the opportunity to actually connect with them about the solution you’re offering.

Adjusting your attire to the type of customer or prospect you’re talking to can give you the slight advantage that will help you close the deal. People are more likely to engage and do business with you if you look credible, professional and trustworthy.

Dress for success

Dressing well leads to success. If you want to be successful in sales, suit up your dress code. You’ll be taken more seriously and it increases your credibility as a seller.

It’ll also show your peers, employees, and boss that you have leadership potential and are a top performer. Top notch attire can take your career to the next level and lead you to success.

Success in sales is not just about being great at selling, it’s also about expressing your skills and professionalism through your appearance.

Make sure people have the best first impression possible when they see you enter the room. Your influence starts when you walk through the door. No matter which job position you’re in or what your career goals are, your dress code can and will make the difference, so dress to your advantage.