“Dressing well is a form of good manners.” – Tom Ford

A good physical appearance at work is vital and plays a major role in creating a smashing impression. The first look creates the first perception. With a great first impression, talking your way into closing business deals becomes easier since you feel positive and confident. Hence, choosing the right outfit is extremely important.

Here are 20 tips that will help you pick the appropriate look and be your best self at work:

1. Dress modest While it’s important that you put in effort in your look, be sure to not look like you are trying too hard. Avoid clothing that will draw attention to it. Be comfortable in your skin.

2. Wear the right shoes There are some bosses who judge all of their employees by the kind of shoes they wear. Match your shoe colour and type with your suit colour. Make sure you have a pair of shoes that are formal, clean and polished.

3. Wear well-fitted clothes You might feel that wearing a shirt that is a size bigger than yours or pants that are a little tighter than the usual does not make too much of a difference. You are wrong! Even the simplest of clothes look best only when they fit perfectly to your body. Same goes with the suits.

4. Wear glasses that fit Glasses may seem like a petty item but if you have loose ones that keep sliding down your nose or fall off when you sneeze, no one is going to take you seriously. Get a frame which suits your face shape and features and fits well.

5. Wear the right colours Colour has a powerful subconscious effect on every part of our lives, including the way people feel so it’s important to choose colours that will help you be perceived the way you want to be. For example, black is the colour of power and authority, red calls for attention, Indigo conveys integrity and sincerity and yellow is know to be an illuminating and uplifting colour.

6. Don’t get too flashy Standing out is important but not at the expense of wearing colours that can be distracting to the eye. Avoid neon colours and flashy accessories.

7. Don’t wear a very b perfume Smelling good is never a bad thing, but don’t wear a perfume that’s too b. What may be a delightful fragrance to you may cause allergic reactions, headaches and even nausea to others. As a general rule of thumb, don’t wear perfume for job interviews. Opt for something light for workdays.

8. Pay attention to the bag you carry This one’s for the women – Don’t carry a bag that is too big or too small. A big bag will give people an easy glimpse inside every time you open it and a small one can have your personal belongings pop out. Also, ensure that the colour of your bag matches your outfit.

9. Dry and brush your hair Going to work with wet hair is a sign of either being late, careless or not serious enough about your job. Oversleeping is not an excuse to go with messy hair at work (ladies, invest in some dry shampoo). Neatly combed hair show that you are serious about your appearance.

10. Wear an outfit that is crisp – no wrinkles, stains or holes Being particular about your outfit shows that you take your work seriously. If you are someone who is constantly travelling, opt for shirts and suits in microfiber and blended fabrics. Such fabrics are wrinkle-proof and also stain-resistant.

11. Wear a good watch In formal attire, the watch holds as much importance as the tie or the belt. Choose well. For business wear, choose a watch with a simple dial, leather strap, and roman or stick indices.

12. Trim your beard If you’re in a suit, you need be well-groomed. Big messy beards and suits don’t go together. If you’ve got a beard, keep it tidy.

13. Wear outfits that make you feel comfortable Comfort should be your number one priority. You’re going to be spending most of your day in your work clothes so you want it to feel like a second skin. However, dressing comfortably does not mean casual and carefree. If you’re getting clothes tailored, make sure to walk around during your fitting, sit on a chair and move yours arms around to ensure your garment allows for such movement.

14. Don’t hide behind facial hair If you’re going to sport a moustache, beard or any other form of facial hair, analyse what goes well with your face shape and don’t over do it.

15. Have a neat pocket square You might not always use a pocket square but when you do, it needs to be well-folded, ironed and crisp. Although it makes up a small part of your outfit, it attracts a lot of attention.

16. Don’t dress provocatively Again, for the ladies – Wearing a shirt that shows your cleavage or a skirt that is too short is not the answer to getting more attention. It creates an inaccurate impression and can get you in people’s bad books.

17. Don’t over-accessorize Attractive accessories can add a lot of substance to simple outfits but don’t let them overpower your look. Large earrings or a sports watch with a huge dial will not compliment your corporate wear.

18. Avoid ankle socks Glimpses of your bare skin every time you sit down or cross your legs isn’t a good look. Wear socks that match your trousers and create a more streamlined look.

19. Don’t wear jewellery that makes noise Bracelets or any other kind of jewellry that makes noise is a no no. Noise can be disrupting and irritating for those around you and it certainly doesn’t help create a professional impression.

20. Don’t go overboard with casual Friday Friday might be the day you look forward to every week but don’t get excited to the extent of dressing shabbily. Make sure you still maintain decorum with your clothing.

Be smart about your choices. Add some quirkiness here and there. Carry an attitude that suits your attire and vice versa!