Dress the Part: Why Presentation Still Matters in Business

Disclaimer: I’ve been a secondhand shopper since before I could spell “designer.” Nearly every piece of clothing I’ve owned—barring the basics like underwear—has come from a thrift store. My kids, bless them, probably made it to adulthood without a single pair of brand-new jeans from a mall. In my family, thrifting was an event. We’d pile into cars, meet up with aunts and my grandmother, and comb the racks like treasure hunters, zeroing in on the weekly color tag sales. Today, I still rock a wardrobe that’s 90% secondhand—and no one’s the wiser.

Even now, it’s entirely possible to dress sharp on a budget with a closet full of high-quality secondhand finds. Yet, the conversation around dressing appropriately for work and business continues—especially among small business owners, artists trying to get into galleries, and job seekers.

While most people wouldn’t show up to a construction site in a white button-down or to a gym interview in five-inch heels and a prom dress, some still miss the mark in less extreme—but still off-putting—ways. People judge by appearance, like it or not.

Take the defense attorney I once watched in court—constantly tugging at what looked like sweatpants every time she stood up. It distracted from her professionalism. Her client didn’t win that case, and her wardrobe didn’t help.

Or the woman who arrived for a government job interview in flip-flops and tight spandex joggers—clothing better suited for a beach day than a county position. The impression wasn’t of someone serious or ready to take on responsibility.

This goes for selling, too. If you’re pitching a high-end product—whether it’s a piece of art worth thousands or a $500-a-month marketing plan—you should look like someone who could afford that product. If you show up looking like you just rolled out of bed or came from the garden, you’re not likely to be seen as a polished, capable businessperson. Fair or not, appearances influence trust.

Remote work and Zoom culture have made things even more casual, to the point where people joke about owning a “Zoom shirt” for waist-up professionalism. But as more people return to in-person work, appearance is making a comeback—and it matters.

And let’s not forget the topic no one likes to bring up: scent. Whether it’s overpowering perfume, strong cologne, or just plain body odor, these things affect how people perceive and interact with you. Even the most qualified candidate can get passed over if the hiring manager is distracted (or nauseated) by how they smell.

One of the best dress codes I’ve ever read simply said: “No cracks.” In other words, you should be able to bend, reach, and move without exposing anything unintentionally—or constantly adjusting your clothing. That’s solid advice.

While the world may have gotten more casual, many people have taken that a little too far. Looking presentable doesn’t require designer brands or big spending. You can still look polished on a budget—like that $30 name-brand dress suit that’s been worn to multiple formal events. No one knew it was secondhand, but everyone noticed it looked sharp.

Your appearance still speaks before you do. Make sure it says what you want it to.