What do I wear for business?

On One Hand: Avoid Flashy Clothing

ECG, a company that specializes in communication strategy, recommends avoiding clothes that make people look at your body instead of your eyes because eye contact is necessary to properly convey your message. Taking this idea one step further, ECG claims that traditional business suits are designed to draw the focus up to your eyes by having a light-colored shirt near your face, while the rest of your body is clad in a dark color. Theodora A. Blanchfield, the author of an article called "Superficial Significance: Tailoring the Perfect Female Candidate" suggests sticking to colors like eggplant (deep purple), dark brown and rich cranberry, depending on your hair color and skin tone. She says that no one ever looks good in orange or yellow, and drawing negative attention to yourself could negatively impact your career.

On the Other: Dare to Be Different and Bold

Though no one can agree on a specific amount of time it takes to create a first impression of someone, it is generally agreed that someone's opinion of you is created in a matter of seconds, not minutes or hours. If you are attending a meeting or serving as support staff during a presentation, you probably will not get a chance to speak during those few seconds. The only way to be noticed is to wear something that leaves a lasting impression. Skip the typical white, collared shirt, red tie and black business suit. Opt instead for a bright colored shirt in pink or yellow. Wear a sport coat that is not the same color as your pants. According to an article on the Men's Wearhouse website, a navy blazer pairs perfectly with dress slacks that are charcoal, tan or olive.

Bottom Line

Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and confident. If the standard suit and tie makes you uncomfortable, choose something else. Just make sure that your performance at work can justify your unusual choice of clothing. If you work hard and perform well, the boss probably might not say anything about your attire. But if you slack off at work and show up in outlandish clothes, you could be making yourself an obvious target for the wrath of your superiors.

Source:

ECG: Dress Speak for Women

"Campaigns & Elections" journal: Superficial Significance: Tailoring the Perfect Female Candidate

More Information:

Men's Wearhouse: Building a Functional Wardrobe - Sport Coats & Pants