Conservative cut and colors rule

A conservative approach to style, color, aftershave or perfume (meaning wear too little or no aftershave or perfume, not too much) is the rule on the job and in the marketplace. A potential client or a loan officer doesn’t want to see someone who looks even the least bit inappropriate.

I recommend: Check this Syms Dress to Achieve page for descriptions and pictures of suitable clothing, both in the office and on calls, sorted by industry. Washington State University (WSU) has a site to teach you what to wear in a variety of settings. Men, click this WSU Dress to Impress page. Women, click this Dress to Impress page. Order a video from Dress for Success. Get additional detailed clothing advice at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Don’t let your budget beat you

Even if you’re getting your business up and running and don’t have much disposable income, you should still try to look top dollar.

I recommend: This WSU Dress to Impress page will help you build a classy, versatile yet inexpensive wardrobe for the business world. 

Learn to tie a tie, guys

If you haven’t worn a tie regularly, don’t wait until the day you have to go apply for a loan or represent your company at a job fair to learn how to tie one on.

I recommend: Avoid a cravat pratfall by checking this tie-a-tie.net resource center, which lists and explains how to tie several popular knots and provides a video for download and links to online necktie retailers. For even more resources on knot-tying, go to Knots on the Web.

Grooming is important, too

The perfect suit and shoes won’t matter one whit if you decide to sport the “bed-head” hairstyle of today’s rock stars at a formal business event. Don’t even use that hairstyle in the workplace if you want to set a good example for employees. Grooming matters, and in general it’s best to be conservative and clean.

I recommend: Get tips on grooming from the Creative Job Search section of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development web site.