Career Coach: Yes, it matters what you wear on the job

Research shows that people form impressions of you based on how you look. Photo / Thinkstock

As the weather warms up in the US and workers are challenged with what to wear to the office, Career Coach Joyce E.A. Russell outlines what's appropriate and what's not.

The weather is getting warmer outside and after a long, cold winter, everyone is ready to put on shorts, T-shirts, and flip-flops. But, are those appropriate clothes for work?

The summer months are particularly challenging for knowing what is an okay outfit in the office. I'm often asked whether it really makes a difference what people wear, and when I say, "yes, it does matter," I often hear "Why? Why should it matter what I wear if I do my job?"

Interestingly, when interviewed about business casual attire, employees, especially millennials, say they consider business casual dress a perk that they don't want to give up. They prefer to dress down.

In one study, 79 per cent of millennials said they should be allowed to wear jeans to work occasionally, compared to only 60 per cent of baby boomers, and 93 per cent of millennials say they want a job where "they can be themselves at work, and that includes dressing in a way that makes them comfortable."

Yet, the research shows that people form impressions of you based on how you look. Ask any employer, small business owner, or client. They will tell you that your appearance sends a message about how seriously you take the interview, meeting, or job.

To them, your dress signifies respect and lets them know you take the meeting in earnest. Clients get it when you dress to impress them, and they are flattered. They also get it when your outfit says, "My comfort is more important than impressing you."

Of course, it depends on the industry (high tech vs. business development) when figuring out how to dress the right way. In some firms such as Google, Apple, and Zappos, dressing casual is a way of life. In others, such as a consulting firm, it would be very inappropriate.

Coming to a meeting in shorts and a wrinkled T-shirt sends a very different signal than wearing a nice shirt and pair of slacks or a suit. According to employers, it says that if you don't pay attention to these little details about how you are dressed, then why would you make sure all your i's are dotted and t's are crossed at work.

Employers, clients, and colleagues form impressions of how easily you will fit in to the company culture and be accepted. Impressions are also formed about your performance based on how you are dressed, and these impressions can impact your future promotions. In fact, in a careerbuilder.com survey, 93 per cent of executives said that an employee's style of dress at work influences his or her chances of promotion.

Career Coach Joyce E.A. Russell says your hair should be combed for work. Photo / Thinkstock

Interestingly, college students (both men and women) have not been shown to react positively to business professional dress. They would rather talk to individuals wearing casual and business casual clothes than business clothes.

While men may be guilty of not shaving, wearing wrinkled pants, or having on scuffed shoes, women also can be seen as showing poor judgment in how they are dressed. Dressing in sheer or revealing attire and showing too much cleavage or wearing too short skirts or really high heels are some of the biggest fashion faux pas women may commit. Or wearing sheer clothing and revealing clothes (showing bra or panty lines) is also inappropriate in the office.

Unfortunately, women in high-level positions who dress this way are often viewed as less competent, regardless of how skilled they are. These women may be passed over for promotions more often than their more modestly dressed women colleagues. In fact, one employer told me that people will remember you more for how you dress (if it is inappropriate) than for what your message is.

Here are some tips for knowing how to dress appropriately at work:

• Learn what is standard for your industry and your company in particular. If everyone wears jeans, then they may be okay. But, if everyone who works with clients wears suits, then that is important to follow.

• Make sure your perfume or cologne is not too strong. Ask someone's opinion!

• Make sure your shoes are polished. Seems obvious, but it is amazing how many folks look the part except for the old, ripped up or scuffed shoes.

• Have a simple bag that is well-kept. It should not be like a high school backpack or have stuff falling out.

• Don't wear overly flashy, neon, overly bright colors since these are distracting to you and your message.

• Make sure your hair and makeup are done. Your hair should be combed. Your makeup and perfume should fit the type of firm (don't overdue it).

• Get some advice on how your clothes fit you so they are not too small or too large.

• For women - don't wear too many distracting accessories. Make sure your fingernails and toes are well manicured.

• For men - make sure your facial hair is groomed so either shave or trim your beard or mustache.

Employers may want to heed these suggestions:

• Put the dress code in writing so employees understand expectations. Review any older codes to make sure your firm has a more relevant policy. Get employee help with creating the new plan and get them to help as cheerleaders.

• Give employees a verbal warning to start with if you see something that needs action.

• Send an employee back home to change if the outfit is really outlandish.

Today, it can be very confusing about what is appropriate and what is not. Many folks are not sure exactly what to wear. In fact, one firm I consulted with developed a dress code simply because a manager did not want to confront a female employee who was wearing low-cut, sheer blouses and short skirts. Because he did not want to talk with her about her inappropriate dress, everyone in the firm had to adhere to a new company dress code.

Russell is the vice dean at the Robert H. Smith School of Business and director of its Executive Coaching and Leadership Development Program. She is a licensed industrial and organisational psychologist and has more than 25 years of experience coaching executives and consulting on leadership and career management.