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** Introduction ** The way a person dresses and looks is crucial and plays a huge part of business success. The appearance of people is very important to the message individuals are trying to portray. Personal appearance communicates non-verbal stimuli, which in turn affects a person’s attitude and even emotions. By dressing appropriately for whatever the situation may be can in turn grant business success. In terms of business, being well groomed and having appropriate attire is a key to success. When an individual meets someone for the first time, their first impression is generally based on that person’s personal appearance. Throughout this report you will learn about the appropriate attire for a job interview, day-to-day business environment, and for a formal presentation to shareholders or board of directors.
 * Dress for Business Success **

** Choosing the Right Attire for Job Interviews ** Men and woman have one thing in common when going to an interview, and that is being professional. There are many ways to be professional, but the most important way is by choosing the right attire for a job interview. Women's attire should consist of a skirt-suit, which is a skirt and a blazer made of the same material and a formal full-sleeved shirt. The blazer should be of black, grey, white, or navy. The shirt should be either white or any pale color and always make sure the skirt is covering the thighs when seated. Neutral color pantyhose are also a great match. The best shoes a woman should wear to an interview are black pump shoes with a pencil or box heel. Open-toed shoes should never be worn. Not wearing jewellery at all is the ideal choice but, it should be always at the least, as well as makeup. (Maung, 2011 p1) A neutral lip stick and thin eyeliner are perfect to achieve this simple yet professional look. Nails must been clean, medium length, and painted a neutral polish. Wild hair colors or styles are a huge mistake. A simple hairstyle is perfect for a formal job interview. Men's attire should consists of a two piece formal pantsuit in either blue, black or gray and a plain white, cream or pale blue shirt will be the best for this attire. Silk ties are the essential for a job interview. The best shoes men can get are black leather dress shoes. A man's belt should always match his shoes. Men should keep their hair short so it never covers their faces, which could convey a look of being nonprofessional. Men should also never make the mistake of bringing a backpack to an interview.

Figure 1  ** Source: ** Proper Interview Attire. //Job Interview Advice.// [] ** Choosing the Appropriate Attire for Day-to-day Business Environments ** On an expected day-to-day business environment, you would anticipate seeing your usual businessman dressed to the nines in their typical designer suit and tie. Why is that anyways? Plenty of business environments vary from a casual environment such as a regular office job to an environment that is possibly very formal. Either way you would normally see similar choices of attire, although in a deeper comparison it breaks down into the categories of cost, brand, and quality. The main concept of business apparel is the key to looking professional; professional being clean-cut and tidy.

Appropriate attire for the majority of everyday business environments would consist of looking nothing but professional. For men, this would generally be a freshly clean pressed suit, accompanied by a dress shirt and tie, dark dress socks paired with scuff free dress shoes. As for women, they have a wider variety of choices. Women have a selection of a blouse, skirt, dress, dress pants, etc. Any of the following would be considered appropriate for a general business environment. In addition to their choice of attire, it is most suitable that in the selection of a skirt to be sure that it is worn with nylons underneath. Women do not necessarily need to wear high-heels either; any sort of stylish shoe that will match well with the outfit of choice is accepted. Minimal jewellery is recommended, as well as lightly scented perfume. For both men and women, in selecting a color scheme, when aiming for a professional look (which most businesses expect) it is in your best interest to maintain a neutral tone to your scheme. This refers to black, white, tan, or grey.

** How to Dress for a Formal Presentation to Shareholders or Board of Directors **

It may be a tad unnerving to think that you are walking into a room full of people waiting to judge you on a certain set of criteria, appearance making up a large portion. When trying to make a good impression on shareholders or a board of directors it is important to stick to classic attire. Women can get away with a pantsuit, or a nice skirt and suit jacket. Men should wear a well pressed suit, a tie being necessary most of the time. It is important for men and women to dress appropriately for their body types by wearing attire that does not accentuate unsightly bits. This can be done by choosing a looser fit over a more fitted look. As in all other business situations, men and women should have clean, polished and simple footwear. Both men and women should keep their hair styles simple, as extravagant looks can draw negative attention. You should make sure your hair is never covering your face, it is important for the audience to have the ability to see your face at all times. Women should keep their makeup simple. This will show that you pay attention to detail and grooming. Minimal jewellery is best for most business situations, and is a wise rule to go by when dressing for a presentation. It is vital that there are no distractions made by your outfit. (McKay, 2011) One must always remember to remove everything that may make any noise in your pockets before stepping out in front of your audience. The whole idea of dressing to impress will be made much easier if you feel confident and comfortable in your outfit of choice. Figure 2 **Source:** Businessman Shaking Hands With Businesswoman, // Visual Photos // []

** Summary ** The first impression everyone takes of a person is completely based on appearance. This would be especially true in a business environment. If you come into a business environment – whether it’s an interview, presentation, or just coming into work you need to present yourself in a way that’s appropriate yet enticing. As a professional you want to represent yourself in a way that attracts people to you, and gets you to listen to your ideas, or pick you as their next employee. As a woman, you want to wear something that’s suitable and doesn’t reveal too much, while still keeping it simple and classy. Make–up must be kept to minimal you don’t want to overdo your look. As men, a suit is the general stereotype, but also the most professional. Just make sure it’s not wrinkled, and your shoes aren’t scuffed. In general, as a business professional make a suitable but a memorable first impression by keeping yourself looking clean and tidy. ** Conclusion ** In conclusion, represent yourself to the world as you, but don’t overdo it – consider yourself and then think about your outfits by mingling them to your personality. This will not only show your employer or audience more of you, but will show a more creative professional side to yourself. Also always remember the key words “dress to impress “and stick by it. The way employers or audiences perceive you will have a huge effect on the decision they will make about you. Being able to keep yourself well dressed and having good taste while at it, will affect the people that hire you. Formal professionals are always wanted at high end businesses. Always be classy, clean and professional when entering the business environment. ** References ** Businessman Shaking Hands With Businesswoman, [Online Image] Retrieved March 16, 2011. From Visual Photos []

Maung, M. (2011). Choosing the right attire for a job interview. //Buzzle// Retrieved from []

McKay, D. (2011). Clothes make the man (or woman). //Career Planning About.// Retrieved from []

 Proper Interview Attire, [Online Image] Retrieved March 16, 2011. From Job Interview Advice. []