6 Ways to Dress to Impress in Your New Job

You just landed a new job. Congratulations. Now, your mission is to prove all those skills, experience, and potential that you sold your employer on in the interview. Getting the results is up to you, but Harleys in Shorewood does know the best place for you to start, and that is:

Look the part.

To instill the confidence of people who essentially know nothing about you (other than your resume), you must look like the kind of guy they believe in. And that means dressing like him.

Here are the five most important elements of dressing for success.

1. Wear a suit that fits like a glove.

A suit that fits flawlessly is the foundation of dressing like a capable businessman. If your suit jacket shoulders have more divots than an unkempt golf course, you will illicit little professional respect. To be sure a suit fits you too T, take it to a tailor. A good tailor is worth his weight in gold.

2. Stock up on dress shirts.

You can never have to many high-quality dress shirts, like those from David Donahue. Since you are new, play it safe and go with neutral colors, like white or blue, and stick to subtle prints. Once you get more comfortable, then you can bust out the Robert Graham.

3. Shine your shoes.

Maintaining eye contact in professional conversations is expected, but don’t be fooled—the eye does…and will…wander. Especially when they are sizing you up. Don’t let them catch sight of dirty, dingy shoes. It may make them question how well you pay attention to details. To keep them sparkling, polish them at least once a week.

4. Upgrade your accessories.

I hate to break it to you, but now that you have a real-man job, it is time to put away—preferably donate—your X-Men wallet, and upgrade to more sophisticated accouterments. Several fine leather belts, a nice wallet, and maybe even a tie clip—if you’re that fashion forward, will definitely show you pay attention to detail.

5. Consider purchasing a tuxedo. 

Now that you have entered the world of after-work events and schmoozing, it isn’t a bad idea to have a nice tux in your closet. Tuxes are a little more tailored than suits, and they usually have satin trimmings (whereas suits are made of one fabric). You never know when you will need one, and a rent-a-tux can be a hassle if done at the last minute.

6. When in doubt, overdress.

When you are starting a new job and not sure of the dress code, the rule of thumb is to over dress. You need not go as far as a three-piece tux with tails, but maybe wear a tie and keep your suit jacket on until you get more familiar with the environment, and see how other employees dress. Another great rule of thumb: pay attention to how your boss dresses and follow...suit (no pun intended).

And…

7. Have confidence.

Surprise, there is an extra tip. Consider it your reward for reading this far. In short: confidence is the most important thing a successful career man wears. Without it, superb suits, shiny shoes, and designer labels do nothing. So, carry your head high at all times.

And again, congratulations on your new job.