To make a good first impression

Your appearance is often the first thing others notice about you. Dressing professionally can help form a positive impression to people you meet in the workplace. This is especially important for interviews and when meeting upper-level managers who make hiring and promotion decisions. The initial judgments people make about you can influence their long-term opinions.

To communicate that you take your job seriously

Dressing professionally sends the message that you are serious about the work you do. It shows that you spend time and effort on your appearance, which demonstrates that you care about representing yourself well at work. When you show that you take your job seriously, it helps others see you as someone they should respect and take into consideration.

To represent your company

As a member of your organization, you serve as a representative of the company to the public. Whether you’re making service calls, visiting clients or speaking with customers in a store, your appearance reflects on the business. Dressing professionally helps you present a positive, professional image of your organization to others. Even if you dress casually or wear a uniform, making sure you look neat and put together can improve the reception you receive. Employers appreciate employees who consider themselves as company ambassadors to the public.

To give you confidence

You can do your best work when you feel your best. Dressing professionally can help you feel empowered and confident to take on new challenges, meet new people and progress in your career. When other areas of your professional life may be out of your control, how you present yourself is something that you can control and use to your advantage.

The image you curate is like your personal brand. It can often communicate a great deal about you to others who don’t interact with you. Create a professional wardrobe that speaks to your goals, personality and creativity.